Ride away: Senior constables Chris Reynolds, Kristen Towers and Craig McDonald spread the cyclist safety message with Simon Gillett.
MICHELLE HERBISON
GEELONG drivers’ respect for cyclists is improving, according to police and a cycling organisation Bike Safe.
Bike Safe’s Barton Van Laar noted a “marked improvement” in motorists’ attitudes to cyclists in the past year.
“We’re getting a lot more positive feedback (from cyclists) about where cars, buses and trucks have been giving us more space.”
But Mr Van Laar was worried tourists visiting the region over summer might lack the same level of respect.
Geelong Police Highway Patrol’s Senior Constable Craig McDonald said four of the area’s six bicycle accident deaths in the past couple of years were in December or January.
“Like any holiday period, we’ve got more road users and more cyclists, so people need to be more aware.
“When there is an accident involving a cyclist and a motorist, nine times out of 10 the motorist tells the policeman ‘I didn’t see them’.”
“We can’t have that ignorant nature that we’re the only ones on the road because we’re a car or a ute. Bicycles are vehicles too.”
Simon Gillett, of bike safety group Amy Gillett Foundation, said his driver awareness campaigns encouraged cyclists to be responsible.
“Legally you can ride two abreast but there are places where it’s just more appropriate to go single file and not hold cars up unnecessarily.”
