Safety Issues Facing Recreational Bike Riders Jillian Woolmer, on behalf of Gosnells Bicycle User Group (GO BUG) RAC Cycling Safety Forum, 14 May 2011

Safer cycling in numbers Meet and ride together – more visible to others Wear cycling clothes or normal clothes Ride on quiet bike friendly roads and shared paths rather than busy roads Develop confidence, skills together Report hazards such as glass or sand, caltrop potholes and path obstructions including overgrown bushes/trees

Dogs, pedestrians, caltrop, fast bike riders, motorbikes and or unregistered trail bikes on paths, bollards in the way, cars parked on paths, “missing links” or unconnected paths, lack of signage etc Issues for recreational bike riders on paths

Many infrequent or novice recreational riders lack confidence and skill in riding a bike Many prefer to ride on separated paths and with others Off road shared paths along busy roads lead to difficult intersections to negotiate – especially large roundabouts

Obstacles such as bins on paths, cars parked on paths and crossovers, glass or debris can cause bike riders to go off the path and onto roads suddenly Many driveway crossovers cross shared paths and car drivers often don’t look for bikes as they enter/leave driveways High ledges between paths and roads, high kerbs at path end rather than gradual slopes or pram ramps

Difficult crossing points at busy intersections with narrow median strips between traffic (not wide enough for bike to fit) Waiting time at traffic lights too long and cars often do not give way to bike riders on pedestrian phases No place for bikes – either on road or on paths Car drivers speeding and overtaking bike riders too close or when it is not safe

Dogs or children not controlled or all over the middle of the path Pedestrians walking in groups or with headphones and not sharing the path or being aware of other path users Bike riders riding too fast or passing without calling out or ringing their bells Sharing the path, dog on lead and at the edge of the path rather than the middle Two dogs with jogger in middle of path on a blind corner Sharing the path, waiting at side of path with dog, rider waiting to pass when safe

Many novice or “rusty” recreational riders need to improve bike skills so they can avoid obstacles on paths Cycle skills course for adults Punctured tyres from glass or caltrop Bottles collected from alongside paths Better than left to be smashed on path

Safe Bikes – adults and children Many recreational riders do not check brakes, handlebars, seats, helmet fit, bell etc before rides Would like to be able to ride electric bikes legally on shared paths (especially for older riders or unfit riders) Bike helmets are compulsory for GO BUG rides and members are helped to adjust their helmets

Need more bike lanes in CBD area like the above from Melbourne, rather than more street parking for cars Bike riders are not accommodated for or made to feel welcome on the road or the footpath in much of the Perth CBD

In conclusion - issues GO BUG would like to be addressed: Safe road use and use of paths Drivers, bike riders, walkers etc, knowing and obeying road rules, rights and responsibilities and sharing paths and roads with all users safely Safe riders Being visible - safety in numbers – more bike riders Bike skill sessions for adults and children Ensure riders know and obey road rules Encourage more car riders to ride bikes Safe roads, roadsides and paths Accelerate the provision of connected bike paths and cycle lanes Provide clear signage for bike routes, bike lanes and paths Well maintained paths and roads free of hazards including glass and caltrop Safe Speed of cars and bikes Slow down around other users and share the paths and roads Safe bikes Well maintained bikes, correct fit for rider, with bells, working brakes, lights, and baskets/carriers/panniers