Enlighten our riders

Bike light rule confusion

LIBERAL MP Simon Ramsay has called for the mandatory fitting of bicycle lights to solve increasing cyclist safety concerns in the region.

The call comes after one cyclist was killed and 14 hospitalised in the region in the first five months of 2017.

The Western Victoria MP this month asked the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, to clarify whether current legislation makes it mandatory for lights to be fitted on bikes.

“If the legislation doesn’t exist, it should,” Mr Ramsay said this month.

The confusion comes after the Deans Marsh-Lorne Road Safety Group wrote to Mr Donnellan flagging safety concerns for the increasing number of cyclists using Bellarine and Surf Coast roads.

Mr Donnellan responded, indicating the bike light legislation was in place. But, VicRoads then told the group the legislation did not exist.

Mr Ramsay said the summer influx of visitors made the safety of cyclists more relevant.

“This is a destination for thousands of people over the summer — that means thousands more driving on our roads and potentially thousands more cycling,” he said.

“It results in the potential for more accidents and if having a light reduces the chance for accidents — we should be making that happen.”

Mr Ramsay said the relationship between cyclists and motorists needed to be as safe as possible.

“The A Metre Matters campaign has highlighted the minimal space needed for a safe coexistence on our roads.

“But cyclists also need to contribute to their own safety. Having a light fitted — and using it — is just another way to maximise safety.”

Transport Accident Commission (TAC) figures, available to May 31 this year, show 14 cyclists were hospitalised in the region in the first five months of 2017, with one killed.