ROADSAFE NORTHEAST CYCLING SAFETY Share the Road FORUM Tuesday 27th November 2012, CAF VELO, BRIGHT

Summary of Discussion 1. Accidents & Incidents: Approximately 10 cyclists who attended the Forum had experienced a car/wildlife/road conditions influenced bike incident, some resulting in hospitalisation for head injury and bone fractures. Many cyclists described near misses by cars being a frequent occurrence. A recent road rage victim (last Saturday) described a car on Bright-Harrietville Road tooting then pulling up and abusing the cyclist (s) who were riding two abreast and wearing highly visible clothing/back flashers. A rider in the 3 Peaks event described being told by a local policemen to not ride two abreast. Concern is that some local law enforcers are unaware of correct two abreast rule and cyclists being legitimate road users. A cyclist described how she has the victim of missiles thrown out of cars. Other incidents involved wildlife (a rather large wombat) and dogs causing accidents. Whilst reporting wombats is a tricky issue, it is important local and especially visiting city cyclists be made aware of presence of wildlife on Alpine Roads. However, Robbie Allen (RoadSafe NE) advised that reporting of dogs on roads is important and explained that a local Benalla cyclist injured from a dog/bike accident received substantial compensation for loss of income. This has to be a deterrent to other dog owners. Other action resulting in positive outcomes for Benalla cyclists includes, a letter drop to all households in ride route advising of cyclists movements and a letter to owner of offending dog, immediately following an incident.

2. Black spots for accidents/incidents included: Recent road works on Tawonga Gap (Bright &Mt Beauty side) have left the surface particularly near the top very loose and unsafe for descending cyclists. The caution/speed signs have been removed as deemed safe for motorists but this has

taken into account cyclists using the road. Current cyclists usage of this route is high due to it being lead up week to Tour of Bright. A suggestion was made that in RoadSafe NEs discussion with VicRoads (next week) consideration be given to not removing road works warning signs until the road has been finally swept after 2 week gravel settling period. This would then minimise accidents for cyclists and encourage motorists to exercise caution (reports this week have been of numerous cyclists falling on this route most likely unaware of road conditions). Hotham Road: current conditions unsafe in parts for cyclists, with road falling away and under repair, but no warning signage to slow down and take care. Bright-Harrietville Road: this is a popular route with cyclists, both recreational and commuters (school/families) but due to lack of shoulders and numerous bends precluding visibility, can be very hazardous for cyclists/motorists. The long running case for sealing shoulders on Bright-Harrietville Road was outlined by one of the cyclists on the Action group. Whilst this is a funding issue, the group generally agreed pressure must be maintained on VicRoads/local politicians, as it was a matter of time before another death occurred. In the spirit of encouraging more people cycling more often, it is paramount that this road is made safer for schoolkids, families and recreational cyclists living in this community. Recently Share the Road signage on Bright-Harrietville Road and Great Alpine Road (near Eurobin) has been pulled down. It is unclear whether this is an act of vandalism or theres another explanation. RoadSafe NE/Alpine Shire will investigate further. Whilst roundabouts were not considered a major problem for Alpine region cyclists, Robbie Allen suggested a good tip for cyclists entering a roundabout is to command a central position on the roundabout and signal to indicate direction and maintain eye contact with drivers. caravans. Mark Entwhistle (Alpine Shire/RoadSafe NE Committee) advised that VicRoads take action where Blackspots occur, so encouraged cyclists to report problem areas as they witness them road conditions; lack of signage; etc. This is particularly relevant where cars are towing

Problem areas on cycle paths: Mt Beauty cycle path near Tawonga South area there is a lot of loose gravel on the descent. Rail Trail at Porepunkah, where the road meets Rail Trail is hazardous in Autumn when path is covered in Autumn leaves and gap between road/path is obscured, has caused rider falls.

