“Statistics clearly show that the danger of overtaking cyclists at this speed is low,” Kupka wrote to TK.
New rules for overtaking cyclists have been in effect in the Czech Republic since the beginning of this year. The driver must pass the cyclist at a distance of one and a half meters. If distance is not maintained and cyclists are threatened, they face a fine of up to 2,000 crowns, introduced by an amendment to the Road Traffic Act. “We are not considering canceling the mandatory 1.5 (meter) distance when overtaking at a speed of more than 30 km per hour,” said Kupka.
We do not consider removing the mandatory 1.5 distance when overtaking at a speed of more than 30 km per hour! We are considering keeping only the main general rule for safe overtaking, not 1m at lower speeds. The trick is to build mutual respect – https://t.co/Ku7MCI3K7Z.
— Martin Kupka (@makupka) 5 July 2022
According to the minister, statistics show that overtaking dangerous cyclists is one of the less frequent and less serious causes of traffic accidents involving cyclists. “This is a rational basis for discussions that should be as factual as possible,” he said.
Narrow road problem
The specified overtaking distance objector indicates that the new action will not be enforceable or enforceable on many local roads. They argue that, for example, on a narrow mountain road, the new measures will stop traffic. The Transportation Ministry has so far added an exception to the law, according to which drivers have the option to cross a continuous line on the road when passing cyclists.
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