Bike vs Car
I was involved with the "Ride of respect for Dwayne" accepted as ride leader as I have been commuting from Salisbury to Port since gaining a OHS professional position at Port Adelaide (3 yrs) I volunteer as rides marshal for Bicycle SA for many years (trained SAPOL traffic controller). I have commuted in Melb. for 6 years (1 car door accident) since moving to Adelaide in 2000, I've been hit 6 times by cars, put in hospital 3 times as a result, received almost $7000 for damages to the bicycle etc.On Sunday 12/12/2010 at 2:45 pm, rear ended at the exit of Salisbury Hwy and South Rd heading towards the Port for 60 klm loop I do. Again I was run down and put in hospital, I am a careful rider my job is Safety I can't help myself, I think safety most of the time, especially on public roads (more so due to reputation of SA drivers).
I was discharged from hospital yesterday, I find it curious that no statement has been taken from me by the Police at this stage, I rang the Police station today and they told me the Constable will be on shift next Saturday and will contact me in due course. Regards, Martin PS I travelled along the exit lane to the bike exit crossed safely then hit by an exiting vehicle driving on the chevron line markings.
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Comment by Martin Stone on December 15, 2010 at 17:10 -
I GOT AN EXPIATION NOTICE FOR RIDING INTO THE PATH OF A CAR TODAY I'll fight this one
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Comment by Clive Palfrey on December 15, 2010 at 17:19 -
This is appalling. I guess you might have more than enough knowledge on where to get the best legal advice, but just in case you might be interested to know that BISA has access to free legal advice for cycling related matters.
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Comment by JDL on December 15, 2010 at 17:46 -
I tend to think safety as well, which is why I no longer ride on this road, full stop. It's not safe, especially in peak hour..... This means I can't ride to work any more, which is a sacrifice I'm making (for my kids mainly)... Instead now I take my bike to work early in the car and ride along the coast before work....
Of course it's unfortunate that we need to consider avoiding certain roads in the interest of safety. As road users we should be able to ride wherever we like... However reality is we need to be a bit sensible about where we ride or accept the risks... That area has entrances/exits at high speed that some drivers probably find challenging, we all know SA drivers are useless at merging, best to stay out of their way me thinks!!
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Comment by Wombat on December 15, 2010 at 20:58 -
Have they taken your statement yet Martin?
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Comment by David Bowler on December 15, 2010 at 21:29 -
There needs to be a cultural change in the community to protect vulnerable road users. For a start the law needs to be changed to to put the onus of proof on motor vehicle drivers in such cases. Drivers guilty of causing harm to vulnerable road users need to be punished and seen to be punished. This will have more impact on the road toll than the revenue raising techniques favored by the current government.
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Comment by David Hughes on December 15, 2010 at 21:54 -
Hey Martin!
You're having some shite luck. Hope you're OK. I know you love that bike, but is it time to consider that maybe its a little unlucky? Hope its also not (too) damaged.
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Comment by Martin Stone on December 15, 2010 at 22:39
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Thanks for the chuckle I'm still smiling
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Comment by rossmg on December 15, 2010 at 23:02 -
Martin - I'd be aiming to gain help from your local member of parliment - the police are trying to lay the blame on you without due process, and also the media. Shameful behaviour on the part of SAPOL.
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Comment by heather on December 15, 2010 at 23:21 -
Martin, please keep us posted. It is time this poor attitude by authorities was stopped.
After Dwayne was killed, it was reported on AC that a police officer said cyclists should not be on that road. Yet supposedly DTEI shows it as a bicycle route and includes it in Cycle Instead Journey Planner. Perhaps DTEI should have designed this newish road better. A driver drew a diagram for me of the accident scene and, if correct, the truck driver was at fault. However cyclists know that following the road rules does not protect us.
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Comment by heather on December 15, 2010 at 23:26
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A post above hints that the media blamed the cyclist, Martin. Could anyone direct me to info and links?
David, I agree that 'Strict Liability' should be introduced, one for the points in my submission to the National Road Safety Forum. Please check this link and respond.
http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/forum/topics/public-comment-invited...
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