SCBUG’s ‘Camera on Board’ Campaign Continues
The Sunshine Coast Bicycle User Group (SCBUG) calls for all cyclists and all motorists to ‘chill ‘and look after each other!
The SCBUG’s recent road safety campaign ‘CAMERA ON BOARD’ recently shared the alarming statistic that 38 cyclists are killed on Australia roads each year, costing communities $170million and 32 cyclists sustain severe acquired brain injuries, devastating families, at a cost of $120million.
‘These aren’t just numbers, they’re parents, siblings, sons, daughters and friends’ says Jon Rogers, chair of the SCBUG Safety Committee.
‘I think this is often forgotten when a motorist is held up by the cyclist, or when a cyclist is held up by a vehicle at a roundabout’ says Jon.
Unfortunately in Australia, there is a growing culture of impatience and righteousness that exists with many road users. There is a cascade of vulnerability, starting with pedestrians and cyclists and ending with large trucks on motorways. Cyclists don’t have an outer metal shell to protect them and getting clipped by a motor vehicle even at slower speeds can be extremely dangerous, even life changing.
‘We must continue to drive the conversation’ says Jon. The SCBUG’s campaign is highlighting the need for ALL road users to take responsibility for the little decisions they make every day. ‘Getting the bread and paper or getting to the coffee shop 15 seconds earlier is not worth risking a life or your life.’
In a year when road deaths are the highest they’ve been since 2010, this is a wake-up call. Safer roads don’t just happen. They’re made, one choice at a time.
The campaign also highlights the reasons for the safe passing distance laws. Many motorists simply don’t understand why leaving a 1m and 1.5m gap matters.
Cyclists rely on their judgement of constantly changing road conditions including loose gravel, glass, debris on the road, and potholes. The lanes they are travelling in can end suddenly or be blocked by parked cars, opening doors or other obstructions. Cyclists are not protected from weather, so conditions such as high wind, wet roads, storm runoff, as well as wind gusts from passing vehicles, can force cyclists into other lanes of traffic or to the outer edges of the lane they are travelling in.
The SCBUG urges all members of our local community to get behind the campaign. Be aware that more and more cyclists are riding with cameras, more and more incidents are being reported, and the penalties are severe.
The campaign also calls for media agencies to be ‘brave’. ‘There has been nothing but silence from the media since the close passing laws were introduced in QLD in 2014’ says Jon. ‘The ‘haters’ will always represent the minority. For every cowardly ‘hater’ that reads or listens about this issue, there are many more community minded people who want to do the right thing if they are well informed.’
Safer roads don’t just happen. They’re made, one choice at a time.
ENDS
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
JON ROGERS
Ph 0409440527
chair@scbug.org
About SCBUG:
The Sunshine Coast Bicycle User Group advocates for safe and sustainable active transport, representing cyclists and promoting road safety for all users.
