World · East Asia & Pacific · 17 hrs ago
WA cyclist seeks fines for drivers who pass too closely
Cyclist Peter Hatton has reported four close passes to Western Australian police since fitting cameras to his bicycle.
Police could not identify the driver in one case, and gave cautions in the other three; none resulted in a fine.
Western Australia’s passing law requires drivers to leave one metre at lower speeds and 1.5 metres at higher speeds when overtaking cyclists.
A breach can bring a $400 fine and four demerit points.
Six cyclists have died on the state’s roads this year, and Hatton says he is increasingly worried about his safety.
Amy’s Foundation says only about one in five cyclists who experience close passes report them, and only about 30 per cent of those who report hear back from police.
Cyclists say consistent fines could improve safety, while police say they assess each case and may use education, a caution or other enforcement.
The state Road Safety Commission says it is working with WestCycle on a campaign promoting respect and compliance with safe passing distances.
Western Australian cyclist Peter Hatton wants police to fine drivers who pass cyclists too closely instead of issuing cautions.
He has reported four close-pass incidents since installing cameras on his bicycle last year, but none resulted in a fine.
Since 2017, drivers in Western Australia must leave at least one metre when passing at 60 kilometres an hour or less, and 1.5 metres at higher speeds.
Police say they assess each report individually and may respond with education, a caution, an infringement or other enforcement action.
Six cyclists have died on Western Australian roads so far this year, and a cycling foundation says close passes are widely under-reported.
- Who
- Cyclist Peter Hatton is seeking stronger enforcement; WA Police say they assess reports individually.
- What
- Hatton wants fines for drivers who pass cyclists too closely rather than cautions.
- When
- He has made four reports since installing bicycle cameras last year; the passing law has applied since 2017.
- Where
- Western Australia.
- Why
- Hatton is concerned about cyclist safety after six cyclists died on WA roads so far this year. He says drivers who breach the law should face its fines and penalties.
Peter Hatton and cycling advocates
WA Police
Enforcement
Peter Hatton and cycling advocates
Hatton and cycling advocates want drivers who pass too closely to be fined consistently.
WA Police
Police say the response depends on each case and may include education, a caution, an infringement or other enforcement action.
Cautions
Peter Hatton and cycling advocates
Hatton questions why police issue cautions when fines and penalties are available.
WA Police
Police say cautions are formal warnings recorded in the system and visible to officers who may encounter the recipient again.
Western Australian drivers became subject to minimum passing distances of one metre at 60 kilometres an hour or less and 1.5 metres at higher speeds.
Peter Hatton installed front and rear cameras on his bicycle.
Six cyclists have died on Western Australian roads so far.
Hatton has reported four close-pass incidents; one driver could not be identified, and the other three reports resulted in cautions and driver education.
- Reports by Peter Hatton
- 4 close-pass incidents reported
- Outcome of reports
- No drivers fined; 3 reports resulted in cautions and driver education
- Passing distance at 60 km/h or less
- 1 metre
- Passing distance above 60 km/h
- 1.5 metres
- Penalty for failing to leave the required distance
- 4 demerit points and a $400 fine
- Cyclist deaths in WA
- 6 so far this year
What people are saying
Why issue a caution when there's a fine and penalties associated with that?
It's only consistent enforcement that will make a difference.
Depending on those circumstances, the appropriate response may include education, a caution, an infringement or other enforcement action.
Real change is possible when we have a shift in culture that recognises that every person sharing the road deserves to get home safely.