Cyclists take on the RTA over bike paths A recent survey revealed that nearly half of all cyclists cited the lack of suitable cycling paths as a deterrent to commuting by bike. While legally a cyclist has the same road rights as a motorist it is often impractical for them to share a roadway due to safety concerns. In 1991 the wearing of helmets while riding became mandatory and this law significantly improved the outcomes for many accident victims. Head injuries are the most common reason for hospitalization and 40% of patients are children under 14 years of age. Cycling advocates are calling for more action. Brian Day of the NSW Cyclists Action Group has slammed the RTA for scrapping plans to develop several major urban cycle paths in suburban Sydney. Brian said, “Every year the traffic gets worse, and people get fatter. Decent bike paths could alleviate both of these problems”. A spokesperson for the RTA said that in most cases cycle paths were the responsibility of local councils; and added that the RTA has developed over ninety kilometers of dedicated bicycle-only pathways in the Greater Sydney area in the past year alone. The RTA has revealed plans to develop a further 330km of bike paths in conjunction with the upgrading of major arterial roads into the CBD. Day said, “This is the same old story, they’ll have a few meetings but nothing will happen”. What are your thoughts? Do you ride to work or school? Do you feel safe riding in traffic and pollution? Do we need better bike paths?
No comments:
Post a Comment