Light Fines and Harsh Consequences

After my last post I reflected on the cruel irony that it was two of the lesser fines, Failure to give way - $183 and Car door hazard - $122, which actually posed more danger to me on my daily commute.  Three news stories days later provided some perspective that the law enforcers and the Victorian state government are taking shared road use seriously and another revealed the law to be an inadequate consequence to the dangers posed by drivers to cyclists.

It was promising to read Bicycle Victoria’s report on Operation Halo, which targeted dangerous deeds of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers users in Police Service Areas in Melbourne and hit them where it hurts.  Hopefully it’s enough to positively change long term behaviours of those fined and warned.  Like all good research, it would be great to see a similar operation repeated in 12 months time to see whether there is a measurable change in the attitude of all road users.

A recent story in The Age online in recent days centred on Andrew Tivendale a cyclist who was car doored almost 12 months ago, then spent 2 months in a coma and almost died as a result of pneumonia while in hospital.  The accident occurred despite Andrew wearing a high visibility vest and having functioning lights.  Fortunately Andrew has made a strong recovery and is now using his energies to promote road safety and raise money for the hospitals who contributed to his treatment.

Finally the Victorian State Government via Vic Roads’ Facebook Road User or Abuser campaign is seeking feedback on the design of stickers for cars to make drivers aware of cyclists.  Log on and have your say.  Stickers on side windows are a great start. Perhaps they could be followed up with

1) A decade long campaign to effect generational change starting with Vic Roads and the license testing process championing the adoption of behaviours which prevent the incidence of car dooring.  Here I'm talking about the European practice of opening your car door with the hand opposite the door.  This forces the driver or pedestrian to look around and see if there are any oncoming cyclists.

2) The fine structure (Dollars & Demerit Points) has to be meaningful and reflect the dangers the offence.  Travel on a speed camera monitored freeway and you'll find a high degree of compliance with the speed limit.  Behaviours are adjusted because nobody likes the consequences.

If you care about your rights as a cyclist, then do something about it and email your local state MP and let them know what you think about the current laws.

The message for cyclists is clear.  Take a defensive, yet assertive approach to riding.  Ride like you are invisible.  Be seen, wear bright clothing or choose a bright coloured bike.  Use a front and rear flashing light even during the day time.  Use two front lights at night time, a flasher and a solid beam.  Avoid unnecessary risks like running up the inside of moving traffic and travelling too close to parked cars.  Make eye contact with other road users.  Communicate with other road users and make your intentions clear.  Thank other road users with a wave or a smile when they do the right thing.  What are your ideas to throw into the mix?  Day by day we can all make the roads a safer place to cycle.  Share the road, the responsibility, the energy, the freedom and the love……. of cycling.