A QUT-led bid to test and measure the distance between bicycles and cars travelling on Queensland roads has won a QLD State Government tender.

QUT’s Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) was the successful tenderer after applications closed in October 2016.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said CARRS-Q would trial the technology to enforce the minimum passing distances for motorists.

“CARRS-Q will test bicycle-mounted distance sensor and video capture technologies as part of the trial, which will take place early 2017 for about two months,” Mr Bailey said.

“The technology will assist with better measuring the minimum passing distance between cyclists and motorists to help keep road users safe.

“As part of successfully being awarded the tender to trial technology, CARRS-Q will also report on issues involved with video evidence and its usefulness in enforcement.

“The report is expected to be finalised mid 2017”

Laws for motorists overtaking cyclists mean they must give a minimum of one metre when passing a bike rider where the speed limit is 60km/h or lower and 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h.

CARRS-Q Centre Director Narelle Haworth said evaluation of the minimum passing distance trial showed drivers were giving cyclists more room but it was hard to judge one metre or one and a half metres.

“The research will test how well devices on the market can do this,” Professor Haworth said.

“CARRS-Q is pleased to continue working with TMR to improve bicycle safety.”

Mr Bailey said the Queensland Government would continue to work with the Queensland Police Service to keep the roads safe.

“We will assist where necessary to ensure accuracy when passing distances are measured,” he said.

The minimum passing distance is measured from the right-most part of the bicycle or the cyclist and the left-most part of the vehicle or object protruding from the vehicle, including a side mirror.