Proposed one metre rule for cars and cyclists ‘a great idea:’ Manitoba premier

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger
(Facebook photo)

WINNIPEG—Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger is throwing his support behind a proposed new rule of the road affecting motorists and cyclists.

Selinger says a call to force drivers to move over at least one metre when passing a cyclist is “a great idea” that he would like to see become law.

“Safety for active transportation makes sense. It’s part of having a more livable city,” Selinger said in a recent interview.

“It’s in the interests of both parties to have a respectful understanding of what the zones of safety are.”

Ontario recently passed a one-metre law and one of Selinger’s backbenchers, Dave Gaudreau, wants Manitoba to follow suit.

Gaudreau has put forward a private member’s bill in the legislature and Selinger said he’d like to see it become law.

However, the bill is one of many currently on the agenda and the legislature is scheduled to sit for only 12 days before the campaign begins for the April 19 election.

Whether there is enough time to pass the bill will depend partly on the opposition, Selinger said.

Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act currently requires motorists only to keep “a safe distance” when passing cyclists.

Gaudreau has said specifying a one-metre rule will make things more clear and ensure cyclists are given ample room.