[Greens-Media] Greens announce coordinated A Metre Matters cycling safety laws

[Elizabeth.Ingham at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber will introduce a new law to make 
cycling safer, supported by Adam Bandt MP as part of a coordinated Greens 
national response to the Amy Gillett Foundation 'A Metre Matters' 
campaign, launched today.

"Every year in Australia, an average of 35 bicycle riders are killed and 
more than 9,500 are seriously injured. Passing laws will cost us nothing 
but it will be safer for our kids to ride to school." said Victorian 
Greens leader Greg Barber MLC. 

"The State government hasn't listened to the public call for safer 
cycling. If they don't do it soon, they will face my Bill in Parliament." 

Australian Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt said "Greens MPs across the 
nation are supporting legislation to make drivers leave a minimum distance 
when overtaking bicycle riders – of 1 metre on roads up to 60km/h, and 1.5 
metres on faster roads. The Greens in Federal parliament will work to 
change the National road rules in line with the state Greens proposals." 

Amy Gillett Foundation Chief Executive Officer Tracey Gaudry said 
"Everyone has the right to ride safely for work and play. Legislation 
supporting a minimum overtaking distance is one of a number of connected 
initiatives to foster greater acceptance of cycling in our culture, and 
help drivers and bicycle riders share our roads more safely."

"The solidarity being shown by the Greens clearly demonstrates that 
legislative review is needed to make it safer for bicycle riders on our 
roads. It is vital to achieve bi-partisan support for minimum overtaking 
distance legislation in states and territories, with the ultimate outcome 
being national unity through amendment of the Australian Road Rules. 
Communities across Australia have galvanised in support of this movement." 
said Ms Gaudry

A one-metre legislated minimum gap has been introduced in Europe and in 
nearly half the states in the USA.

For comment: 
Greg Barber - 0433 044 771
Tracey Gaudrey (Amy Gillett Foundation): 0402 892 681 
Adam Bandt - contact Damien Lawson - 0487 900 005

************************************************

Liz Ingham
Office of Greg Barber MLC
Northern Metropolitan Region
Victorian Greens Leader

P: 9348 2622
M: 0409 333 595
E: elizabeth.ingham at parliament.vic.gov.au
W: http://mps.vic.greens.org.au


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Parliament of Victoria                                                                                                                    . 
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