The training period of the recent Cairns Airport Ironman has raised questions over the safety of cyclists training on the coastal range road section of the Captain Cook Highway. 

Although the range road was closed for the actual Ironman event on Sunday, many cyclists trained on the road in the days leading up to the event

Motorists have sent in photos to Newsport of cars swerving wildly to avoid cyclists on the verges, while cyclists themselves and police have reminded motorists that cyclists have a legal right to use the roads. 

In April 2014, the Queensland government started a two-year trial of a minimum one-metre passing distance between cyclists and motorists.

Motorists are allowed to cross double white lines when safe to do so in order to pass cyclists. 

Despite this, many drivers still end up taking risky moves in order to overtake cyclists. 

Queensland Police and the Department of Transport and Main Roads have both stated that if it is not safe to pass a cyclists, motorists must wait until it is safe to do so. 

“Cyclists are legitimate road users and have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when using the road,” a Main Roads spokesperson said in response to an inquiry from Newsport.

“If it is not safe to pass a cyclist with the appropriate passing distance, motorists must wait until it is safe.”

Main Roads also said he exposure granted to the Far North by Ironman was very valuable and that high safety standards were in place.   

“We have been assured that the highest safety standards were in place throughout the triathlon. Footage of the event was beamed across the world. That publicity is important for the Far North and it reinforces its role as a popular tourist destination,” the spokesperson said. 

Port Douglas cyclist Gav Hardy said that while local riders usually had a good relationship with drivers, both parties needed to maintain common sense and civility to use the road together. 

“While it’s important for drivers to remember that cyclists can legally take up the entire lane if they want to, it’s sensible for cyclists to ride in single file, especially on locations like the range road.”

“But let’s be grown-ups about this  - you don’t have to be aggro on the road.”

Mr Hardy, who has taken part in charity rides such as Tour De Cure, said that motorists could usually pass cyclists safely. 

“I do notice that some people do take a very wide berth around the riders - you only need a metre. 

“It doesn’t always have to come to that - if I’m going down the range I can usually go faster than most cars, I’ve even had people pull over to let me past. It’s great to see cooperation and understanding like that on the road.”