The Bundaberg Regional Council is asking cyclists and pedestrians to “take it easy” on shared pathways during the school holiday season.
Council spokesperson for Health and Regulatory Services, Cr Wayne Honor said shared pathways should be used for recreational use, not rigorous activity.
“I think it’s important to highlight that shared pathways are not the place for serious cycling. The paths have been designed for passive recreational activity by both cyclists and pedestrians,” Cr Honor said.
Representative for Division 5, Cr Greg Barnes has suggested that people interested in sports cycling should consider using the road, not shared pathways such as the Turtle Trail.
“Surely this isn’t rocket science? We have a perfectly good pathway on a beautiful stretch of coastline that is meant to be shared by both passive, recreational cyclists and pedestrians using a simple degree of courtesy and common sense,” Cr Barnes said.
“Anyone wanting to use it for sports cycling or in any manner that poses a potential threat to anyone else would obviously be better off using the road. Likewise, pedestrians need to play their part too and not deliberately try to block the path or antagonise passive cyclists.
“Approaching cyclists often ring their bell to warn pedestrians of their approach, especially from behind, so that they don’t step out in front of them or let their dog or child suddenly do the same. Unfortunately, some pedestrians see this as an aggressive ‘get out of my way’ signal which it’s not.”
Sport, Recreation and Venues portfolio spokesperson Cr Lynne Forgan said Council, in conjunction with the Bundaberg Regional Cycling Reference Group, was working towards improved bike safety and awareness across our region.
“Information on bike awareness has been compiled on Council’s website. When using roads and pathways it is important that the various users, whether they be motorists, pedestrians or cyclists, are aware of each other,” Cr Forgan said. For more information about bicycle safety, head to http://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/on-road-cycling
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