A campaign has been launched to improve cyclists’ safety – by lobbying Tynwald for a minimum overtaking distance enshrined in law.
SafeCycling Isle of Man’s campaign has been prompted by the tragic death of experienced cyclist Kate Burge who was killed in a road accident in Kirk Michael in August last year.
This week Sulby resident Linda Ann Thompson, 63, was handed a suspended jail term after admitting causing Kate’s death by careless driving.
SafeCycling is calling for the introduction of Katespace, a minimum overtaking distance of 1.5m enshrined in law.
The group’s Sean Mclachlan, who was Kate’s partner, said: ‘Motorists often do not appreciate how vulnerable cyclists are to other traffic.’
In its current wording, the Manx Highway Code says only that road users should leave ‘plenty of room’ when passing cyclists and motorcyclists.
Belgium, France, Portgual, Germany and Spain all have specified overtaking space as do 25 US states and Nova Scotia in Canada. The distance varies. A campaign for an 1.5m overtaking distance has been launched in Ireland.
In Australia, a two-year trial of an enforced minimum overtaking distance has begun in Queensland. The distance depends on the speed limit – 1m for 60kph or less, 1.5m if the limit is higher.
SafeCycling IoM says the majority of motorists are considerate and responsible but a small minority infringe the safety of cyclists.
They say amending the Road Traffic Act to provide a minimum overtaking distance would help alter the behaviour of those motorists who persistently pass dangerously close to cyclists – and make prosecution more straightforward.
The group says it has the support of the police, DoI, the Institute for Advanced Motorists, certain MHKs and the Cycling Association.
Sean said: ‘We’ve spoken to a lot of stakeholders and the response has been unanimously positive. But a public campaign is still important to raise awareness and ultimately change behaviour.’