Victorian’s new Minister for Road Safety the Hon. Ben Carroll has announced Victoria’s commitment to ‘a metre matters’ after a 10-year campaign by the Amy Gillett Foundation.
The $13 million investment for temporary standing bike lanes will see Victoria join all other Australian states or territories to update this specific road rule.
The introduction of ‘a metre matters’ in Victoria provides transparency for how all road users, including cyclists and drivers, can safely share the road.
Speaking with SBS News, Amy Gillett Foundation CEO Dan Kneipp said the announcement was a huge step forward for cycling in Victoria.
“We’ve advocated tirelessly for a metre matters in Victoria and today the cycling community celebrates the hard work of all of our partners and supporters who understand this update makes it safer for both cyclists and drivers sharing the road,” said Kneipp.
From early 2021, Victorians need to ensure a minimum of 1-metre distance when passing a cyclist in a 60km/h or less zone and 1.5 metres when passing in a 60km/h or higher zone.
This change makes it easier for road users across Australia to share the road more safely. The temporary standing bike lanes will help people who want to ride and keep the road free for people who need to drive.
