New NSW cycle laws see fines triple and riders require ID

Fines for cyclists who break the law will more than triple and cyclists will be forced to carry photo ID under sweeping changes to road rules by the state government.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay also announced that NSW will trial a minimum distance of 1m for cars passing cyclists — with motorists to be fined $319 for driving dangerously close to bike riders.

Drivers will now be required to leave at least a metre's distance when passing cyclists if travelling up to 60km/h and 1.5m if they are travelling faster than 60km/h.

Fines for cyclists will shoot up from a blanket $71 penalty for not wearing a helmet to $319 while cyclists running a red light will now incur a penalty of $425.

The fine for riding dangerously will increase to $425, to $319 for holding on to a motor vehicle and $425 for not stopping at a children's/pedestrian crossing. But Mr Gay has dumped suggestions that cyclists would be forced to be licensed or have registration.

The changes come after a year of consultation with cycling and pedestrian lobby groups, NSW Police and the state government.

Mr Gay said that more work had to be done before deciding whether cyclists needed to be insured.

Cycle safety and road safety is a two-way street

"Some of the initiatives suggested in early days including a licence, including registration were rejected by the committee, to come together with a more holistic plan that everyone supported," Mr Gay said.

"This is important for saving lives and that's what we need to be about."

The changes come into effect in March, and Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon said the tougher penalties would mean more cyclists obeying the rules.

"What we know is that if you are involved in a crash you are 60 per cent more likely to suffer a severe brain injury if you are not wearing a helmet," Mr Carlon said.

Amy Gillett foundation chairman Mark Textor, who has been lobbying for the minimum distance rule for cars driving near cyclists, said the change would save lives.

"Cycle safety and road safety is a two-way street — mutual respect on our roads and the law is encouraging that," he said.

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