It is time to consider a presumed liability law that protects cyclists and other vulnerable road users

It is widely agreed that cycling is an effective way to promote physical health and mental well-being, reduce congestion on roads and improve the quality of the environment. In recognition of the benefits of cycling, the National Cycling Strategy 2011-2016 set out the objective to double cycling participation by Australians between 2011 and 2016 (Australian Bicycle Council & Austroads, 2010). Unfortunately, the latest National Cycling Participation Survey, run every two years to measure progress, showed that Australia has not only failed to reach this objective but participation has in fact declined between 2011 and 2017 in five jurisdictions, including the two most populous states of NSW and Victoria (Austroads & Australian Bicycle Council, 2017).