According to the Department of Transport’s proposed amendments to the National Road Traffic Regulations that are now out for public comment, cyclists should be treated the same way as any other vehicle, which is going to make it rather interesting when you try to pass them.
The new rules state that the driver of any vehicle should pass a cyclist on the right at a distance of 1.2 metres and should not again drive on the left side of the roadway until safely clear of the cyclist.
It also notes that passing on the left of a cyclist would be permissible if the person driving the passing vehicle can do so with safety to themselves, the cyclist, other traffic and:
- The bicycle being passed is turning to its right, or the cyclist has signalled their intention of turning to the right;
- The road is a public road in an urban area and is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction; and the roadway is of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles including bicycles;
- The road is a public road in an urban area and the roadway is of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles moving in each direction;
- The roadway of such road is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction and is divided into traffic lanes by appropriate road traffic signs;
- Drivers are driving in compliance with the directions of a traffic officer or are driving in traffic which is under the general direction of such officer, and in accordance with such direction.
Now the question remains: will cyclists start obeying traffic rules while being treated like vehicles? They seldom stop at stop streets and red traffic lights as it is right now.
