If so, and you also ride a bike, this news from Pedal Power should be of interest to you;
Pedal Power Special Bulletin - Wednesday 12th January 2005
Dixon Drive - cyclists to be human traffic calming devices again?
If you have ever cycled along Dixon Dr in Weston Creek you would know the silly and un-bicycle-friendly linemarking on it. A wide painted chevron has been put in the middle of the street to reduce the lane width for cars as a traffic calming device. However, the reduced lane width means that cyclists act as part human traffic calming devices and cop abuse for being forced into this position (because cars can't pass cyclists without going into the median).
Dixon Dr is now being resealed and re-linemarked which represents a great opportunity to change the linemarking at very little additional cost. However, despite Pedal Power strongly pointing out in the past how unfriendly these linemarkings are and asking that they not be installed again, it seems the same linemarking is set to be renewed. A more sensible option would be to paint cycle lanes on either side of the road and reduce or remove the painted median. The lane width available for cars would be reduced and the arrangement would be cycle friendly instead of cycle un-friendly.
If you know Dixon Dr and its silliness and danger, please take five minutes to send a short email to the Minister for Urban Services John Hargreaves, [email hidden] or call his office on 6205 0020 asking that the line marking be made cycle friendly instead of the current unfriendly arrangement. Please contact his office now before the lines are remarked. Pedal Power is already talking with Roads ACT about it but there is nothing like concerned voters to get a politician to act!
Please forward this email to other interested cyclists.
(There are four concrete traffic islands in the median strip in Dixon Dr and it might be a tight squeeze to get cycle lanes past the islands - the cycle lanes could either stop short of the island or the islands could simply be removed - except for one of them which is a pedestrian refuge. If you don't know Dixon Dr, you may know Antill St in Hackett - same arrangement - same silliness)
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PP is committed to representing the interests of all cyclists in the Canberra region. We welcome your comments on any issue:
General Enquiries Executive Director Advocacy President Rides Coordinator 'Canberra Cyclist' Editor
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