With more and more people choosing to ride bikes in our cities, it is important to understand the road rules as they apply to cyclists - whether you're driving at the time, or riding yourself.
One of the most important safety initiatives for Australian riders is the ‘A Metre Matters’ law. This rule is designed to simplify road sharing and protect cyclists by mandating a minimum passing distance for motor vehicles.
Is the Law National?
While the push for "A Metre Matters" began as a grassroots safety campaign, it is now effectively a national standard. All Australian states and territories have implemented minimum passing distance laws to ensure that every bike rider, regardless of their experience level, has enough space to stay safe.
Speed Matters: Understanding the Distance
The law is designed to be practical. The faster a car is travelling, the morebuffer a rider needs to account for wind gust and unexpected movements. The rules are generally broken down into two categories:
Speed limits 60km/h and under: Drivers must allow a minimum of 1 metre between any part of their vehicle and the bike rider.
Speed limits over 60km/h: Drivers must allow a minimum of 1.5 metres when overtaking.
To make this possible, drivers are legally allowed to cross double white lines or fly-over painted islands to pass a rider, provided the way is clear and it is safe to do so.
State and Territory Variations
While the distance requirements (1m or 1.5m) are consistent across the country, the legal implications and penalties for car drivers vary slightly by state:
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NSW: Fines exceeding $340 and 2 demerit points.
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VIC: Fines and 2 demerit points.
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QLD: Significant fines and 3 demerit points.
- WA/SA/TAS/ACT/NT: Varying fines and demerit points (usually 2).
Why This Law is a Game Changer for Riders
These laws help simplify the rules of the road, giving everyone from kids to commuters more confidence to ride. Next time you're on a road on your bike, remember that you have a legal right to that space.
