The Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll announced the introduction of mandatory minimum passing distances to improve cyclist safety – this will make the passing distance rules clear and consistent across state lines for all road users.
We know cyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users, and with the recent increase in cycling activity, cyclists are at risk of becoming overrepresented in our lives lost.
People riding bicycles are some of our most vulnerable, unprotected road users, and we all have a responsibility to look out for each other and share the roads safely.
The Minimum Passing Distance rule defines safe passing distances and will make it clear to all motorists that giving cyclists space isn’t optional and will improve safety on our roads, particularly for people riding bicycles.
The road rule change taking effect on 26 April 2021 will formalise the existing guidelines, making it mandatory for motorists to keep at least one metre distance when passing on roads with a speed limit of up to 60km/h and 1.5 metres on higher speed roads.
We need to do everything we can to make our roads safer for everyone, including people riding bicycles, and this will reinforce the need for everyone to share the roads safely.
Heavy Vehicles Campaign materials
We’ve attached a number of resources to help promote Minimum Passing Distances. DoT and TAC have worked together to provide a consolidated pack to stakeholders
- Messaging
- Digital tiles for eDM and social channels from TAC (VicRoads socials will be shared next week)
- FAQs
- Heavy Vehicle Fact Sheet
We all have a part to play when it comes to road safety and look forward to continuing working with you as we seek to make our roads safer for everyone.