8 May 2013

Police and Michael Milton want you to share the road

| johnboy
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World and Australian record holder Michael Milton has joined forces with ACT Policing in its campaign urging Canberrans to ‘Share the Road’.

Each year an average of 14 people are killed and 565 people are injured because of collisions on ACT roads. Last year 197 bicycles were involved in reported collisions on ACT roads.

Milton, who represented Australia in cycling at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics said sharing the road was a responsibility all roads users shared.

“Canberra is a cycle-friendly city with fantastic infrastructure boasting more than 1,800km of footpaths, 374km of recreational and on-road cycle lanes,” Milton said.

“It is essential motorists recognise the existence and rights of cyclists on the road, just as it is vital that cyclists are aware of their responsibilities.

“Everyone who shares our roads must work together to improve safety.”

Acting Superintendent Rod Anderson said promoting a safe, respectful and harmonious relationship between road users is crucial to reducing the number of collisions on ACT roads.

“Whether you’re driving a truck, car, motorcycle or on a bicycle or walking all road users need to share the road safely and respect each other,” Acting Superintendent Anderson said.

“Out on our roads, regardless of the time of day or night, being aware of who and what is happening around you – the presence of cars, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists – is essential.”

“Just like motorists, cyclists are permitted to ride on the road but they are also expected to obey the road rules. Road rules and regulations are in place to protect everyone’s safety.”

To share the road more co-operatively

Cyclists should:

— Obey the road rules, such as stopping at all red traffic lights, and wear a bicycle helmet.
— Wear brightly coloured clothing and use lights when cycling at night.
— Ride predictably and indicate to motorists before changing direction or turning.
— Keep your bicycle in good order. Good brakes, tyres and a bell will assist with safety.
— Anticipate driver’s actions.

Drivers should:

— Be patient and give cyclists a clearance of at least one metre when passing them.
— Watch out for cyclists at intersections and roundabouts.
— Check behind you for cyclists before opening your car door.
— Remember that cyclists are legitimate road users – please treat all road users with respect and according to the road rules.
— Anticipate cyclist’s actions

[Courtesy ACT Policing]

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I’m looking forward to their joint project asking black people and white people to live together in peace and harmony.

markjohnconley2:33 pm 16 May 13

“Drivers should:

– Be patient and give cyclists a clearance of at least one metre when passing them” and in turn cyclists should be patient and give pedestrians a clearance of at least one metre when passing them (on footpaths)”

fromthecapital5:05 pm 08 May 13

A_Cog said :

howeph said :

Cycling is a very safe activity. Let’s not scare people into not riding their bikes.

No, let’s do exactly that. I can’t stand cyclists.

I know how you feel.. I can’t stand people who wear grey shirts..

People tell me I’m irrational and should be more accepting…

A_Cog said :

howeph said :

Cycling is a very safe activity. Let’s not scare people into not riding their bikes.

No, let’s do exactly that. I can’t stand cyclists.

Yes, I suppose cogs don’t like cyclists. Wear and tear, and all that…..

RandomPoster3:45 pm 08 May 13

howeph said :

You wouldn’t know it from those scary statistics provided, but the average number of cyclist fatalities from road accidents in the ACT for the same period 2000 – 2012 is:

0.4

One death each in 2005, 2006 and 2012 and two in 2010.
[source: http://www.bitre.gov.au/statistics/safety/fatal_road_crash_database.aspx%5D

I don’t know where to find the non-fatal crash data.

Let’s be honest and clear. I support the above advice to cyclists and drivers, particularly to cyclists who choose to ride on busy roads. But please can we also keep the safety level in perspective.

Cycling is a very safe activity. Let’s not scare people into not riding their bikes.

I think the numbers for non-fatal accidents would be very interesting, how many required hospitalisation for example? Does anyone know where this can be found?

Rollersk8r said :

howeph said :

Cycling is a very safe activity. Let’s not scare people into not riding their bikes.

It’s hardly a scare campaign on this occasion. Although I agree with the point ACT Police and ACT/NSW RTA do spend a lot of time telling us we’re going to die.

It may not be a *deliberate* scare campaign but the effect is just the same.

“Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) and the National Heart Foundation of Australia has found more than 62% of Australians want to be able to ride a bike for transport, but road safety fears are keeping bikes in the shed and off the road.”
Source: http://www.cyclingpromotion.com.au/content/view/526/9/

Well scaring the bejeezers out of people talking about an unrelated 13.5 deaths a year isn’t going to encourage people to start riding.

Canberrans tend to d!ckheads on the road no matter the mode of transport.

Everytime I come out of that airport terminal it is game on for impatience, rudeness and eye-popping road rage.

“Cyclists should:

… and indicate to motorists before changing direction or turning.”

So cyclists should do more than is required by law? There is no obligation to signal lefts.

howeph said :

Cycling is a very safe activity. Let’s not scare people into not riding their bikes.

It’s hardly a scare campaign on this occasion. Although I agree with the point ACT Police and ACT/NSW RTA do spend a lot of time telling us we’re going to die.

A_Cog said :

howeph said :

Cycling is a very safe activity. Let’s not scare people into not riding their bikes.

No, let’s do exactly that. I can’t stand cyclists.

And I can’t stand you. Guess that makes us even.

howeph said :

Cycling is a very safe activity. Let’s not scare people into not riding their bikes.

No, let’s do exactly that. I can’t stand cyclists.

You wouldn’t know it from those scary statistics provided, but the average number of cyclist fatalities from road accidents in the ACT for the same period 2000 – 2012 is:

0.4

One death each in 2005, 2006 and 2012 and two in 2010.
[source: http://www.bitre.gov.au/statistics/safety/fatal_road_crash_database.aspx%5D

I don’t know where to find the non-fatal crash data.

Let’s be honest and clear. I support the above advice to cyclists and drivers, particularly to cyclists who choose to ride on busy roads. But please can we also keep the safety level in perspective.

Cycling is a very safe activity. Let’s not scare people into not riding their bikes.

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