Safety and Health
Check out these recent articles from The Chain Letter on Cycling Safety and Health
- Cyclists—Don’t Be Caught With a Fine! (Page 8 Issue 256 September/October 2017)
- Cycling & the Law (Page 7-8 Issue 255 July/August 2017)
- WA Police and Emergency App (Page 8 Issue 254 May/June 2017)
- What Dutch Drivers Are Taught! (Page 7 Issue 251 November/December 2016)
- Cycling — How to conquer the commute! (Page 11 Issue 248 May/June 2016)
- Caution: Worn bike rims can explode (Page 6 Issue 247 March/April 2016)
- Riding in Hot Weather (Page 11 Issue 247 March/April 2016)
- Cycling and knee pain – what you need to know (Page 6 Issue 245 November/December 2015)
- When Cycling is a Pain in the Butt! (Page 10 Issue 244 September/October 2015)
- No Fault Vehicle Crash Insurance: Cyclists be aware! (Page 8 Issue 243 July/August 2015)
- An Accident Waiting to Happen! (Page 11 Issue 243 July/August 2015)
You might also like to check out the Cycling page from the Road Safety Commission website – rsc.wa.gov.au/Education-Programs/Safety-Topics/Cyclists.
Hazard Reporting
If you have safety issues email info@ctawa.asn.au.
All riders are encouraged to report path and road hazards observed during their rides. You should email a clear summary, subject ‘Hazard report’, including details of the location and the problem (with a photo if you have a camera at the time) to: cycling@transport.wa.gov.au and/or enquiries@mainroads.wa.gov.au (send a copy to info@ctawa.asn.au).
You may also make hazard reports at transport.wa.gov.au/activetransport/online-hazard-report-form.asp
There’s also a Bike Blackspot App for Android and iPhone (bikeblackspot.org) for reporting bike hazards in Perth. It’s sponsored by The Greens. Note:The CTA does not support any political party.
CTA Campaign Against Broken Glass
The WA Government has announced it will introduce a 10c per container deposit scheme to reduce litter and subsequent hazards from broken bottles. The container deposit scheme discussion paper is available at www.der.wa.gov.au/cds. Also report as much broken glass as possible in hazard reports to to: cycling@transport.wa.gov.au or on the Dept of Transport web report system at transport.wa.gov.au/activetransport/online-hazard-report-form.asp
Campaigns: Broken Glass, and Caltrop Puncture Vine
Broken glass, and Caltrop Puncture Vine are two serious sources of punctures for cyclists.
Glass fragments on path by bus-shelter, Fremantle, just south-west of Traffic Bridge
Deposits on bottles will greatly improve cycling.
A major problem for cyclists, both regular and occasional is the serious prevalence of broken glass on our roads and bike-paths.
Firstly, this causes punctures. Regular cyclists carry a spare tube, tyre levers and a pump, so a puncture is a bloody nuisance and delays the trip. Many less regular cyclists probably neither know exactly how to repair a puncture, nor have the necessary gear with them. Punctures from broken glass will be a major reason why some people give up bicycle use. The extra environmental, health and oil vulnerability problems caused “lapsed cyclists” are very considerable in both economic and social terms.
Secondly, the patches of glass fragments on roads create serious safety risks. Cyclists have to concentrate on the details of the road surface just ahead, and this can partly distract them for watching for vehicles and other hazards. A cyclist suddenly confronted with a patch of glass fragments ahead by the side of the road will probably swerve out around the glass; risky if there is a car passing.
The WA is the first State in Australia to be following the lead of South Australia which has had successful container deposit legislation, CDL, (initially 5 cents per bottle or can, now 10c) since 1975. Anecdotal evidence suggests South Australia has much less broken glass on its roads.
However, there is a lot of opposition from the packaging industry, who want the costs of litter and landfill to be borne by the community as a whole, not by those who manufacture the containers or those who discard them.
Cyclists and bikes hops should get involved, by writing to their local member of State Parliament, or ringing to register their support. We should also contact our local councils and bicycle clubs to make sure our views are heard. There is far too much broken glass around, and CDL will make a big difference. As it is only glass containers lacerate kids’ feet and punctures, there is a good case for a CDL system which favours cans, plastic and cardboard containers, which do not shatter into razor-sharp fragments when dropped or run over by cars.
