CARRS-Q: QUT Tests New Tech for Cycling

A QUT-led bid to test and measure the distance between bicycles and cars travelling on Queensland roads has won a QLD Government tender.

QUT’s Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) is set to trial the technology to enforce the minimum passing distances for motorists.

Researchers will test bicycle-mounted distance sensor and video capture technologies as part of the trial.

The technology will assist with better measuring the minimum passing distance between cyclists and motorists to help keep road users safe.

Laws for motorists overtaking cyclists mean they must give a minimum of one metre when passing a bike rider where the speed limit is 60km/h or lower and 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h.

CARRS-Q Centre Director Narelle Haworth told Women Love Tech the evaluation of the minimum passing distance trial showed drivers were giving cyclists more room but it was hard to judge one metre or one and a half metres.

“CARRS-Q is pleased to continue working with TMR to improve bicycle safety. The new research will test how well devices on the market can do this,” Professor Haworth said.

The minimum passing distance is measured from the right-most part of the bicycle or the cyclist and the left-most part of the vehicle or object protruding from the vehicle, including a side mirror.

For more information: www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/other/cyclists/index.html