Bicycle Network: Behaviour

Released in 2002, the Cycling Deaths Report identfies causes of cyclists deaths and makes recommendations for preventing future deaths.

BIcycle Victoria launched their report on cycling deaths on 30 May 2002.

Bicycle Network Victoria calls for the following actions to save lives:

1. Continued and increased funding for more safe places to ride

The Victorian Government acknowledges in its Arrive Alive Strategy that 'the most effective way of protecting bicyclists is to separate them from vehicle traffic'.

Unfortunately there is no funding commitment beyond 2003 for the current VicRoads program that aims to install a visible cycle network in Metropolitan Melbourne and regional centres. The government needs to provide an ongoing and increased commitment to this successful program.

The government needs a commitment to building safe routes to schools and safer rural roads. More safe off-road paths that link directly to schools are needed so that children can safely travel to and from school. Upgrades to rural roads should include cycle friendly shoulders.

2. Community reporting of hand held mobile phone use

Victoria should consider a system of public reporting of hand held mobile phone use while driving, similar to the current Victorian EPA litter reports or the New Zealand Community Roadwatch system, according to Bicycle Network Victoria.

'Already one cyclist has been killed in Victoria by a motorist reportedly sending a text message on a mobile phone. Dangerous mobile phone use needs to be stamped out before more cyclists - and other road users - are killed.'

3. Action on penalties

More needs to be done to promote safe and responsible driving. Cyclists continue to be killed by irresponsible drivers and the penalties are not high enough. Three cyclists have been killed by motorists on Beach Rd alone in the past two years.

In all cases the cyclists were obeying all road rules but were killed by dangerous drivers speeding or under the influence of drugs. In one case the motorist was only fined $1,000 and his license suspended for 6 months. Dangerous drivers are getting off too lightly for killing cyclists.

4. Cyclists and motorists need to do their bit

Bicycle Network Victoria admits that some cyclists, however, are not doing themselves any favours with their behaviour on the road. Cyclists who run red lights or break other road rules endanger themselves and others.

Bicycle Network Victoria supported the recently introduced increased fines for cyclists to help discourage this behaviour. The fine for a cyclists caught running a red light is now $200 - the same for a car driver.

The report reinforces the importance of cyclists making themselves visible to motorists by wearing bright, reflective clothing and carrying lights in bad light.

Teaching your child to ride safely before venturing near roads and wearing a properly fitted bicycle helmet are also critical for cyclists.

Bicycle Network Victoria is also asking for motorists to be aware of cyclists and to give them room when overtaking, especially on higher speed roads or in poor weather conditions. Too many cyclists are killed when hit from behind in these circumstances.