Cyclists to rally for safer conditions

A group of Sydney cyclists are gearing up for a rally on Saturday to demand safer conditions on roads and to call for greater government accountability in promoting cycling as a legitimate form of transport.

Event organiser, Adam Butler, says the rally will be an opportunity for cyclists across Sydney to come together and show that they matter.

“Our main message is that the government departments tasked with providing safe and appropriate cycling infrastructure have not delivered,” said Dr Butler. “Where cycling infrastructure does exist it is seen by many as a waste of road space.”

The 7 kilometre rally route will commence at the Roads and Traffic Authority headquarters in North Sydney and finish in front of NSW Parliament House where a number of prominent speakers are set to hold stage.

The route will utilise sections of the newly completed Kent St cycleway in the CBD.

While Dr Butler believes the Council is doing a stellar job in promoting cycling and active travel, he says that there has been a persistent campaign against the cycling community by members of the popular media.

According to him, the Council in particular, has come under attack from some sections of the media for their vision of people friendly streets.

“It’s the usual talk-back people barking on,” he said, claiming the negative messages have been fuelled by a general lack of understanding and hostility from some motorists.

Spokesperson for BIKESydney, Elaena Gardner, says the group supports the goals of the rally and has encouraged its members to attend.

“There is a real unevenness in the provision of facilities and infrastructure,” said Ms Gardner. “Cyclists currently come a distant third to cars, then pedestrians in the pecking order.”

She cites light phasing as an area in which cyclists receive the lowest priority and needs immediate improvement.

“There are intersections where the automated bicycle lights are taking half an hour to change. It is causing people to break the rules and compromise their own safety.”

Ms Gardner says the Council has done a “great job” in making cycling more accessible to many, but acknowledges that there is a long way to go.

“The response in terms of people taking up cycling for their commutes has been fantastic,” she said. “But it is going to be many years before cycling gets proper recognition from the public and authorities.”

“The City of Sydney experience has shown thus far that if you build it they will come,” said Dr Butler, pointing to City of Sydney statistics which show a significant percentage increase in cyclists since the completion of major cycleways in the CBD.

“Many local councils have ‘bike plans’ but more often than not, a suburban bike lane consists of a bicycle logo painted on the road and this is ineffective.”

Since the completion of dedicated cycle facilities ridership has nearly tripled: a 124 per cent increase on Kent Street in the CBD; 167 per cent near the Anzac Bridge; and 173 per cent on Bourke Road, Alexandria.

Many however are sceptical of the figures, suggesting that with very low bases any increase would give an inflated view in percentage terms.

Dr Butler insists the most important priority is to educate the wider public about the benefits of cycling and sharing the city’s roads in a safe and practical way.

“This is not a car versus bike issue,” he said. “It’s about government departments and agencies failing in their duty of care to all road users. We must stop this tribal rivalry which has been halting progress for a long time.

“The government needs to recognise that cycling is a legitimate form of transport and it’s time we stop getting overlooked.”

The Rally for Safe Cycling will take place on Saturday, March 12 from 8am to 12pm. It will commence from RTA headquarters, 101 Miller Street, North Sydney and finish at NSW Parliament House, Sydney. Expected speakers include Sydney Mayor Clover Moore, NSW Senator Elect Lee Rhiannon and CEO of Bicycle NSW Omar Khalifa.