Measuring distance in road traffic: Travelling safely on a road bike
TOUR
· 21.01.2023
Distance when overtaking: do-it-yourself measuring device
In principle, the distance to overtake can be determined by laser, ultrasound, infrared, video or photo. The reference points such as the vehicle's wing mirror and bicycle handlebars are difficult to measure. The OpenBikeSensor project provides a construction plan for a distance sensor on its website. The sensor measures the overtaking distance and records the GPS data, but no vehicle information. The aim is to identify dangerous spots in the infrastructure in particular. The sensor has been used in many research projects and was awarded the German Cycling Prize in 2022.
It costs around 60 euros to build yourself. There is still no technical solution for the police. The industry would have to apply to the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) for approval of a corresponding device. However, police officers can report offences where it is obvious that the distance has not been maintained. It is even easier if the road width does not allow overtaking at a sufficient distance and overtaking takes place anyway. In Baden-Württemberg, there have been regular priority checks in Stuttgart, Freiburg, Heidelberg and other cities.
No overtaking in Belgium
Priority for cyclists in Bruges
The Belgian city of Bruges has declared its city centre a cycling zone. In the 90 streets in the zone, cyclists are allowed to ride in the centre of the road. Motorised vehicles are not allowed to overtake cyclists. The speed limit throughout the zone is 30 km/h.
Draft law in Italy
Initiative calls for 1.5 metres distance when overtaking
The Italian professional cycling association ACCPI has presented a draft law that stipulates an overtaking distance of 1.5 metres. "Italy is the country with the highest death rate per kilometre cycled. According to the latest figures, one cyclist dies every two days in Italy," is the justification. Italian cycling legend Maurizio Fondriest is one of the supporters. It is the fifth attempt to push through a law for more cyclist protection.
