WestCycle are incredibly pleased to hear the State Government commit to the introduction of a specified minimum passing distance from the 30th November 2017. It comes after successful trials around the country, Queensland leading the way with a trail commencing in 2014 and the first Bill Amendment being put to the Western Australian Parliament by Lynn MacLaren back in October 2014.
“WestCycle have been strongly advocating for the introduction of minimum passing distance for over three years and today the Board of WestCycle are very pleased to hear the State Government make the commitment to the safety of riders in Western Australia”, said Chair of WestCycle Neil Hackett.
“It’s been a very long journey to get to this announcement, three years of advocating, the support of numerous people and organisations such as the Amy Gillett Foundation, Bicycling Western Australia, CycleSportWA, Lynn MacLaren and our other 34 Member organisations, so to say we are pleased is an understatement” said of CEO of WestCycle Matt Fulton.
“The amendment to the Traffic Code brings Western Australia inline with the majority of the country. Queensland, ACT, NSW, South Australia and Tasmania all have minimum passing laws.”
“This stance from the Government sends a clear message that cyclists have a right to be on the road, they are vulnerable and drivers must give them space when overtaking. This will make cycling in Western Australia a safer activity.”
“WestCycle are encouraged by this move from the Government, coupled with the education campaign and the recent commitment of $129 million investment into cycling infrastructure we are well placed to maintain our self proclaimed title of the cycling capital of Australia”
“Today is a day that both myself and the Western Australian riding community have been waiting for over three years to happen. I put the Greens Safe Passing Distances Bill to Parliament back in 2014 and I’m pleased that the Government has taken a strong stance to protect cyclists and bring us in line with other states. More people cycling benefits the entire community and this is a step in the right direction to get more people out of cars and on bikes”, said Lynn MacLaren, former Greens MLC
