New law means drivers must shove over for cyclists
Posted Jun 1, 2011 05:16:24 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Nova Scotia drivers have another rule of the road to remember when travelling around the province.
As of today, motorists must give cyclists a one-metre berth when passing. The law allows drivers to cross the centre line if necessary to provide the space.
The co-chair of the Halifax Cycling Coalition explains that until now, it’s been unclear how much room vehicles needed to give cyclists when passing.
“I think this is a step in the right direction,” Lauralee Sim tells News 95.7. “Ultimately, what this is doing is kicking off an education campaign to overall make our roads safer for cyclists. When there’s that sense of safety on the roads that’s what’s really going to make a difference and get more people to ride.”
Under the law, if vehicles cannot give a cyclist a one-meter leeway than the vehicle must travel behind the cyclist until there is enough room to pass.
Drivers we spoke to raised concerns about roads which may make following the legislation difficult.
“I think about the Waverly Road. It’s very windy and narrow and there are a lot of blind crests,” said motorist Richard Leblanc.
One truck driver said it’s cyclists who need to obey the rules of the roads.
“For example when you’re going down toward the Willow Tree, there’re two lanes of traffic and a bike lane. I respect that,” said one truck driver at the corner of Young and Robie streets. “But they’re weaving in and out of cars and trucks. Especially in a truck you can’t even see when they’re there sometimes. They pass by you. They’re going through red lights.”
One cyclist said he’s in favour of the law, but that there are only a few problem drivers on the road and it probably won’t change their habits.
“I suspect, if you look in the file there will be zero tickets issued anyway,” said David Baillieul.
Penalties for disobeying the new law include an $800 fine. The legislation also bans vehicles from travelling in bike lanes, which comes with a $600 fine.
