New cycling videos promote road safety
The Cycling Promotion Fund and the Amy Gillett Foundation have launched a series of video clips designed to improve road safety.
The dramatic increase in bicycle rider numbers over recent years has lead
to large numbers of relatively inexperienced bicycle riders. These video
clips provide bicycle riders and 'would be' riders with practical
tips on how to avoid some common hazards when riding in traffic.
"Cycling continues to grow due to the health, environmental and economic
benefits cycling provides. These video clips are a great way to help train
both new and existing bicycle riders on how to ride on our roads. The
better skilled and aware bicycle riders are, the safer they will be" said
Tony Fox, Chief Executive Officer of the Amy Gillett Foundation.
"The good news is that the evidence shows the more cyclists there are, the
safer it becomes. These video clips provide an additional boost to cyclist
safety and will help make it easier for those looking to shift to pedal
power" Rosemarie Speidel, Program Director of the Cycling Promotion Fund
said.
The clips cover:
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How to avoid being hit by car door
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How to tackle intersections
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How to share the road with trucks
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How to be more visible when riding
These video clips are just one of the elements needed to make cycling as
safe as possible. Other urgently needed initiatives include lower speed
limits, improved and expanded bicycle lanes and paths, bicycle education in
schools and workplaces and programs to improve understanding between
motorists and bicycle riders.
"With a slowing economy, the obesity epidemic, environmental concerns,
high petrol costs and transport congestion - there has never been a better
time to support and encourage cycling" Ms Speidel
- Cycling is the 4th most popular physical activity in Victoria
- 439,000 Victorian Adults participated in cycling in 2007
- Cyclists in Melbourne rode 63,164,500 km to work in 2006
For more information check out the Amy Gillet website http://www.amygillett.org.au/new-video-helps-cyclists-move-into-top-gear-safely/