A group of local cyclists is keen to improve the relationship between bike riders and motorists.
The Riviera Group, an informal association of people connected through their passion for cycling, has responded to a recent comment in Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down and a letter to the editor by urging patience and consideration on all sides.
During a recent group ride, the matter was discussed, with many views being aired.
“People talk about the issue as if it is an ‘us versus them’ situation, but in reality, we are not cyclists, they are not motorists, we are all road users,” John Martin said.
“If everyone looked at it through this lens, the roads would be safer places for all users.”
The group acknowledges that most motorists and cyclists co-exist happily, with everyone doing the right thing.
Sue Dawkins was at pains to point out many motorists take a considerate approach.
“As cyclists we want to be as courteous as possible on the roads and we appreciate it when car and truck drivers extend the same courtesy towards cyclists,” she said.
“However, if things go wrong, the results can be catastrophic, not just for an injured cyclist but also for a motorist who has to live with the consequences of their involvement.
“The COVID pandemic saw a huge increase in the number of people turning to bicycles for their leisure and fitness. The beautiful environment in East Gippsland is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors on two wheels.
“As well as a number of dedicated cycle trails and parks, many roads carry little traffic and lead to small towns with great coffee options. However, there are also many transit routes which must be negotiated to get to those quiet cycling routes. The down side of that is that if cyclists or motorists fail to adhere to the road laws, then accidents can and will happen.”
Vehicles often now have dash cams and cyclists, too, are increasingly using cameras to record their rides.
Social media is full of frightening videos of close calls between motorists and cyclists.
“In an altercation between a motorist and a cyclist, the cyclist will always come out in second place,” Peter Avery said.
“Whether the cyclist or the motorist is at fault, we would all want to avoid those sorts of clashes.
“Many motorists would be surprised to learn that if they have to travel at 25km/h behind a cyclist for 200 metres until it is safe to pass, the motorist’s journey would be longer by all of 30 seconds – a very small concession to make for the safety of the cyclist.
“If a motorist squeezes between a cyclist going in the same direction and an oncoming vehicle, the chances are that the cyclist will be forced off the bitumen, either up a kerb or on to gravel, with potentially dire consequences for the cyclist. Apart from anything else, this puts unnecessary strain on our already overworked ambulance and hospital services.”
The group says there are a number of things all road uses can do to improve cycling safety.
“For cyclists, it is important to wear bright clothing and use bike lights so that you are clearly visible to motorists. Stay off the traffic lanes as far as possible, but if you do have to use them, make sure you use hand signals to indicate your intentions so that motorists are not left guessing and always obey all road traffic instructions, such as stop and give way signs etc.
“Motorists are asked to show a little patience, cyclists will not hold you up for long and will keep out of your way as much as possible. Don’t try to muscle in front of a cyclist at an intersection, especially when turning left or right. Most importantly, remember that you are required to give a cyclist 1.5m of space where the speed limit is above 60km/h and 1m when the limit is 60km/h or less.”
IMAGE: The Riviera Group of local cyclists enjoying the quiet of East River Road opposite Eagle Point Bluff. The group has come together to spread the message about road user safety, both for cyclists and motor vehicles following recent commentary surrounding the rights of road users.
