Adult cyclists will be required to carry photo ID from March 2016 as NSW Road Minister Duncan Gay announces tough new laws for cyclists who disobey road rules.

Cyclists can use their driver licence as photo ID, or alternatively a NSW Photo Card.

A five-year NSW Photo Card can be purchased for $51, and is free for eligible concession holders, NSW Seniors Card holders or Centrelink Carer Allowance recipients.

Cyclists riding without a photo ID will face a fine of $106 (the fine applies from 1 March 2017).

Cycling fine increases

As part of the cycling law shake up, Road Minister Duncan Gay has flagged that cyclists will be faced with the following fine increases for breaching road rules:

• not wearing a helmet: $319
• running a red light: $319
• riding dangerously: $425
• holding on to a moving vehicle: $319
• not stopping at a children’s or pedestrian crossing: $425
• riding at night without lights: $106.

Drivers overtaking cyclists

Drivers will also be required to allow a mandatory 1m distance when overtaking cyclists at speeds under 60 km/h and 1.5m at speeds over 60 km/h.

Drivers who fail to give the required distance when overtaking cyclists may be fined $319 and lose 2 demerit points.

The introduction of a mandatory one metre distance for motorists overtaking cyclists is in line with changes in other states across Australia – South Australia, Queensland and the ACT have already introduced the mandatory overtaking distance as part of their road rules.

The Amy Gillett Foundation, a safe cycling advocacy group, recommends a minimum distance of 1m for roads with speed limits of 60 km/h or less, and 1.5m for roads with higher speed limits.

Shared paths: cyclists and pedestrians

Cyclists riding on shared paths with pedestrians are also encouraged to give a metre of space wherever possible.

The new laws start on 1 March 2016.