Richie Porte, 2013 Australian Road Cyclist of the year has said ‘enough is enough’, action is needed now to improve safety for bicycle riders following a horrid 2013 that saw 48 riders lose their lives across Australia.

Supported by Andrew Nikolic MP, Federal Member for Bass (TAS), a petition to be launched this weekend by Cycling Tasmania is calling upon the Australian Government to implement changes to the Australian Road Rules mandating a minimum overtaking distance of one metre when drivers pass bike riders on the road.

“In 2013 the Australian cycling community had to farewell 48 friends, family and colleagues. Enough is enough and it’s time bike riders were given the protection they need,” said Andrew Nikolic

Richie Porte, an accomplished professional cyclist and prominent Tasmanian said the recent death of 21 year old Lewis Hendey after being hit while riding by a driver from behind was the final straw.

“The current laws in Australia offer inadequate protection to bicycle riders on the road, this has to change. We all know that space matters - a metre matters – when passing bike riders. This campaign is understood nationally, it’s time to make it law.”

“I’m prepared to put my name to this, on behalf of the millions of Aussies who deserve to ride their bikes in a safer environment, whether for work, sport or play” said Richie Porte

Cycling Tasmania Executive Officer Collin Burns said most states already recommend drivers leave a minimum of one metre when passing bike riders but it is not enforced or communicated heavily enough to drivers.

“The Amy Gillett Foundation’s a metre matters campaign has highlighted the need for legislation to drive safer behaviour on our roads,” said Burns.

Teammate of Amy Gillett and Tasmanian resident Louise Padgett said

“A trial of the minimum overtaking distance law is being implemented in Queensland this year. Tasmania can’t wait for the trial to be undertaken; Australia can’t wait. Lives lost are the price we are paying for the delay in legislation that is already enacted in countries around the world.”

The petition will be launched at the Cycling Australia Road National Championships in Ballarat this weekend, and will be available online for anybody to sign over a set period. The petition will then be presented to the House of Representatives by Nikolic.