Council is conducting a road safety blitz to encourage safer driving by motorists and encourage more people to ride bikes on our local roads.
The educational campaign is reminding drivers to keep watch for bike riders, especially at intersections, when overtaking or exiting driveways.
“Whether it’s a short trip to the beach or shops or a longer ride to work, many residents love to ride their bikes on our local roads,” Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said.
“But many people in our community are still nervous about sharing the roads with motorists.
“It’s up to all of us to play our part in keeping our roads safe for everyone because the safer our roads are, the more confident people will be to ride.
“More bikes means fewer cars, which means less congestion on our local roads. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
From 2016-2020, there were 194 reported crashes involving a bicycle and vehicle on local roads – but many incidents go unreported.
Of the drivers involved in reported incidents, nearly 50 per cent did not give way to a bike at an intersection, around 20 per cent did not give way to a bike when coming out of a driveway and around 20 per cent did not give way to a car when changing lanes.
An apparent lack of awareness of road rules may be to blame. Council’s recent survey of road users revealed big gaps in road rule knowledge.
The survey found that motorists had lower knowledge of road rules relating to bike riding. Only 36 per cent of motorists surveyed correctly answered that when at an intersection drivers must give way to bike riders.
The survey also found that some bike riders avoid riding on roads because they do not feel safe. Only 22 per cent of riders said they felt safe riding on the road. Fear of riding on the road was more common among women riders aged 18 to 49.
When asked what would make bike riding safer, respondents said enforcement of road rules and education of motorists.
Kate Johns from Avalon loves getting out on her bike but is hesitant to ride on some busy roads.
“I really love riding my bike and would do it more but I’m nervous on the roads around cars,” Ms Johns said.
“I think more education about sharing the roads safely would be good for everyone.”
Council has recently constructed new shared paths and cycleways, including at Belrose, Manly Vale and North Curl Curl, with many more planned or in construction.
Council recommends bike riders plan their trips to combine one of the many shared paths, with short trips on our local roads to reach their destination.
Bike riders can also benefit from an expansion of our on-road cycleway network.