This past week, a forum was held in Melbourne bringing together both cycling and motorists groups, to discuss the cyclist/ motorists relationship, with the view to ironing out differences and building a common view that works to improve road safety for cyclists. Hosted by the Amy Gillett Foundation, the forum was attended by diverse cycling, motorists and traffic safety interests.

Guest speakers were Motor Racing Driver and Driver Training Expert, Peter Brock, Lorian Graham AIS elite cyclist and member of the ill fated Australian Women’s cycling team crash in Germany in July 2005, and Emergency Trauma Paramedic/Cyclist Stuart Hill, who drew on their perspectives from motor racing and driver training, elite cycle sport and cycling accident incidents, to set the scene for the discussion.

The aim was to seek positive outcomes from formulated policy initiatives for cycling, community groups and governments to raise road safety for cyclists, and improve the relationship between cyclists and motorists. In essence the meeting aimed to provide a blueprint for Amy Gillett Foundation to drive these initiatives into the public eye and to support its stated mission to raise awareness for road safety for cyclists and improvement of the cyclists/motorist relationship in Australia.

Coordinators from AGF, were motivated by the level of interest and passion shown in issue, and the role the AGF can play in addressing the issues that were discussed. From the forums great suggestions, here’s a snapshot of what the AGF will do nationally;

Education: the AGF will progress better bike skills in adolescent and adult groups and remind all road users of their need to follow the road rules. Australian Wheels of Justice comment about the flawed legislation for adolescents between 12 and 18 not riding on footpaths was a very interesting one and certainly a ‘gap’ that the AGF will work towards filling.

Research: gather data to better understand what’s causing these collisions, which age groups are most at risk, for example. It appears that this information isn’t available nationally.

Awareness: the AGF wants to create an environment of empathy and respect via Community Service Announcement and media campaigns (I’m even trying to get on to Phil Liggett to promote the AGF during the Tour De France coverage!!)

With each of these the AGF will forge partnerships with the relevant bodies (e.g. VicHealth, Victoria Police, MUARC) AGF thanked all for their contribution and for your support and will maintain contact to review and ensure alignment with the stated goals.

This forum was quite unique and allowed a strong airing of views from across all sectors of road users, cars, trucks, cyclists, pedestrians plus input from social and government organisations concerned with sustainable transport, road and traffic laws, road and traffic education, community health and grass roots cycling groups.

The essential message for all road users, is that we can co-operate to ensure no road deaths occur, this requires, tolerance, understanding, patience and sharing. Traits within us all, but ones which need reinforcing by top of mind awareness activities. Cyclists should be more visible, predictable and law abiding regarding red lights and riding habits.

Motorists must be less threatening, more considerate, take much greater responsibility for keeping a proper look out and understand many many more cyclists will be increasing their numbers on the road as fuel costs rise and transport alternatives to the motor vehicle become more pressing.

Motorists should also look at becoming cyclists for their own betterment in terms of health and lifestyle choices. With more cyclists, the awareness increases and the understanding becomes more positive in the general population.

Cheers

Rob Eke,
Wheels of Justice