IN RECENT weeks the Queensland Government enshrined the minimum mandatory distance rules between cyclists and other road users into law, after an earlier trial period.

As road safety advocates who lobbied for these crucial changes, we welcome this positive initiative for a vulnerable road user group. However, we need to have greater awareness and respect of other road users to try to reduce future incidents from occurring.

Already in 2016, Queensland has seen 6 bicycle rider and pillion fatalities - 5 more than at the same time last year.

Sadly, Maurice Blackburn regularly see victims who suffer from catastrophic injuries from incidents between road users and cyclists. This trauma for victims and their families is why we strongly support laws designed to save lives and cut injury rates.

More people are cycling and deserve to feel safe on the roads. I urge all road users to be mindful and respectful of the rights of all other road users.

JAMES GOADDARD Maurice Blackburn Ipswich

OPINION: Letters to the Editor

• Write to The Queensland Times, PO Box 260, Ipswich, Qld 4305 or email letters@qt.com.au Please include your name, address abd a daytime telephone number for verification.

• You can SMS your views on 0428 634 025. You must start your text QT and include your name and suburb.