Protecting the vulnerable

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As bike rider numbers increase on Australia’s roads, so too do calls for law reform to cater for vulnerable road users. Simon Vincett investigates. Craig Saunders loved to ride. He was fit and confident—a sensible road user. He knew the roads in Tasmania’s Huon Valley, just south of Hobart, like the back of his hand. He
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Closing the gap

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Margot McGovern takes a look at the long road ahead for women in the world of professional road riding. Last year Marianne Vos (Rabo Liv Women Cycling Team) made history when she defeated Kirsten Wild (Giant–Shimano) in a nail-biting sprint finish on the Champs-Élysées before a roaring crowd and millions of television viewers around the
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Reflecting rides

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Margot McGovern and Iain Treloar investigate the best options to help you be seen in reflective gear.   As summer days darken to invite in the winter weather, riders spend more time pedalling in the dark or low light conditions and need to light up to be seen. In low light conditions riders are legally
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Building biking

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With a splash of cash, the UK is showing the way to save on health costs by spending on bike riding. Simon Vincett investigates the situation in Australia. Europe, it seems, has always led the way when it comes to building infrastructure for bike riders. There’s no need to look any further than the Netherlands
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Cycle of health

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Our adolescents need help to get active, for the sake of a healthy future. Simon Vincett and Phoebe Rountree investigate how adults and active transport can deliver. Adelaide teen Matthew Pomery was, until recently, like many others his age. The 16-year-old caught the train to his school in the northern suburbs, Elizabeth–Fremont High, and to
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Licence to ride

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Politicians, media pundits and commentators have all argued in favour of it—but should bicycles have number plates? Simon Vincett takes an in-depth look at bicycle registration. Maarten, Tracey and their two kids live within riding distance from work, school and childcare. Shared paths and separated bike lanes aren’t bad in their inner-Melbourne region and home
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Friendly streets

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Victoria Police’s Bicycle Patrol is focussed on keeping cyclists and all other road users safe, discovers Melissa Heagney. It’s a cold Monday morning in Melbourne and members of Victoria’s State Bicycle Operations team are out on patrol. State Bicycle Operations Co-ordinator Sergeant Arty Lavos, Melbourne Bicycle Patrol’s Acting Sergeant Justin Smith and First Constable Lauren
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Degrees of separation

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Cars, trucks, motorbikes, bicycles all share the road. Simon Vincett explores the benefits of separating motor vehicle and bicycle traffic. As cycling networks extend throughout Australian cities, a host of new riders are poised to take up active transport. Louise Treloar, 25, of Sydney, started riding to work this year. “It’s been a good option
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The helmet debate

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Harriet Edmund finds out why the 23-year debate about Australia’s mandatory helmet laws has just intensified. When Meredith Clark woke up at 11am on a summer’s day last year she was lying on the ground on the outskirts of Melbourne’s CBD. She had no idea how long she’d been unconscious. “I remember slipping as I
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Exit with care

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The latest dramatic car dooring incident in Melbourne revealed confusion over the road rules. Simon Vincett investigates the laws, risks and rewards of riding in the city.  [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glU17uXDQXg] It’s the kind of incident that can rattle the bones of any road user—and it can happen in a split second. A simple, thoughtless action. That is, opening
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