THE relationship between cyclists and motorists has never been particularly rosy and it is the cyclists who usually come off worst.
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But as the nation gets fatter, governments are searching for ways to get people to make healthier lifestyle choices and riding a bike is one of them.
In some parts of Victoria, mainly in clogged up metropolitan areas, cycling is becoming a more attractive option for increasing numbers of people who have become frustrated with traffic congestion.
Regional communities don’t have the same gridlock problems, but cycling is still trending upwards regardless. It is a good thing.
Now the community’s views about road rules governing cycling are being tested by VicRoads in a survey of 11,000 Victorians.
The aim is to find ways to improve the lives of cyclists and to make cycling more attractive to the general public. VicRoads will release a full report by the end of the year.
Suggested changes have included making it mandatory for drivers to be at least one metre away from cyclists, allowing those aged between 12 and 17 to ride on the footpath or with a child under 12, allowing all riders to use footpaths as long as they give way to pedestrians and banning motorists from entering designated bike lanes.
Whilst there are no immediate plans to change existing laws, there is a view among cyclists that legislation as it stands is not working particularly well with confusion about what is legal and what is not.
Clearer, better-defined laws around cyclists’ rights would help to reduce accidents and road rage and improve safety so that more people feel comfortable about riding bikes.
Any reform would have considerable impact in Melbourne where tension between cyclists and drivers is worsening.
But in regional areas too, cyclists and drivers would benefit from further clarity around the road rules regarding cyclists generally.
The more we can encourage people to ride, the safer cycling will become. In the meantime, don’t forget to share the road.