Cyclists forced to pay up to stay safe
BIKE safety advocates have paid for vital road safety signs after calls for safety upgrades on a notorious stretch of road fell on deaf ears.
In June, Bike Safe’s Garry Laver joined 14 other community leaders in a submission to Bellarine MP Lisa Neville seeking work on the notorious Queenscliff- Portarlington road.
Police, traders, bus companies, councils and health groups supported Bike Safe’s proposals to add shoulders and reduce the speed limit by 20km/h to 80km/h along the most a dangerous stretch of the road.
Mr Laver said that his organisation’s members were frustrated that five months on there had been no State Government action on the proposals.
“We are extremely disappointed that after almost five months it seems Lisa Neville as the local Member has been unable to find time from her ministerial responsibilities to seriously address the No.1 hazard road on the Bellarine Peninsula,” Mr Laver said.
As an interim measure Bike Safe has installed bright red road signs warning drivers of cyclists are ahead.
The road signs have been approved by VicRoads, but paid for by the community cycling advocacy group.
“Bike Safe has donated its own money to demonstrate how seriously it regards the risks of death and injury on this road, and to prompt the State Government to act,” Mr Laver said.
“Victoria is the only remaining state not to have introduced mandatory 1 to 1.5 metre clearance for cyclists, and poor infrastructure in regional areas only exacerbates this problem.”
VicRoads southwest regional director Mark Koliba said the organisation remained committed to working with bike groups to improve safety along popular routes.
“To improve safety for cyclists in the region, we have been working with Bike Safe to identify suitable sites for the installation of traffic signs, re- minding motorists to expect cyclists on the road and to exercise caution,” Mr Koliba said.
Ms Neville said she had raised Bike Safe’s concerns with Roads Minister Luke Donnellan.
“Introducing new signage is a good first step, and VicRoads will continue to monitor Queenscliff- Portarlington road to ensure it is safe for both cyclists and drivers,” Ms Neville said.
“I will continue working with groups like Bike Safe and VicRoads to find practical ways to ensure riders feel safe on our roads.”
VicRoads would not confirm if approving communityfunded signs was common.