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
Read More…
Showing a little consideration for your fellow riders makes bike lanes and paths more welcoming to all, finds Margot McGovern. There’s nothing like the early signs of spring. The first buds appear on bare branches and hibernating bike riders awaken, taking to the roads once more. Popular routes are suddenly crowded, there are longer queues at traffic lights and some
Read More…
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
Read More…
Should teenagers ride on the road? Simon Vincett takes a look at why those 12 years and older should be able to ride on the footpath. Hobart’s Emma Pharo is the mum of two active teenage boys. They love riding their bikes to school or to friends’ houses in their downtime. Pharo is relaxed about
Read More…
It’s been quite a week for cyclists in Australia. Bike riding issues have dominated media coverage with stories including a car dooring incident in Melbourne. Bicycle Network CEO Craig Richards encourages all road users to work together and talks doorings, car registration and the “war on the roads” in this new video. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSF1PchkHco&w=560&h=315] Ride
Read More…
Across Australia authorities are reducing speed limits to 40km/h in residential streets, school zones and in shopping thoroughfares. But should they be lower? Simon Vincett investigates. On the outskirts of Melbourne is the gorgeous coastal area of the Mornington Peninsula, a boot-shaped municipality of rolling land separating Port Phillip and Western Port bays. Ocean views are
Read More…
It’s almost summer, and with the warmer weather bringing more riders onto Australia’s roads and paths, Margot McGovern has a timely refresher on the road rules all cyclists—from roadies to commuters—should know. By law, bike riders are legitimate road users and, as such, have the same rights and responsibilities as all other road users. However, there are some rules that
Read More…
Warren Sutton crashed with a bike rider when driving across a bike lane and writes hoping that others can learn from his experience. Recently I was involved in a collision where I turned in front of a cyclist causing him to hit and subsequently somersault over my car. It was a shocking experience, which, if
Read More…
Thijs van der Heijden suggests we could improve the way we use bike lanes and bike boxes. Perhaps it’s because I’m Dutch, but the single-file bicycle queue has puzzled me ever since I moved to Australia about two years ago. It seems so far off from my riding experience anywhere in Europe. I figured that
Read More…
If you are riding behind or in front of another rider, whether you know them or not, you can both help share the load, finds Stephen Huntley. Understanding and using the skills of group riding will help you when you’re heading out and about with a buddy, riding with a number of friends, or even simply having a
Read More…