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Saturday, 20 June 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
‘If you don’t see him, neither will his family’. This was the text I noticed in an advertisement in a West Australian newspaper featuring a cyclist. It was aimed at motorists advising them to be careful when they drive.
Cycling is very popular in Australia. People ride to work. Students cycle to school. So do undergrads to university. They go on cycling trips. And for many cycling is a good exercise. So they cycle to keep fit.
In most States, there are cycle tracks on roads and parks. Cyclists are expected to use these tracks and generally all of them do.
Cyclists and drivers are constantly kept reminded on the need to be safe when riding and driving.
Here are some typical safety tips for cyclists:
Here are safety tips for drivers:
These sound pretty ordinary but being reminded obviously help to lower the rate of accidents.
The state governments promote employers to create cycling-friendly workplaces. In South Australia, for instance, employers are advised to gain a reputation for being a healthy and environmentally responsible place to work. Cycling reduces sick leave, they are told.
At the same time the employees are told that cycling to work will incorporate valuable exercise into their daily routine. They will save time and money while gaining health and wellbeing benefits such as being healthier, happier, and more productive at work.
‘Contribute to reducing greenhouse emissions, road congestion, noise and parking problems’ is another piece of advice given to them.
In giving tips to employers on how to encourage and support employees to cycle, it is pointed out that a lack of facilities is one of the greatest obstacles preventing people from cycling to work. They are advised to provide good quality facilities that include secure bicycle parking and changing rooms, lockers and showers. It is suggested that a survey be conducted among employees to know about their current and potential needs, and an audit conducted on current facilities.
Good facilities encourage riding to work, it is stressed.