Cyclists Playing It Safe - CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER ROAD CONDITIONS VIA SHARED LANES AND PATHS - Mount Druitt - St Marys Standard!

I thank Reporter Philip Ly, from the Mount Druitt-St Marys Standard, and  Emmanuel Pineda full time cyclist, (compared to myself), that such an important article to provide warnings to motorists. Here it is:
 

Cyclists often dodge high volumes of traffic in Mt Druitt.

 
CYCLISTS have urged Blacktown Council to install more shared pathways and for people to work together to create a safer environment for all road users. 

Over the past five years, Blacktown LGA has seen an average of 1.6 reported crashes each week involving a cyclist and vehicle.

In June, a fatal bus accident saw the death of a 34-year-old male cyclist at the corner of Carlisle and Kurrajong Aves, and has reignited the issue of safety in the cycling community.
 


Cyclists Emmanuel Pineda John Svoboda want Blacktown Council to improve safety. More shared paths, designated cycleways and bike lanes are being called for.

Mt Druitt’s Emmanuel Pineda, 41, rides more than 260km a week and said he does not feel safe on roads. “I’ve had many near misses, but I’ve been lucky. For me, our roads aren’t safe,” he said.
“Cyclists and motorists have responsibility to work and be safe together.”

RELATED: Kids ignoring cycle safety

RELATED: Cyclists knocked down almost every day

Mr Pineda believed having more signage and shared pathways will help drivers and cyclists use roads safely. Mt Druitt Commuters Improvement Group spokesman John Svoboda said the council should take measures to ensure cyclists are better protected on roads.

He said making motorists aware cyclists share the road, with the common goal of travelling on a journey that ends safely, is ideal through greater visibility of road cyclists’ presence.

A spokeswoman for Blacktown Council said an off-road network to reduce bicycle and car conflicts was being developed.

She said education for drivers and riders was key, and serious road incidents under the council’s control are investigated to see if improvements are required.






 

Bike riding safety is a concern among cyclists. Picture: PHIL ROGERS

Ever since the recent cyclist fatality, I have been searching for answers, answers that all Council Officers, Councillors and NSW State Members and bureaucrats, should be not be shrugging this issue off their shoulder. The need to look at implementing immediate improves in education to both cyclists and motorists and well as other measures that I have though of.


Firstly Check Previous Blog of Cyclist Fatality 

Recently I spoke to a Busways Driver, he remembered hearing about the cyclist fatality. What he understood and heard is that the cyclist didn't give way! I can't say, I don't want so say. I just want cyclists to be careful riders and be aware of larger motorists as well as motorists to be aware and courteous to cyclists.

My suggestions for improvements are as follows:

• NSW Government to provide better educational programs and advertisements to make motorists aware 'That Cyclist Care and Share' the road and have a common goal: to travel on a journey that ends safely.
• Through NSW Government and Local Area Governments more road safety signs to alert motorists of cyclists using road ways, to be implemented at every major intersection and roundabouts
• Bus Lanes could be shared with cyclists
• Special lanes marked on the road for cyclists and special care by cyclists in the intersection, when crossing
• Similar regulated 'Loud Shirts' as per below - which a Sign at front and back, 'I am a Caring Cyclist, ride safe around me, Please!' or without the sign

• More Approved Shared Cycle Ways in Mount Druitt
• Motorists understanding of shared roads with Bicyclists - refer Page 55-57 NSW Road User Hand Book
• Black City Bike Plan 2013 - Lists Shared Cycle Paths routes not connecting to Mount Druitt, West Mount Druitt (Whalan, Tregear & Ropes Crossing) and South Mount Druitt to link (Via Carlise Ave and Roper Road) to the M4 or Great Western High Way - used as a Shared Path Way to Blacktown or further East. Also larger & better signage  required as most cyclists don't know about them! The more Shared Pathways the more legal and safer it is for cyclists to ride their journeys.
• Cycle Ways colored in bright aqua - - Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson refer bog: http://whyilovemountdruitt.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/councillor-seeking-possible-solution.html