Cyclists are vulnerable road users too!
At the end of 2008 a very important keynote address was delivered at the World Remembrance Day for road traffic victims by Mr Jeff Radebe, Minister of Transport. In this address he also reflected upon the need to protect our most vulnerable road users.
I would like to quote from this address:
“ …And the theme for this year captures the essence of this by saying that: “We are all vulnerable, but some are more vulnerable than others.” The most vulnerable are pedestrian children, elderly and handicap people and they deserve particular attention. Although the proportion varies considerably from country to country the vulnerable road users represent about a third of the people killed in road accidents… “
The Arrive Alive website and this Blog would hereby like to submit that our cyclists be included in this description as well! In an email to the Arrive Alive website the need for action to protect our cyclists was emphasized:
“ Subject: cycling safety
Message: ——– I have been cycling in and around Johannesburg for 15 years. I am aware of only 2 road signs and one length of road about 5 km long dedicated to cycling- i.e. near the Lion and Rhino Park. The Government is spending millions on the 2010 soccer thing and millions more on the roads round Gauteng. What is being done to improve cycling? If anything at all?
In my view this is because nobody involved in cycling says or does anything to put pressure on Government. We are a useless lot…all of us!
Surely Arrive Alive has a voice?
Regards
Paul”
The Arrive Alive website would like to urge road safety authorities to attend to the needs of our cyclists as a matter of urgency. It does not make sense if we praise the health benefits and environmental benefits of cycling and do nothing to protect our cyclists!
We would also like to commend and motivate members of Think Bike and all the different cycling associations to promote safe cycling and involve the local traffic departments in joint safe cycling initiatives!
Visit the Arrive Alive website for more info on “Road Safety & Cycling Safety”
If there is any way our “3 Feet Please” campaign can assist in your efforts, please let me know.
Cyclists around the world are vulnerable because the battle for space between cyclists and motorists is intensifying. To protect and save cyclists’ lives more must be done to educate motorists on the importance of sharing our roads and what that means. Our campaign seeks to remind motorists that they need to give cyclists at least 3 feet or 1 meter of clearance when passing from the rear. Of course, more space would be appreciated, but 3 feet will do.
When cycling becomes safer more people will become cyclists and when we have more cyclists on our roads it makes cycling even safer. And that will be great news for all of us and our planet.
Be safe,
Joe Mizereck
joe@3feetplease.com
USA
Caro,husband Mike,son Guy, and at least 8 others are cycling Argus on 8th March, for (SADD)South Africans Against Drunk Driving,in memory of Chas Smit, who was killed on 18.9.05, by a driver who had been drinking.
There will be SADD supporters along the route – so watch out for us, and please encouRage and support us.
For Sponsorship,or to participate- go to Events/Fundraiser(Balloon icon) on http://www.sadd.org.za.
Thank you, and :
SAVE THE CYCLISTS:DRIVE SOBER.
Caro 0828213673