Protect us: Cyclists’ plea to govt inquiry
Harassment by motorists one of main dangers
A SAFE cycling advocate has urged the Queensland Government to enforce shoulder lanes and bikeways on local roads to protect riders from frustrated motorists.
SunCoast Cycling Alliance founder Damien Jones also highlighted the need to crack down on motorists who harassed cyclists.
The Transport, Local Government and Housing Parliamentary Committee is looking into cycling issues in Queensland, including crash rates, motorist attitudes and safety woes.
At a public committee hearing yesterday, Mr Jones said all Sunshine Coast cyclists needed was a shoulder on the roadway.
“Just that extra distance of removal from the projectiles flying past,” he said.
The long-time bike rider said motorists throwing projectiles at cyclists was a common occurrence.
“I think that needs to be addressed and the penalties for such acts needs to be addressed,” he said.
Mr Jones said a one metre rule between cars and cyclists was difficult on narrow roads where it would take cars over the middle of the road when overtaking.
According to Bicycle Queensland, cyclists made up 4.9% of road fatalities and hospitalisations between 2008 and 2012.
Fellow cycling enthusiast and Queensland MP Bruce Flegg also urged his own government not to allow financial constraints to reduce spending on infrastructure.
“Bikeways save lives,” Dr Flegg told the committee.