The state government has backed down on its requirement that all cyclists aged 18 and over carry photo ID from March next year.
Instead, bicycle riders will be “encouraged to use emergency contact cards as an alternative,” Roads Minister Duncan Gay announced.
Cards, containing emergency contact details, will be available through Cycling NSW and Bicycle NSW.
It is another embarrassing backdown by the Baird government, the biggest one being the greyhound racing ban.
Mr Gay said the change followed consultation with peak cycling groups.
“The alternative solution strikes the right balance between safety and convenience, and builds on the first six months of cycling reforms, which have delivered improved road safety outcomes for bicycle riders,” he said.
Cyclists waged a strong campaign after the requirement was announced, including a protest outside State Parliament in February this year.
A petition with 10,000 signatures was delivered to the government calling for the law to be scrapped.
Under the law, cyclists suspected of committing an offence could have been requested by police to show ID.
They could have been fined $106 if they were unable to produce ID.
Mr Gay said this year’s preliminary statistics showed bicycle rider injuries and fatalities were stable or reducing in NSW.
He said the new minimum passing distance rule could be making a difference.
Cycling NSW chief executive Phil Ayres welcomed the “common sense” decision.
