City on its bike to help policy
TOOWOOMBA yesterday took part in data collection that could shape the way drivers and cyclists of the future share the road.
While the city was going about its morning commute, Rick Haywood was on hand to record statistics on cyclists at the intersection of Hume and Herries Sts.
Mr Hayward braved the cold conditions to volunteer for The Bicycle Network’s Super Tuesday North, Australia’s biggest bike count conducted in the Northern Territory and other locations across Queensland.
What got him out of bed
There are quite a few people on bikes riding on footpaths for safety reasons. — Rick Haywood
on a cold and blustery Tuesday morning was the knowledge that his work would be rewarded with a $50 donation to a charity of his choice, for Mr Haywood it was the World Wildlife Preservation Society.
Tucked away on the crossings’ corner, Mr Haywood made a number of observations about the relationship between motorists and cyclists in Toowoomba.
“The general trend at the moment is to keep a one metre separation between bikes and cars which certainly helps,” he said.
“I think building more bike-ways will make it better for cyclists because when you’re driving a car you’re looking out for other cars not necessarily bikes or motorbikes.
“There’s not very much room here at the (Hume and Herries) intersection.
“There are quite a few people on bikes riding on footpaths for safety reasons,” he said.
Data collected by Mr Haywood will go towards helping councils across the country identify areas for improvement and inform bike policy, with the goal of getting more people physically active and riding.
The annual tally of riders allows local councils to monitor the growth of bike riding in their area and make well-guided decisions on infrastructure.