Country cyclists, drivers to have their say
Regional cycling safety is about to go under the microscope for the first time, with the commencement of a landmark study into the way cyclists and drivers share the road in Baw Baw Shire.
Marilyn Johnson of the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) will lead the study which aims to determine the causes of cycling crashes, as well as other road users' attitudes towards and awareness of cyclists in regional areas.
Ms Johnson, whose upcoming PhD thesis will constitute the most comprehensive investigation of cyclist safety conducted in Australia, said the study's focus on regional cyclists was overdue.
"Currently, we don’t know if the same issues that have been identified for city and suburban cyclists are affecting riders in regional areas.
“While we are developing a better understanding of the metropolitan cycling environment, very little is known about the experiences of bike riders in regional and rural areas.
"This is a glaring omission as cycling is booming everywhere - not just in the cities," said Ms Johnson.
“The aim of Bike It Baw Baw is to create a safe environment for cyclists. To do this, it is essential to understand how bike riders impact other road users. The study will incorporate the experiences of drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians as well as cyclists."
Councillor Diane Blackwood, Mayor of Baw Baw Shire said the study was an excellent opportunity for Baw Baw to build on an already strong cycling culture in the shire and find ways to improve the local cycling experience.
“This project is the first of its kind for the shire and we’re extremely lucky to have the expertise of MUARC. We would like to see an increase in cycling in the region, particularly as a legitimate form of transport for trips to school, work and shops,” said the Mayor.
“We are keen to learn what our community thinks about cycling and take the steps to ensure all road users feel safe."
Bike it Baw Baw is currently seeking driver and cyclist participants who travel in Baw Baw Shire. To register interest email Marilyn.Johnson@monash.edu.
Ms Johnson's PhD was undertaken with the support of the Amy Gillett Foundation