26 May 2014

Canberra roundabouts unsafe for cyclists

| Canfan
Start the conversation

New research has found that Australian roundabouts are some of the most dangerous in the world for bikes; and Canberra’s cyclists agree, according to the Canberra Times.

Data released by Austroads on Thursday found that multi-lane roundabouts (which find cars travelling at reasonably high speed) are a deterrent to cyclists due to safety fears.

As Australian roundabouts are generally designed to maintain traffic flow, car speed remains high causing a threat to cyclist safety.

Some of the recommendations of the report include design changes in order to reduce speed and subsequent risk to cyclists, creating tighter curves and reducing visibility to the right to encourage drivers to slow down and directing cyclists to ‘çlaim the lane’ rather than hugging the curve.

There were also recommendations made to install bike lanes and separate crossings, assuming reduction of speed was not an option.

I’m not a cyclist, but I know of them and have no issues. For the most part I’m pretty happy sharing the road, but it does strike me as odd that a recommendation would be made to reduce driver visibility in a bid to slow them down. Surely that would increase the risk to the drivers?

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.