Tougher penalties imposed for cyclists in Australia's largest city

The Australian authorities have established some of the world's toughest laws against cyclists in a bid to stop thousands of injuries as people start seeking alternative modes of transport.

Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users, often coming off second best in a crash. As more Australians are encouraged to take up the peddle for the commute to work, there's been wide ranging calls for increased protection of bike riders.

Described as the world's toughest cycling laws, motorists in New South Wales (NSW) state from Tuesday will need to stay at least a meter away from cyclists or be slugged 319 Australian dollars (228 U.S. dollars) and lose two demerit points.

Cyclists will also have to play their part, or be fined 425 Australian dollars (304 U.S. dollars) for running a red light and riding dangerously.

"On average, 11 bicycle riders are killed and 1,500 are seriously injured each year in NSW and the trend for cyclists being seriously injured is increasing with more than 1,800 bicycle riders admitted to hospital following crashes on the road network in 2014," Transport for NSW Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon, said in a statement to Xinhua.

"This package is an important move towards improving safety for all road users, especially bicycle riders. We want to ensure all bicycle riders feel safe and that they, motorists, and pedestrians can share our roads safely and with confidence."

Critics, however, claim the laws will discourage those from riding and instead increase congestion on Sydney's roads.

"There should be an approach that focuses on public education and ensuring motorists and cyclists work together to create safer roads," NSW Shadow Minister for Roads, Jodi McKay said.

University of New South Wales Professor of Road Safety Dr Raphael Grzebieta PhD said the new laws may be implemented elsewhere if there is evidence that they reduce the amount of injuries cyclists sustain while on the roads.