Guide takes aim at bicycle safety

Ambassador for the Amy Gillett Foundation Charlie Pickering and Victorian Minister for Roads Terry Mulder have launched the Sharing Roads and Paths guide in Melbourne.

Sharing Roads and Paths is a guide for all Victorians that focuses on the road rules and safe behaviours when sharing spaces with bicycle riders.

Amy Gillett Foundation Chief Executive Officer Tracey Gaudry said the guide was an important step in creating a safer environment for bicycle riders.

“Sharing Roads and Paths is a fantastic initiative for all Victorians. The guide is for everyone. We all use roads and paths whether as a driver or passenger, a bicycle rider or a pedestrian. Often we get about in many of these ways throughout the day.

“The guide consolidates over 25 codes of conduct and guidelines across Victoria to provide consistency in raising awareness of the key road rules and behaviours that directly improve bicycle rider safety in a shared environment. Sharing Roads and Paths underpins our collective vision to reduce serious injuries and fatalities resulting from avoidable collisions on roads and paths.”

Sharing Roads and Paths is a collaborative project involving the Amy Gillett Foundation, VicRoads, Victoria Police, City of Melbourne, RACV, Cycling Victoria, Bike Safe, Monash University, Victoria Walks, Bicycle Network Victoria, Cycling Promotion Fund, Retail Cycle Traders Australia, Baw Baw Shire Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and was funded by the Victorian Statewide Community Road Safety Partnership.

Victorian Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, said he was pleased to see the code of conduct released.

“Not only is it a handy reference tool but it is a reminder to us all as road users, whether it be as cyclists, drivers, motor bike riders, or pedestrians, that we all have a role to play in respecting each other on the road and making the roads safer.

“Knowing the road rules and your responsibilities is just as important as cyclist and driver etiquette. Simple things such as being alert, predictable, courteous and visible can go a long way.”

The guide can be downloaded from www.bikesafe.com.au