3. Cyclists/Driver Behaviour: In summary, the main issues that arose from the discussion were as follows: Motorists: driving too close when overtaking; aggressive behaviour especially to bunch riders; not looking out for cyclists; overtaking when another car is approaching; general impatience and directing anger to presence of cyclists on road; missiles being thrown from cars; underestimating speed of cyclists; driver impatience and ignorance of cyclists ride to ride two abreast and claiming the lane. Not happy that cyclists are using road and not rail trail/cycle paths, resulting in gesticulation and verbal abuse. A cyclist with experience of riding in Europe, cited the lack of adequate legislation in Australia with regard to driver/cyclist sharing the road, as a major problem which needed to be addressed. He described the low levels of tolerance and high levels aggression, as placing Australia at the bottom of the list of cycle friendly destinations. Robbie Allen raised the issue of dooring and recent changes in legislation, as a result of lobbying by safe cycling organisations, as having a positive impact on the frequency of dooring incidents. Visitors to the alpine region, particularly those towing caravans presented a problem to cyclists, as many were inexperienced in driving in alpine conditions and not expecting the high presence of cyclists on alpine roads. Cyclists riding more than two abreast, particularly cycle tourists (city visitors?) training on mountains being cavalier about bunch etiquette; low visibility lack of

lights; dark clothing. General arrogance displayed by some cyclists (tourist and local) reflects badly on the cycling community. Recreational riders using the back Porepunkah Road (families included) should be encouraged to use Rail Trail. 4. ACTION ARISING FROM FORUM Where to from here? The audience was given the opportunity to Have their Say and provide input into the next stage of the RoadSafe NE Cycling Safety Program. Listed below are some of the comments arising out of the discussion: Robbie Allen outlined some of the steps RoadSafe is already actively pursuing, such as use of Amy Gillett Foundations A Metre Matters logo on regional buses and roadside billboards at major events/peak riding times; working with Team Mt Beauty to create mobile signage A metre matters. TV campaign on WIN TV, as outlined by Ewan Tope (Sales Manager). Audience responded positively to the concept of personalising & humanising cyclists by featuring local cyclists who are also businesspeople, doctors, teachers, sportspeople..in the TV advertisement. Robbie Allen told the audience that TAC will be including cycle safety advertisements in its TV campaigns, in the near future. Influence driver attitude and behaviour through regular editorial in local newspapers and commentary on radio. Cyclists maintain the dialogue that has been opened up by the Forum; by providing feedback to councils, cycling clubs and RoadSafe NE. Cyclists can also help by educating their own group/family about best practise safe cycling behaviour; Council should consider more road furniture that facilitates cyclists safety and usage and identifies Alpine Shire as cycle friendly to visitors, such as decorated bikes with flowers on roundabouts and at gateway to town, signage etc.

Other suggestions: Concern was raised that the tourist market may not be targeted through WIN TV campaign, other RoadSafe communication programs, so a specific strategy needs to be devised to target this demographic. For eg: Brochures/information to be handed out at tourist office by accommodation operators (cycling ambassadors) to educate cycle tourists and general tourists (motorists) about codes of behaviour/they are in a cycle friendly destination. These messages can also be conveyed through tourism facebooks; videos, social media etc. Ask Amy Gillett Foundation to include Alpine Shire schools in visitation program to promote cycle safety. Consider ways of distributing VicRoads Dooring stickers to wider community, for eg: non-cyclists. Engage teachers/VCE students in Alpine community to provide expertise in designing collateral for safe cycling/share the road messages posters, school resources, driver tips. Etc. Solicit support from Tourism North East for funding of campaigns, marketing activities. Communicate plans with organisers of major cycling events: Alpine Audax; 3 Peaks, Tour of Bright. Wayne Hildred from Caf Velo thanked RoadSafe NE for staging the Forum on behalf of the Alpine cycling community and concluded that cycling is all about enjoying the experience and achieving an acceptance by motorists of cyclists physical space on the road. Its going to take lots of education but by pooling our expertise and passion, we will get there. In closing the Forum, Robbie Allen acknowledged the support from Caf Velo in providing the venue and helping promote the Forum, along with local cycling clubs. All those in attendance will be emailed with the Forums outcomes and kept informed of RoadSafe NEs Cycling Safety Program implementation. Facebookers were encouraged to keep the conversation flowing on: https://www.facebook.com/RoadSafeNorthEastVictoriaBicycleSafety