Australia, Save Cyclists' Lives with Passing Distance Laws
Richard Pollett, a 25-year-old musician, was crushed under the wheels of a cement truck while cycling in Brisbane in September 2011.
Two weeks ago, truck driver Luke Stevens faced court charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, and was found not guilty. This is despite him leaving “no margin of error” around Pollett, according to the prosecution.
Every Australian state advises and recommends to drivers to leave a metre's space when overtaking bike riders. It’s an accepted and endorsed and embraced recommendation in every state and territory. But it’s not law. There is no legal stipulation for a minimum passing distance under road rule 144. And that needs to change.
Tell the Australian government to pass a minimum distance law for cars passing bicycles. Everyone deserves to be safe on the road.
Dear [Decision Maker],
In light of Richard Pollett’s death, we are asking you to respect the right of cyclists to be safe on Australia's roads.
Every Australian state advises and recommends to drivers that, when overtaking bike riders, to leave a metre. It’s an accepted and endorsed and embraced recommendation in every state and territory. But it’s not law. There is currently no legal stipulation for a minimum passing distance under road rule 144, but we would like this to change.
Please pass a minimum distance law for cars passing bicycles. Everyone deserves to be safe on the road.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name Here]
