1 in 4 drivers have close call with cyclists

MEDIA RELEASE from AAMI Insurance
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Drivers and cyclists share road safety responsibility New research that shows almost one in four Tasmanian car drivers (37 per cent) has had a close call with a cyclist has prompted calls from leading car insurer AAMI for drivers to pay greater attention to those they share the road with.
“Bicycle sales have risen sharply in recent years as people are looking for ways to beat traffic
and rising fuel prices, and to reduce their personal impact on the environment,” AAMI
Executive Manager, Tasmania Trent Sayers said.
“Cycling Promotion Fund figures show bikes outsold cars in 2007 for the eighth consecutive year, with more than 1.6 million adults cycling in 2006 – 17 per cent more than in 2001.
“Naturally, this has led to their increased presence on public roads, underpinning our calls for
drivers to look out for cyclists, who are clearly much more vulnerable because of their size and
lack of protection.”
While many drivers have had a close call with a cyclist, AAMI’s research1 suggests drivers are
aware of the increased presence of cyclists on our roads. However, the fact that 62 per cent of
Tasmanian drivers surveyed find cyclists to be a road hazard shows some drivers still have
much to learn about sharing the road.
“Despite more than eight in 10 Tasmanian drivers (82 per cent) thinking roads are dangerous,
65 per cent think they can do more to make roads safer for cyclists, and 83 per cent would like
to see better facilities for cyclists. This shows drivers are obviously aware of the vulnerability of
cyclists on increasingly congested roads,” Mr Sayers said.
“The challenge for drivers is to convert this awareness into meaningful action to help make the
roads safer for cyclists. Drivers need to exercise patience and give cyclists appropriate clearance when passing them, and look out for them before opening car doors, when turning, and when entering roundabouts and intersections.”
Mr Sayers said cyclists’ shared obligations with car drivers to make road safety a priority, and
that they could help by taking steps to make themselves more visible to other road users.
“One in five Tasmanian drivers (20 per cent) say they find cyclists hard to see, which is not
surprising when it is considered that 74 per cent of drivers say they have observed cyclists not
using lights at night. There are small and inexpensive things cyclists can do to make them
more visible, such as wearing brightly coloured clothing, using lights, and wearing a reflective
safety vest,” he said.
“It is also concerning that 73 per cent of Tasmanian drivers surveyed have seen cyclists riding
dangerously and breaking the law. Like car drivers, cyclists are not above the law and are
required to obey all road rules, like stopping at red lights, giving way to pedestrians, and
wearing a helmet.
“Surprisingly, almost eight in 10 Tasmanian drivers (77 per cent) have observed cyclists not
wearing a helmet. A helmet is really the only safeguard that cyclists have from potentially
devastating head injuries; common sense suggests they are an absolute must, whether you’re
riding on a road or bike path.”
1 The 2007 Crash Index was conducted for AAMI by Sweeney Research and is an independent
telephone and internet survey of 2380 Australian drivers in all States and Territories (except WA as AAMI does not operate there).
The AAMI research also showed that of the 48 per cent of Tasmanian who have a bicycle:
• 17 per cent cycle to work, university or TAFE;
• 28 per cent won’t cycle to work, university or TAFE because it takes too long;
• 21 per cent won’t cycle to work, university or TAFE because the traffic is too scary; and
• 25 per cent won’t cycle to work, university or TAFE because they need their car during the day.
Common crash types:
The four most common crash types involve cyclists colliding with a vehicle:
• At an intersection, turning or passing straight through.
• When leaving a path or driveway to enter a road.
• From behind or from the side.
• When a car door is opened in their path.
How cyclists can share the road:
• Obey the road rules and stop at all red traffic lights and stop signs.
• Wear bright coloured clothing, and use lights when cycling at night.
• Ride predictably and indicate to motorists when you intend to turn or to change direction.
• Allow at least one metre clearance when riding past parked cars.
• Wear a bicycle helmet at all times when cycling.
How motorists can share the road:
• Be patient and give cyclists a clearance of at least one metre when passing them.
• Watch out for cyclists at intersections and roundabouts.
• Drive slowly and watch out for cyclists in residential streets.
• Check behind before opening your car door.
ENDS