Wednesday October 13th was National Ride to Work Day.
As many people know, a terrible thing happened on this day. A cyclist on his way to work was killed as he was negotiating a lane change on a busy road.
Sadly, this is not a unique occurance. Five cyclists have now been killed on our roads this year. As of 14th Oct 2010, 12 pedestrians had been killed (figures from SAPOL) and a total of 92 people had lost their lives on South Australian roads. Regarding serious injuries, this year 881 people have been seriously injured, 62 of those are cyclists, 86 are pedestrians.
When cycling advocates talk about improving cycling safety, the benefits go beyond the bicycle users, they extend to everyone in the community. If road conditions and driver behaviours are safer for cyclists, they will likely be safer for pedestrians, and all other road users.
I am an advocate for bicycle users and pedestrians. Through my associations and activism, I am working with others to improve the safety of more vulnerable road users.
We are fortunate in Norwood Payneham & St Peters to not have major highways running through our council area. But people are being killed and injured on all types of roads. How long will we accept this blood price that we pay every year for the percieved convenience of our current transport paradigm?
Several things need to happen. Roads need to be designed better, so that more vulnerable users are safer. All road users need to be educated better regarding the responsibility that goes with using such a potentially destructive tool. All levels of government have to work together. Real and practical alternatives to using cars need to be in place.
Finally, individuals have to say, enough is enough. Instead of blaming the victim for being there, or sadly shrugging our shoulders and saying "Accidents happen", or blaming the offending driver without looking at the societal paradigm that makes car ownership and driving with a sense of entitlement the norm, let's change the paradigm, and make our transport system one that is designed for humans, not machines.
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ReplyDeleteI think a lot of people have commented how insensitive the comments from the police were at the scene. To paraphrase the officer said "... he should not have been riding there."
ReplyDeleteThe fact is he was allowed to ride there.
My wife made a comment that struck me. Speaking about the other terrible accident of the day when the truck lost its brakes on Mt Osmond killed a bystander. Everyone jumps up and down and says what can be do so there never happens again. But the same sentiments were not said about a cyclist being killed.
Can I draw everyone's attention to a memorial ride for Dwayne Mitchell on Sunday 31st October. The Northern Expressway Commute is being held to complete Dwayne's ride.
http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/events/northern-expressway-commute