A study has now confirmed what cyclists have always felt subjectively: drivers usually don’t keep enough distance when overtaking. The lowest measured value: only 24 centimeters!
For the investigation of the FH Joanneum and the Argus bicycle lobby, 53 cyclists in Graz were equipped with a distance meter for two months (November and December 2021). The result of about 2000 measurements: in 55 percent of the overtaking manoeuvres, the motorists did not keep 1.5 meters away, in 13 percent that was less than a meter. The lowest value according to Argus: 24 centimeters.
New rules from October 1
Until now, there are no legal minimum distances when overtaking in Austria. This will change with the amendment of the traffic rules on 1 October: Then legal minimum distances apply in Austria for the first time: 1.5 meters in built-up areas and two meters outside. However, at less than 30 km/h, cars can also fall below that.
Bicycle lobby Argus applauds this change. According to the survey, 83.3 percent of cyclists see overtaking too close as the biggest disruptive factor. This probably prevents many people from cycling on the street.
Students involved in study
Traffic and spatial expert Martijn Kiers of the FH Joanneum scientifically supervised the project in Graz. With his support, the two students Kathrin Lenes and Florian Gorfer analyzed the results of the project in their bachelor thesis.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
