Jandakot cyclists have welcomed the introduction of new laws designed to protect them on the road.
New laws will come into effect on November 30 which will require drivers on the road to maintain a minimum distance when overtaking bicycles.
The new laws will mean on roads with a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour or less drivers will be required to keep one metre from cyclists when overtaking.
On roads more than 60 kilometres per hour, at least 1.5 metres distance will need to be kept and drivers who are caught failing to obey the law will be fined $400 and be hit with four demerit points.
As part of the new rules drivers will be permitted to cross centre line markings – even double white lines – if it is necessary to keep the mandatory buffer distance.
Mark Pearmine is a truck driver and cyclist and said he welcomed the announcement.
“It’s a great idea,” he said.
“I’m a truck driver and have been for 27 years, so I’ve got a bit of knowledge from both sides of the fence.”
Mr Pearmine said generally road users respected each other, but sometimes vehicles made things a bit too close for comfort – or worse.
“There’s a lot of people respecting us out there and giving a bit of room, but like everything there’s a few individuals making it difficult,” he said.
“When you’re on a bike and there’s a car you don’t need to make it too difficult for it to be tragic.
“I think the new law is a great idea, it’s another way of making people think a bit about their actions.”
The Member for Jandakot Yaz Mubarakai met with Mr Pearmine and other cyclists following the announcement and said the new laws would help protect cyclists, which he said were some of the most vulnerable road users.
“These protections will help cyclists in Jandakot and beyond travel more safely on our roads,” he said.
“The new rules reflect a common sense approach that provides clarity and promotes an attitude of mutual respect between all road users.”
The Road Safety Commission will evaluate the new rules and provide a report to the Minister after two years.
