CYCLISTS in Brimbank are pleased authorities have backed calls for increased fines for drivers who open their doors in front of riders.
But they also want demerit points to be issued as part of the punishment.
Victoria Police and VicRoads last week told a parliamentary committee they supported increased penalties for drivers involved in ‘dooring’ incidents and acknowledged more education was needed to make cycling safer.
The public hearing was set up to hear submissions on a proposal for a dooring law introduced by Greens MP Greg Barber.
His bill proposes that offending motorists be fined up to $1122 and lose three demerit points.
VicRoads road user safety director James Holgate told The Age VicRoads wanted on-the-spot fines doubled and courts given discretionary powers to impose stiffer penalties.
But he said the potential for confusion when passengers opened doors on cyclists meant it was unreasonable to dock drivers’ demerit points.
He estimated passengers were to blame in a quarter of dooring incidents.
“A driver can’t stop someone opening a back door just like that. So it would be inappropriate to apply those demerit points to the driver,” Mr Holgate said.
Brimbank Bicycle Users Group president Ferdi Saliba said drivers should be responsible for their passengers.
“It’s disappointing VicRoads don’t seem to be interested in helping cyclists,” he said.
More public hearings on the bill will take place on May 23.
