Advocacy: Safe streets for all
Mike Watson - Advocacy Coordinator
This title has been a mantra for bike advocates in Canberra for a very long time, demanding equality for everyone who uses public roads.
Different Riders, Different Needs
Today, when bikes are being used in the community, their riders have different levels of ability and confidence, normally placed in four general categories,
Strong and fearless
Enthused and confident
Interested but concerned
No way, no how.
The majority of the riding population falls in the middle two categories (~67%), and in general, these groups prefer to use their bikes on separated paths or slow-speed, lightly trafficked streets, taking them to their home: these are the group for whom Pedal Power applies a lot of its advocacy efforts to get the greatest benefit for most riders.
The ‘strong and fearless’ riders are a relatively small group who are confident and prepared, when necessary, to ride using on-road cycle lanes or public roads in traffic. They follow the road rules and work and collaborate with all the other road users to ensure everyone remains safe as they negotiate traffic. I find this especially true in the ACT, where consideration and respect towards bike riders has improved dramatically during the 25+ years that I’ve lived here.
A Rising Tension on Our Roads
Recently, however, Pedal Power has received an increasing number of complaints about people driving motor vehicles insisting that they ‘own the road’ in preference to bikes.
Complaints are increasingly about unsafe driving behaviours on commuting routes; during peak hour and when traffic is slow and congested, possibly caused by the significant increase in construction activity. Here are two concerns:
London Circuit is designed for every type of road user, and bikes are equally entitled to use the road.
Some drivers or passengers may demand that a cyclist move out of the centre of the lane, such as this lane to allow overtaking, even when that would place the rider in danger by forcing them too close to the kerb or parked cars.
Why it Matters
If a bike rider is frightened or intimidated off the road, not only is this very wrong, but it also likely means they will use a car for their future journeys instead of using their bike, adding to congestion.
In congested traffic, one motor vehicle will normally increase congestion much more than one bike. Therefore, if you want to make your car commute easier and more efficient, help bike riders continue using their bike. Make sure they are safe, and that they feel safe, and your car journey will become easier, with fewer cars sharing your journey.
Respect on the Road
To be fair, we have not received complaints recently of actual aggressive or dangerous car driving towards bike riders. However, people driving cars or passengers have spoken, shouted or sounded their horns angrily or aggressively towards people riding bikes, indicating frustration or resentment at them for occupying their fair share of road space. Bike riders can be rattled or scared, or simply stop riding when they encounter such behaviour. If a car driver goes too far, for any reason, the consequences for the bike rider is normally far more severe, so please give bike riders the room and the safe space they deserve, especially in congested traffic.
