Sydney's New Cycling Laws Have Seen a Rise in Fines for Cyclists, but Not Drivers

Earlier this year, the NSW Government announced a set of new laws (read: new fines) for cyclists, which included a fine increase for not wearing a helmet and running a red light, and a new requirement that cyclists must carry ID when riding. A compulsory minimum distance of one metre between cyclists and cars was also introduced — presumably to ensure the safety of cyclists. But since the harsh new road rules came into effect on March 1, it's not those in cars that have started copping more fines. It's cyclists. In less than two months, more than 1500 cyclists have been whacked with a fine. And how many drivers have been given the same, you ask? Just four.

According to The Guardian, in less than two months from when the laws were put in place, more than $350,000 in fines were documented from people riding without helmets alone. A total of 1100 cyclists were fined (a significant increase from the 710 fined in the same months last year), which makes up more than two thirds of the total number of infringement notices issued to cyclists this year.

While 'safety' is still the party line NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay is going with, the laws seem to be making a tidy sum for the government. Under the March 1 changes, the previous fine of $71 for not wearing a helmet was increased a whopping 350 percent to $319, a very large increase for an infringement that already existed.

So, the fines have increased — but has safety for cyclists on the road? Well, there's no way to know just yet. According to Transport for NSW's Go Together campaign, on average, 11 bicycle riders are killed and 1500 seriously injured in NSW each year, so we'll have to wait to see if those stats improve. When these new fines were introduced, Transport for NSW said they intended to ensure that bike riders receive the same fines as motorists for high-risk behaviour. But as only four motorists have been fined under these new laws, that doesn't seem to be working out in practice. Interestingly, another nine cyclists have been fined for riding "furiously" or "recklessly". No joke.

It would seem the new system shows a disproportionate targeting of cyclists. Garry Brennan of the Bicycle Network told The Guardian the fine increases were a clear "dash for cash", especially with the vigour with which they've been enforced. So if you're a strapped for cash, environmentally-conscious cyclist, just don't ride too furiously on your way to work today.

Via The Guardian.