Cyclists push for equal rights
12:00a.m. 12 May 2008
The riders say Thursday’s incident, in which 20 cyclists were injured when a driver is alleged to have deliberately stopped suddenly in front of them, would never have happened if more people were aware of their rights.
The main problem appears to be that many motorists don’t seem to know that under Queensland law, cyclists are treated like any other vehicle.
Although they are required to keep to the left, they can ride two abreast – and motorists who claim they are forced to overtake unsafely across double lines are themselves breaking the law.
“The law says we can (ride two abreast),” said Sunshine Coast Cycling Club president Dave Wighton. “We are well within our rights to do that.
“We are road users and when they go on about not paying registration, well, we have 150 members and most of them have two registered cars.
“You have chosen to overtake unsafely, you’re not forced, you chose to. That’s what the road rules say.
“You might need to slow down, but that’s all right, and cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast as well.
“In our group rides if someone does the wrong thing, as far as if they go wrong way around a roundabout, we tell them.
“If people respond to abuse by abusing back, we say ‘no, just be cool, just smile and wave’.
“Anger doesn’t help our situation.”
The conflict between motorists and cyclists appears to have intensified as the popularity of bike riding increases across the nation.
One motorist, who travels the David Low Way early every morning, said many cyclists had only themselves to blame if drivers became angry.
The stretch between Peregian and Noosa was the worst on weekend mornings, she said.
“There is always someone on a bike along that stretch trying very hard to kill themselves or someone else. They’re not large groups – just twos and threes – but for some reason they seem to think they can ride side by side and encroach on the traffic lane.
“It appears to be a social thing. They’re riding beside each other so they can have a chat.
“I’ve lost count of the number of times I have had to make a choice between wiping out a cyclist or veering over the centre line to avoid them and risk hitting a car coming the other way.
“Usually I’ve got no choice but to slam my foot on the brake.
“I’ve even had them veer in front of me as I’ve come over the crest of a hill.
“It’s not all of them, but there is always someone.”
Mr Wighton admitted there were some cyclists who broke the law, but said they were no worse than motorists.
The only thing that would resolve the ongoing battle of ownership of the road would be “respect from both points of view”.
“Bike riders sometimes do the wrong thing and cars sometimes do the wrong thing; just have respect and be wary,” he said.
“When I’m driving, I really look out for cyclists and that’s all we’re asking for.”
He said the while there was still animosity towards cyclists, safety on Sunshine Coast roads was improving.
“Some people think they are really dangerous, others think they are fine,” he said. “Because there are so many riding now the cars are getting used to it.
“Anyone who is a bike rider, or has brothers, sisters or friends who ride, is conscious of them.
“The more people who ride, the safer it gets.”
Meanwhile, a warning has spread throughout the Sunshine Coast cycling fraternity to be wary of “copycat” motorists in the wake of this week’s shocking road-rage incident in Sydney.
Cyclists fear widespread media coverage of Thursday’s incident on Southern Cross Drive, where 20 cyclists were injured after a car braked in front of them, will encourage others to replicate that behaviour.