Calls have intensified for greater care to be exercised in shared pathways following reports of a 75-year-old pensioner being struck by cyclists on a shared pathway in Woy Woy recently.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said pedestrians and cyclists should follow road rules.
“We should always keep to the left, look out for each other and give way if needed, just like we need to on the roads,” she said.
“I’m a passionate cyclist and I know all too well accidents do happen which is why we all need to be so conscious of our surroundings when we’re doing any activity on a shared pathway.
“Here on the Peninsula, we are lucky to have access to shared pathways and we should be able to enjoy them, whether we are on a bike, using a pram or on our usual afternoon walk, in safe and respectful ways.
“All of us have a responsibility on pathways to give way, stop and make sure we are aware of who is around us.”
Central Coast Bicycle User Group president, Alan Corven, says bike safety is important for both the users and the community.
“Cycling is a good healthy, low impact, exercise and is always being taken up by many people,” he said.
“We do need to be active, but every activity comes with a risk, whether we are walking or cycling, especially when we’re on shared pathways.
“Cyclists generally are considerate and do ring their bells but sometimes others may not hear them, or sometimes there are unfortunately some inconsiderate riders.
“My advice to cyclists would be to ride slower on shared pathways; be aware of every obstacle, whether it be people, children, bush turkeys, ducks and dogs and always be aware of your environment and most importantly prepared to stop.”
Source:
Media release, Feb 15
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch
bicycles are manually propelled vehicles. Those that use them are required to wear protective headgear to ensure minimal physical injury to themselves should they be involved in a collision. Many bike riders are now blatantly using public pedestrian footpaths as well as the designated dual pedestrian cycleways and are ignoring the safety of pedestrians. who do not wear protective clothing or headgear. Perhaps the powers to be, might institute Registration of bicycles, for a minimal fee to ensure identification and evidence in prosecutions and at the same time, generate some positive control also the employment of capable law enforcement officers, to maintain that control.