New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

ROAD RULES 2014 - REG 144-1

144-1 NSW rule: keeping a safe distance when passing bicycle rider

(1) The driver of a motor vehicle driving past to the right of a bicycle that is travelling on a road in the same direction as the motor vehicle must pass the bicycle at a safe distance from the bicycle.

: Maximum penalty--20 penalty units.

(2) A
"safe distance from the bicycle" is--

(a) if the speed limit applying to the driver of the motor vehicle for the length of the road is not more than 60 kilometres per hour--a distance of at least 1 metre, or

(b) if the speed limit applying to the driver of the motor vehicle for the length of the road is more than 60 kilometres per hour--a distance of at least 1.5 metres,

measured laterally from the furthest right side of the bicycle to the furthest left side of the motor vehicle or any part of the vehicle (including anything attached to or projecting from the vehicle).

(3) For the purposes of subrule (2),
"bicycle" includes any bicycle trailer towed by the bicycle, the rider or any passenger on the bicycle or in or on the trailer and any basket or pannier bags attached to the bicycle or trailer, but does not include any flag or stick (whether or not flexible) attached to and projecting sideways from the bicycle or trailer.

Note--: This rule is an additional NSW rule. There is no corresponding rule in the Australian Road Rules .