Interesting media release from Victoria Police.
Shows stats of 30% of cyclist casualties occur when a driver crosses the path of an oncoming cyclist
great chance to win a water bottle - relearn those hand signals...
text:
Safe Cycle celebrates 22 years
Tue 4 October 2005
Victoria Police is encouraging cyclists to get on track in October and help celebrate 22 years of safe cycling in Victoria.
The Victoria Police Safe Cycle campaign celebrates its 22nd anniversary in October, making it one of the longest running initiatives on the Victorian road safety calendar.
The month-long Safe Cycle campaign aims to increase safety and reduce the number of bicycle related collisions and injuries on Victorian roads.
Each year, there are about 30,000 bicycle collisions across the state.
As part of the Safe Cycle month police will reward cyclists doing the right thing on the roads and demonstrating safe riding.
During the campaign, police will nominate safe cyclists and place them in a draw to win prizes including cycling products and water bottles.
Last year police spoke to more than 29,000 cyclists during the Safe Cycle initiative.
Victoria Police state bicycle co-ordinator Sergeant Brett Harman said many collision involving cyclists could be prevented if people were more aware of their safety and other road users.
He said more than half of casualty victims of cycling collisions were aged under 15.
Statistics show about 30 per cent of cyclist casualties occur when a driver crosses the path of an oncoming cyclist. Figures show up to 24 per cent of casualties occur when a cyclist rides onto the road from a footpath or driveway and is hit by a car.
Five cyclists have been killed on the state’s roads this year compared with eight for 2004.
“Many of these collisions could be avoided. Police play a role but so do all road users. People need to be more aware and better educated about how the road can be shared safely,” Sergeant Harman said.
“It’s important that every road user remains vigilant about safety at all times. Every death on the road is a tragedy and we must work as a whole community to save lives.”
Safe Cycle month is an annual road safety initiative conducted by Victoria Police and supported by Vic Roads, Kidsafe and other government and community organisations.