Some Mercury readers have admitted they plan to break the road rules – and even run over cyclists.
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The aggressive claims came on a post on the Mercury’s Facebook page about the new law requiring motorists leave at least a metre space when overtaking a cyclist.
Kerry Erjayavid said she wouldn’t be crossing onto the other side of the road to pass a cyclist.
“I will safely pass you but it just might be a little closer than a metre,” she said.
If she is caught doing that, Ms Erjayavid would be liable to a $330 fine and two demerit points.
Robert Walker suggested a curious use for a dashcam in a car.
“So we can keep an accurate score of how many we hit and compare it at the pub on a Friday arvo,” he wrote.
Carly Fitzpatrick left a comment that implied running over cyclists, claiming “I thought it was 10 points per cyclist”.
Other readers suggested cyclists should be forced to have their cycles registered if they were going to ride on the road.
“Make them pay rego and insurance and have the same fines as a motorist – then they will get my respect,” wrote Ray Valesini.
Joshua Smedley responded by stating “cyclists already pay the same fines thanks to people whingeing”.
Also, in 2016, the government substantially increased the fines for some cycling offences.
Some still did not understand that they were allowed to cross unbroken centre line when overtaking a cyclist.
“We are expected to avoid illegal bikes on the road, yet to do that you often have to cross over double lines,” commented Jase Murray.
“Which rule should we break?”
Others chipped in to explain how the rule worked.
Angela Sampson said she was not a cyclist but said the issue was about being “respectful and considerate” while on the road.
“Please remember, these cyclists are someone’s family member,” she wrote.
“They deserve the right to reach their destination safely.”