Summer of cycling prompts share the road message

13 Jan 2016

Recreational riders and motorists taking to the road this summer are being encouraged to look out for one another to avoid tragedy.                            

The Transport Accident Commission push comes after 11 cyclists lost their lives in Victoria last year, the highest number since 2006, when 14 riders were killed.

TAC acting chief executive Tony Dudley said motorists could expect to see large amounts of cyclists setting out to make the most of the holidays and warm weather.

"Now, more than ever, it's vital that cyclists and motorists look out for one another," Mr Dudley said.

"While drivers are encouraged to keep a safe distance from cyclists, riders can also play their part by wearing highly visible clothing, safe footwear and, of course, helmets.

"Tragically, we've seen a second successive rise in lives lost on Victorian roads in 2014 and 2015, and this is reflected in cyclist fatalities (11, up from 10, up from 6).

"Road safety is a shared responsibility and, together, we can achieve our goal of zero deaths and serious injuries."

For every cyclist killed, there are dozens more who are hospitalised with serious injuries from crashes.

In the 12 months to the end of May, there were 408 TAC claims lodged by riders sent to hospital, 38 of whom needed stays of more than a fortnight before returning home.

Mr Dudley said cycling's growing popularity, Victoria's escalating population and rising vehicle registrations were all reasons for a concerning increase in cyclist road trauma.

"Clearly, cyclists don't have the same level of protection as people in vehicles," Mr Dudley said.

"That vulnerability means even the slightest impact between a vehicle and a rider can have drastic consequences. It's crucial that drivers keep at least a metre away from cyclists to ensure everyone gets where they're going safely."

The TAC will again be partnering with Tour de France champion and cycling legend Cadel Evans for his Great Ocean Road Race, which sets off from Geelong at the end of this month.

Evans is a passionate road safety advocate and, with the TAC, will be urging riders and motorists to share responsibility for each other's safety.

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