Cyclists have complained of being ignored by police when trying to report breaches of the one-metre passing rule. Credit:Craig Sillitoe A Senior Sergeant also allegedly wrote: "Cockroaches on wheels. Should have to pay rego, insurance and adhere to road rules and single file only." Mr Hore said he feared the comments from the five officers were reflective of wider contempt for cyclists among Queensland police. He lodged a complaint with the Crime and Corruption Commission about the officers' public comments on Monday. "This is a disgusting example of police overstepping their role," he said.

The comment made by a Queensland Senior Sergeant on Facebook likening cyclists to "cockroaches on wheels". Credit:Cycle.org.au "If these police had made derogatory comments about a particular religious group or racial group then they would would face disciplinary action. This should be no different. "How can cyclists have confidence in police, when they are calling cyclists to cockroaches? "We have always felt that there was contempt for cyclists among police ... but this goes to show that it does really exist and that it's wider than we first thought." The argument spilled on to Twitter, where Commissioner Ian Stewart was drawn into the debate.

Cyclists directed comments to Mr Stewart, complaining of being ignored by police when trying to report breaches of the one-metre passing rule as well as incidents of harassment on the roads. Mr Stewart responded to the claims saying police acted where there was evidence to prove a case. "All road users need 2 (sic) take their role in road safety seriously," he wrote on Twitter. "Work with us to enhance the relationship with all cyclists & road users. Safer roads 4 (sic) all is our goal ... "We try hard every day but we are not perfect. Our intent is continuous improvement!"

Mr Hore suggested Mr Stewart follow the lead of his counterpart in Victoria, Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, who mounted a social media campaign to improve the relationship between cyclists and motorists. A spokesman for Police Minister Jack Dempsey said any potential breaches of the Queensland Police Service's social media guidelines would be investigated. "The Queensland Police Service has a social media code of conduct, which we expect officers to adhere to and if there are any complaints they will be fully investigated," the spokesman said. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the one-metre gap rule had been well received across the state. "We have seen more consideration between cyclists and drivers since the start of the one-metre rule trial in April, which was the aim of the new road rule," he said.

The laws stipulate that drivers give cyclists one metre clearance when passing in 40km/h, 50km/h and 60km/h zones. Where the speed limit is higher than 60km/h, motorists are required to give cyclists 1.5 metre clearance when passing. Motorists caught driving within one metre of cyclists can be fined $330 and lose three demerit points. A spokesman for the Queensland Police Service said the organisation had not received a formal complaint regarding the officers' Facebook comments. Police recruits receive social media training in which they are advised not to identify themselves as police officers online.

"At all times when using online social media platforms, QPS employees must take responsibility to ensure their personal opinions and/or views are not at risk of being misconstrued or misinterpreted as QPS policy or otherwise sanctioned by the QPS," the policy states. "It is recommended QPS members do not identify their employment status online or comment on Service policy, however, the QPS requires employees to act responsibly and be fully cognisant of the personal and professional risks involved in doing so." The policy is available for QPS officers online. "The QPS will continue to assess its social media policy and will address training if required," the spokesman said. The force was quick to distance itself from the comments made by the officers.

"The QPS is committed to working with cycling groups and all other road users to make Queensland roads as safe as possible for everyone," the spokesman said. "This includes regular engagement with cycling groups and other road user organisations." with Amy Remeikis