Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Frank on March 18, 2012 at 7:32

When the rate of cyclists double, the rate of incidents is bound to increase to some degree if not proportionally.
The UK had a similar increase in cycling and it's popularity, their fatal accident rate doubled and so did everything else.
That's just the way it is I guess, a whole new group of people come onto the scene and start riding, I see many mistakes being made by cyclists too especially newbies!

I am sure there may have been more than one injured as we can't be everywhere, I suggest keep your wits about you and take care and be aware at all times!

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Permalink Reply by Peter Hill on March 18, 2012 at 8:27

I don't know the specifics of this accident but I use this road alot.  I think Cross Road is generally OK for cycling but there may be some contributing factors near Highgate:

1. the bike lane runs out east of Fullarton Road and further up it narrows and then has a series of bottle-necks for right-turn lanes and pedestrian crossing points.
2. this time of the year at 8 am the sun is shining directly into you vision as you look east and it is even harder to see objects in the intermittent shadows.
3. vehicles pulling out from side streets onto Cross Road without giving way. On the west bound side of the road many cyclists are going too fast considering the frequent hazard of cars nosing-out or not giving way from side streets onto Cross Road. 

The sun glare may have been a strong contributing factor when a person got killed cycling through the Anzac Highway/Cross Road intersection about this time two years ago (later the subject of an AC memorial ride).

Considering the high numbers of cyclists using Cross Road to get into the hills I think it would be reasonable to put a strong case to Dpt Inf. and Transport for continuing the bike lanes up to Portrush Road and removing the bottlenecks. The traffic can get pretty heavy and there are often wide trucks, busses, and people towing caravans.

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Permalink Reply by heather on March 18, 2012 at 14:54

Peter, suggest you start an AC discussion about seeking cycling improvements to Cross Roads and get feedback from other cyclists. They may come up with other cycling hazards. Also, does not hurt to get support for your cause before approaching the authorities.

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Permalink Reply by heather on March 18, 2012 at 15:09

Three of my cycling friends were killed by negligent drivers. More cycling acquaintances who were hit, injured, maimed or killed on the roads. Includes AC members. I did not personally know anyone who died as the result of road trauma while a car occupant, but obviously happens as reported by media and govt statistics. I have been injured on three occasions by negligent drivers. Despite being an experienced utility cyclist, mixing it with peak hour arterial and CBD traffic since 1984. I identify as a cyclist.

Cycling is hazardous, mainly due to drivers, but could be made safer by better cycling infrastructure, better driver training, and 'hip pocket' education of Strict Liability Legislation. As reported on AC, this month police let a driver off with only a caution, when he/she left the scene after the passenger doored and injured a cyclist. I will keep advocating for improved cycling conditions. Repeated surveys give the main reason for not cycling as 'unsafe'. Improve cycling safety, increase numbers and cycling will become even safer when more people know a cyclist and how to drive near one.

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