In Ireland they say it can't be done. But they're having no such problems in Australia, as this policing promo shows.
Video Australia's cyclist close pass laws explained
The Irish Government - Minister for Transport Shane Ross specifically - promised close-pass legislation but has now reneged on that.
In its initial format, the idea was that drivers would be obliged to leave a gap one 1 metre between their vehicle and any cyclist they were passing.
And on roads with a speed limit over 50km per hour, the minimum passing distance would be 1.5 metres.
Any driver found to have breached the rules would face penalty points and fines. Initially, Government officials advised Shane Ross the rule was unworkable.
But then he surprised everyone by announcing he would press ahead. However, we've now reverted to business as usual, with Shane Ross now back to saying it's not possible.
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The mooted new law was last month described as unworkable by the Attorney General, Seamus Woulfe SC.
He has advised the Government that there were constitutional rights issues, and practical issues related to the courts, that make the promised measures unworkable.
Because of that, the promised law will not go ahead. Instead, a general ‘dangerous overtaking of cyclists law’ will be created.
It would have no set distance at which cyclists must be overtaken. And it is not clear if a garda would need to witness the dangerous overtaking of a cyclist before a prosecution could take place.
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However, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in Australia the police have pressed ahead with exactly the same law deemed unworkable in Ireland.
If Irish Government officials, Shane Ross and the Attorney General wanted to know how the law could work, they might have a look at the video below.
We're not suggesting for a moment the system in ACT, Australia, is perfect. Indeed, many cyclists there have complained about what they say is a need to better enforce the law.
But at least they've bitten the bullet and gone for it with their cyclist close pass law. And campaigns on social media like this video are very helpful in themselves in at least trying to bring about cultural change.
Remember when overtaking a cyclist on the road, be patient and leave at least 1 metre distance when passing at 60km/h or less or 1.5 meters for speeds over 60km/h. To learn more visit: https://t.co/Ix0kcGSSgs#ShareTheRoad #WhenUnsureLeaveMore pic.twitter.com/Z4vKNii3xf
— ACT Policing (@ACTPolicing) August 24, 2018
The close pass rules in ACT, Australia
Click on the images for large versions
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