On their bikes: Mura Berma, a refugee from Burma’s Karen community, and Afghani Ali Daryab with Constable Meg Skahill.
KIM WATERS
HUNDREDS of refugees riding bicycles “erratically” around Geelong need patience from other road users, according to the head of cyclist safety program.
Bike Safe Geelong’s Barton van Laar said 200 refugees were on the road riding to job training, workplaces and employment interviews as part of a Bike2Work program.
Demand among Geelong’s refugee community for the program was “quite large”, he said.
Cars were too expensive for many refugees who were “very keen” to assimilate themselves into the community.
“They can’t afford cars and cycling is a viable alternative,” Mr van Laar said.
“It’s really important we teach them road rules. We appeal to the public to understand that these learners might be riding a bit erratically at first.”
Mr van Laar said Bike Safe was seeking donations to the program of bicycles, light sets and helmets.
Geelong Police and Variety Club of Victoria were helping with donations, he said.
Victoria Police Western Region Inspector Carl Peers backed the call for motorists to show tolerance toward the refugee cyclists.
“Be patient, give them space and only pass cyclists when it is safe,” he said
“They have a legal right to be on the road and in some cases it’s their only means of transport to support their families in getting training or going to work.”
Insp Peers praised the initiative.
“It’s these types of programs that break down barriers and help build relationships in the wider community.
“Police are also very pleased road rules and bike safety are being taught.”
