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ROADSAFE NORTHEAST CYCLING SAFETY FORUM 18TH June 2012 Attended by 50 cyclists from across the NE Region Summary

of Discussion

1. Accidents & Incidents: Approximately 25 cyclists out of 50 who attended had experienced a car/bike incident, with injuries ranging from hospitalisation with fractured hips, collarbones and other minor conditions, to damaged bikes and rider narrowly escaping injury. Cyclists gave personal accounts of their incidents & accidents. Roundabouts presented major problems for cyclists and motorists, particular where cars are towing trailers or caravans. Suggested tip for cyclists was to command a central position on the roundabout and make signal to indicate direction and maintain eye contact with drivers. Unanimous agreement that experiencing incidents of driver aggression, ignorance/stupidity or negligence occurs on a weekly basis, for regular cyclists. Wangaratta out & About president, Mike Edwards, spoke of the tragic accident involving one of their female cyclist members, whilst on a cycle holiday on the Gold Coast. Brendan Lynch (Police rep) emphasised that cyclists should report all incidents and try to obtain the car registration details. If a vehicle is involved in an incident then police will record the details. Les Lambert explained that current hospital data doesnt not include low level injuries, so wasnt an accurate representation of injury incidence. The main issues are motorists driving too close when overtaking; aggressive behaviour especially to bunch riders; dooring; reversing onto cycle lanes; not looking out for cyclists; being cut off at roundabouts; high beam not being lowered; overtaking when another car is approaching; general impatience and directing anger to presence of cyclists on road. Issues of cyclists behaviour: riding more than two abreast; loose formations in bunches; low visibility lack of lights; dark clothing; low level riding skill/lack of experience; use of mobile phones & earphones. 2. Amy Gillett Foundation: Dave Lee (Head of Marketing)outlined AGFs Vision, Mission and current initiatives through - campaigns, programs and Advocacy. The AGF campaigns such as A metre Matters and Share the Road have been adopted by local councils and safe cycling groups throughout Australia, with great success. He encouraged RoadSafe NE to link in with the AGF across a range of initiatives and programs. 3. ACTION ARISING FROM FORUM Where e to Next? The audience were given the opportunity to Have their Say and provide input into the next stage of the RoadSafe NE Cycling Safety Program. Listed below are some of the comments arising out of the discussion: - Dont spend time/resources lobbying VicRoads and Councils to reduce speed limits; not effective in protecting cyclists.

Look at the media and public awareness campaign implemented by Shepparton Safe Cycling Group. Investigate opportunities to do something similar in NE region, working in with Councils and business community to generate funds for TV advertisements; billboards on buses/outdoor sites. Talk to TAC about including cycle safety advertisements in their TV campaigns. Dave Lee explained that AGF had been in discussions with TAC and the statistics of cyclists death/injury are not high enough to justify them applying resources to this area. Targeted campaign communicating with P Platers (footy clubs/tradies) Regular editorial in local newspapers and commentary on radio Educational campaign targeting all motorists stickers; billboards on buses/outdoor sites; signage Share the Road; Community Service Announcement on regional TV using local personalities and identities who are cyclists, e.g.: local teacher; footy player; doctor; Ambo; nurse; mother; politician? Bike Shop owner expressed concern about bike purchases rising but low skill level of consumer; need skills training program/tips for new cyclist. Develop a Code of Conduct for cyclists and Motorists and information for cycle tourists to region on roads to avoid. Sally Rodgers said this will be covered in new Ride Guide. Work with Amy Gillett Foundation and use existing slogans/campaigns, but with a localised/personalised appeal.

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