THE GREAT DEBATE

QThe relationship between cyclists and drivers is always a massive talking point. How do you see things at the moment?

AGenerally on the whole, I feel the introduction of the clear passing distances legislation has made for a safer environment, so much so that travelling interstate, riding on the roads there where the rule wasn’t enacted at the time, it actually felt more safe back in Cairns, which would be a surprise to a lot of people I’m sure, so I think riding around here people are becoming more understanding and I also think it needs to be hammered home.

Q AWhat do you think authorities can do to further improve road sharing practices?

My thoughts to the key to it is that it’s a generational change. When I was at school, we had to go down to a little arena where we all got on bikes, and this was at the age of five, and we’d have to ride around and give way and have stop signs. It was a little course and it had a ‘policeman’ there and he would then book you if you didn’t do the right thing and it entrenched cycling in a way of life, and I don’t ever remember getting screamed at as a kid. I guess it’s also because it hasn’t been in the Queensland curriculum for many a year, it has missed a generation. I know that my children are bike aware, they ride. They’re also traffic aware and they’re conscious of the road rules. What (cycling) brings to town with the Crocodile Trophy and the World Cup events, you’re getting some world class riders coming through here and people who understand it and drive accordingly and ride accordingly, it’s just every now and then you get the onepercenter that cause the issues.