Cairns Bicycle User Group - Ride to Work Day - 13 Oct 99 - Assessment.
Compared with last year, there are three times as many survey forms, total 98. The support from cyclists this year is very encouraging and reveals the determination of people in our community to ride bicycles even though motor traffic is increasing and riding conditions could be better. The comments from cyclists are very straight forward and practical, not trying to be critical but actually being very diplomatic such as "Parramatta Park to city centre can be challenging".
Two main issues stand out:-
1. Maintenance and sweeping of bike lanes and road shoulders.
2. Courtesy and safe behaviour by people who drive motor vehicles.
These two issues that hold the key to increased bicycle use, are achieveable, economical and only requires the will of our public servants and motoring public, to implement. Cyclists ask for little. They mostly ask for clean, smooth space on the road and freedom of fear from people who drive dangerously.
Other issues:-
A great variety of issues were reported with "on road" conditions such as wider bike lanes, clean road shoulders, lights at intersections, safe crossings and roundabouts, being the largest number of comments.
Next came bicycle paths and seemed to have the theme that they were necessary because of the two main issues, maintenance and safety on roads. Even though most cycling is conducted on roads, good quality, high speed bike paths have their roll to play in the bikeway network and there are cyclists who would prefer this facility. Off road cycle routes require connectivity, safe crossings and signage.
Facilities such as showers were mentioned more than bicycle parking.
Safety, enforcement and education all revolved around drivers of motor vehicles including motor bikes. Less cars, better behaviour by motorists and the fear of being more vulnerable are constantly on the minds of cyclists.
Street lighting at night and weather conditions, heat, wind and rain are not deterring the overall cycling population.
Pollution and health received little mention and reasons such as family, new bikes, no car, work commitments, determined bicycle use.
However, there were five people who thought cycling in Cairns is pretty good, enjoyable, happy, even to say - no improvements (needed).
Home