February 8, 2012
The Victorian Government’s ‘Road User or Abuser’ campaign to bring cyclists and motorists together on road safety has been welcomed by local MPs Darren Chester and Russell Northe.
The campaign will use a Facebook page as a forum for cyclists and drivers to discuss their concerns about sharing Victoria’s roads. It will also focus on addressing a lack of knowledge of cycling related road rules by both cyclists and drivers.
Mr Chester who is the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Regional Transport, said road safety was the responsibility of all road users and all levels of government.
“Regardless of the mode of transport, all road users need to be aware of their surroundings, pay attention to road rules and be respectful to their fellow road users,” Mr Chester said.
“Recent media coverage has focused on an ‘us versus them’ mentality between cyclists and drivers but safety is a mutual obligation for all road users.
“Local, State and Federal Governments can also play a role by ensuring that safe riding areas are provided for cyclists in our towns and on our roads. As road infrastructure is upgraded, we need to provide decent shoulders, particularly on regional roads, to allow cyclists to travel safely.”
Mr Chester recently took up cycling to improve his fitness and said the on-road experience in Gippsland had been positive so far.
“Cycling is becoming more popular as many older people find it easier to maintain their health and fitness compared to jogging or other activities,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s a great past-time and I’ve found Gippsland drivers to be generally respectful of cyclists. With an increasing number of people taking up cycling it’s important that this positive relationship continues.
“We are fortunate to have many picturesque cycling routes in the region to complement existing rail trails for cycling enthusiasts. I urge motorists to remain aware and keep an eye out for cyclists on local roads.”
Member for Morwell Russell Northe said in addition to the ‘Road User or Abuser’ campaign the Victorian Coalition Government was investing in infrastructure to encourage cycling in the Latrobe Valley community.
“The Victorian Coalition Government understands that there needs to be adequate infrastructure for cyclists to ride safely and in harmony with vehicles,” Mr Northe said.
“We have committed $60,000 for a feasibility study to establish a Traralgon to Morwell bike path along with investing $800,000 towards the completion of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.
“That’s indicative of the support we have in developing opportunities in the Latrobe Valley to promote and encourage safe cycling.”
The ‘Road User or Abuser’ campaign will address a key topic each week over six weeks of the campaign, including relationships, rules and tips, visibility, points of view, confessions and conciliation. Any other hot topics identified during the campaign will also be addressed.
All cyclists and motorists are urged to log on to VicRoads’ new Road User or Abuser page, take the quiz and start talking about the issues they face when on the road.
The Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/RoadUserOrAbuser
For more information on safe cycling, visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Bicycles