Fear of cars driving away would-be cyclists
QUEENSLAND’S peak bicycle body has launched an unprecedented broadside at motorists, saying that cyclists are “terrified” of cars.
The state’s roads have become a worsening war zone between cyclists and drivers – claiming lives, destroying families and costing the economy $150 million a year – Bicycle Queensland chief executive Anne Savage said.
In a blunt message to motorists, the state’s top twowheeler said it was time for drivers to start behaving after eight cyclists were among the 248 people killed on the roads last year.
As the roads begin to fill with commuter traffic after the summer break and Lycra-clad road warriors fill the streets trying to pedal off festive excess, Ms Savage said cyclists had a right to be on the streets.
“Drivers, I have a message for you. Ordinary Queensland bike riders – our mums and dads and kids – are terrified of you,” she said.
While Ms Savage admitted “cyclists also have responsibility”, she said the attitudes of drivers made people too scared to ride.
“At least one in five Queenslanders say the main barrier to bike riding is fear of traffic.
“In relation to cycling, serious injury crashes have been increasing by 8 per cent every year, costing the economy about $150 million annually and leaving hundreds of cyclists severely traumatised.”
The RACQ’s Steve Spalding said most drivers did the right thing by cyclists.
Queensland Trucking Association chief executive officer Gary Mahon said his members were working hard to avoid injury or harm to anyone on the road but cyclists had to take responsibility too.