QANDA: Improving safety measures for cyclists

While cycling has increased in popularity in the City, protecting cyclists and their rights on the roads has become at the forefront of conversation, not only locally, but at a federal level as well.

Question: If elected, how would you improve safety measures for cyclists on our roads?

Liberal candidate, Adrian Bartels’ response:

To me this issue is ultimately about education and respect. As a cyclist, I used to zip through red lights and weave through cars and around pedestrians. More recently – as I have become aware of the resentment that this can create – I have modified my behaviour and am more respectful of other road users.

I support public education programmes for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers so that we can all share the road. I support investment in public transport so people have an option to get out of their cars and reduce congestion. And I support making all levels and arms of government, including Councils and the RTA, genuinely consult with communities on decisions which will affect them.

Current Sydney MP, Clover Moore’s response:

Bike riders are vulnerable riding between fast moving traffic and parked cars. Drivers opening car doors cause 40 per cent of cycling injuries in the CBD.

A network of bike paths including separated cycleways will give cyclists their own two-way dedicated lane separated from vehicles by a raised-concrete median strip, removing dangers and getting more people on bikes. More people cycling will mean fewer cars on the road, more transport options and safe cycling.

I will work with whoever is in Government to cooperate with the City and other councils to create a connected network of safe bike paths and to reduce the speed limit in appropriate areas to 40 kilometres per hour.

Labor candidate, Sacha Blumen’s response:

We should be focussing on better safety for all commuters – drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

At the level of the individual, all parties need to better respect each other. Better compliance and enforcement of road rules would improve safety, as would stronger education for children, learner drivers and adults about cyclist and commuter safety.

Cycling must be incorporated as an integral part of planning for new and redeveloped neighbourhoods – we need cycling and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods. The potential use of cycling must be properly recognised in transport planning.

We must also ensure our cycling infrastructure is safe – I’m concerned at reports that the City of Sydney bikeways are unsafe. Safety must be a top priority for cyclists and other commuters.

Greens candidate, De Brierley Newton’s response:

I would work with the other Greens in parliament to implement the Greens active transport plan that includes; creating shared spaces where pedestrians, cyclists and cars share the road and the speed is limited to 10km/h; insist on a minimum  5% of RTA funding for cycle infrastructure and introduce 40km/h speed limits in key central areas and key city streets.

Instead of building carparks we would build cycleways to bring people to transport hubs like train stations and bus depots and provide facilities such as bike parking and change rooms.

We would also provide more safe routes for cyclists and introduce an integrated transport system that links buses, ferries, heavy rail and light rail, removing the need for cars in the city.