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Cyclists are legitimate road users who have the same rights as other road
users. It is essential that motorists and cyclists understand the need to
share the road:
- Motorists play a major role in making cycling enjoyable and safe.
- Cyclists must be aware of their responsibility to obey the road rules.
Deaths and injuries
Every year there are many fatal, serious and minor casualties caused
by a collision between a vehicle and a bicycle. Bicycle crashes that do not
involve a collision are rarely reported to police although they can result
in serious injury so we know the numbers of seriously injured cyclists are
well below the figures quoted below.
For the 5-year period 1999 - 2003, an average of 475 casualties were reported
to South Australia Police each year. Of these:
- 4 were fatalities
- 67 were seriously injured
- 405 received minor injuries.
Long term casualty trends
Figure 1 Cyclist casualties for the period 1994-2003
Findings
- Overall cyclist casualties have decreased from a peak of 869 in 1987
to a low of 438 in 2003.
- Compulsory helmet wearing was introduced in July 1991 and caused a drop
of 39% in casualties from 1990 to 1992 but it is thought the drop was due
to the combination of increased safety of helmets plus decreased number
of people riding because of the new compulsory helmet wearing.
Who were the 1999-2003 cycling casualties?
- 80% were male
- 7% were not wearing helmets
- 25% were between the ages of 5 and 16
- 24% were between the ages of 17 and 25
- 27% were between the ages of 26 and 39.
Tips for drivers to remember about cyclists
-
Crash statistics tell us that many accidents and near misses happen
simply because drivers don’t see a bike rider or pedestrian. So,
scan the road and look for cyclists.
-
Give cyclists plenty of room. One metre is the minimum safe overtaking
space between cars and bikes.
-
Look for cyclists before opening car doors and be especially sure to
check in the blind spots.
-
It is legal for cyclists to ride two abreast. Be patient as you approach
and overtake only when it is safe for you and the cyclists.
-
Marked bicycle lanes are for bikes only, not for cars. Remember you
must not drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane. However, vehicles can
cross a bicycle lane to turn left, enter private property or to park in
a parking lane.
-
When turning left past a cyclist, be patient so you don’t force
your way past or cut them off.
-
When turning right, scan the road for oncoming cyclists and give way
just as you would for any other vehicle. And be particularly careful on
multi-lane roads where traffic can conceal them from your view.
Other Important Information
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