Last week, the state’s cycling body, Bicycle NSW, called on the government to reverse its ban which stops cyclists riding on footpaths.
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At present, only children under 12 and those supervising them are legally able to ride on footpaths – and I think this is wrong.
I’ve been riding to work most days for just over a year – and part of my daily journey, in car or on bike, includes navigating the busy roundabout at the intersection of Mount Ousley and Dumfries Avenue.
If I’m in the car, turning right to head up into the suburb of Mount Ousley, I always approach with care, as I’ve watched far too many cars coming down fast off the motorway and having to screech to a stop to allow traffic with the right of way to pass.
And if I’m on my bike, there’s no chance I’m going to face-off with a car or truck that may or may not stop at the roundabout.
Instead, ride onto the footpath, cross at the pedestrian island and then continue on my way along the road.
I know I’m breaking the rules – a big deal for me. I’m not a risk taker, and am a notorious stickler for speed limits, helmet-wearing, seatbelts and anything else when it comes to roads rules. Overall, I feel safe and confident riding to work – most of my commute is on a cycleway, and I’ve found drivers to be courteous and willing to give me the required 1-metre leeway when I have to ride on roads.
But, after starting out as an inexperienced rider, I quickly realised I’d rather risk a $106 fine by straying onto a portion of footpath than risk my life.
With new figures rating Wollongong as the second-worst major city when it comes to active transport, I’d love to see more people taking part in the head-clearing, heart-pumping and mood-lifting commute I enjoy. And if letting riders who aren’t confident battling with traffic cross onto the footpath is going to encourage that, we should change the rules. – Kate McIlwain