Looking out for everyone on our roads

Published date: 31 Jan 2020

The Victorian State Government is urging motorists and cyclists to look out for each other as the warmer months continue to draw riders onto the state’s roads in big numbers.

Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman recently joined Australian Tour de France-winning cyclist Cadel Evans in Torquay to make the appeal ahead of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, starting today.

With 11 cyclists losing their lives on Victorian roads in 2019, riders and drivers are being urged to share the road and take responsibility for each other’s safety.

In the first six months of 2019, 287 cyclists were hospitalised after incidents on Victorian roads. Of these, 15 remained in hospital for longer than 14 days. Cyclists are 34 times more likely to be seriously injured than vehicle occupants and 4.5 times more likely to be killed in a crash, according to TAC figures.

Torquay roads are popular among cyclists of all abilities, and two recent projects, jointly funded by the government and Surf Coast Shire, are helping to improve safety across the cycling hotspot.

A new roundabout on Surfcoast Highway, at the South Beach Road and Messmate Road intersection, is one of the first in Victoria to include protected bike lanes.  Cyclists are also benefiting from works along the Esplanade, which include new pedestrian crossings and a speed limit reduction, from 50kmh to 40kmh.

In a further effort to reduce cyclist road trauma and fatalities and promote road safety, the TAC has partnered with the four-day Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race cycling festival, which includes the Toward Zero Race Torquay, the People’s Ride and the Family Ride.

For more information, visit: cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman

“With the warmer weather comes more bikes, cars and motorbikes on the roads, so we ask everyone to be aware of this and think about the decisions they can make to keep each other safe.”

“We all have a responsibility when it comes to road safety which is why we’re urging everyone to be patient, look out for each other and drive and ride responsibly.”

Photo caption: (From left) Australian Tour de France-winning cyclist Cadel Evans, TAC lead director Road Safety Samantha Cockfield and Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman pictured at the Torquay roundabout, one of the first in Victoria to include protected bike lanes.