(from Anna Vlach at The Advertiser)

DEDICATED cycling routes along rail corridors are the answer to reducing the number of run-ins between cyclists and motor vehicles, according to the Bicycle Institute of South Australia.

Chairman Sam Powrie said the routes identified as “green travel corridors” in the State Government’s cycling strategy Safety in Numbers would provide experienced and novice riders with a fast and safe alternative to arterial roads.

“There needs to be a commitment to funding in the September State Budget,” he said.

Police statistics recently released show two cyclists have died after road accidents in SA this year, with a national average of 35 cyclist fatalities and more than 2500 riders seriously injured annually.

To mark the first anniversary of champion cyclist Amy Gillett’s tragic death on Wednesday, the foundation that bears her name has also released a television advertisement reminding motorists and cyclists to share the road and be “safe together”.

The campaign has been welcomed by former state road cyclist Karen Sawyer, 29, of Brooklyn Park, who gave up the sport in April because of concern for her own safety.

“I’ve had a few close calls with cars and a couple of accidents, including ones where I have hit my head,” she said.

“I didn’t want to end up with a brain injury.”

Ms Sawyer said the Government should also invest in an extensive and graphic public awareness campaign outlining road rules for cyclists, whom she said could reach speeds of 35-50km/h.

“Drivers don’t realise the speed a cyclist is going at,” she said. “If it was a car travelling at those speeds, motorists wouldn’t do half the things they do, including not indicating.”

Taxi drivers were by far the “worst offenders”, she said.

“I had one do a U-turn when I was coming along beside him and I had to do a U-turn with him or I would have rode straight into him,” she said.

Mr Powrie said research had shown the most effective way to encourage motorists to share the road was to increase the number of cyclists so more drivers had a “direct understanding”.

A Transport SA spokesman confirmed yesterday $600,000 in Black Spot funding for the next financial year had been allocated to cycling infrastructure.

The Government also regularly promoted a “share the road” campaign, he said.

Family and friends of Ms Gillett, who died on July 19 last year when a car crashed into Australian cycling team members near the town of Zeulenroda in Germany, will gather for a memorial service at the crash site tomorrow.

The 3rd Thinking on Two Wheels International Cycling Conference will be held in Adelaide, Australia on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 January 2007. The conference will be hosted by UniSA which is at the forefront of conducting research, and promoting debate and discussion on cycling issues concerned with health, recreation, community, engineering and sustainable transport.

Additionally, UniSA has sponsored Team UniSA for six years and promotes cycling as a healthy, fun activity that can directly encourage a sustainable transport system and sustainable lifestyle choices.

The Conference immediately precedes the Down Under Classic and the five-stage Tour Down Under, the only Hors Classe 2 category race in the Southern Hemisphere and the most prestigious international professional cycle race in Australia. This race includes an opportunity for members of the public to ride a stage during the Tour before the professional riders take to the bitumen. Delegates can experience the delights of Adelaide including savouring the produce from the world-famous Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills districts while relaxing in the convivial cafes of the several dining precincts of Adelaide.

Please note that abstracts are now able to be submitted; the closing date is 14 July 2006.

For more information, download the PDF (340KB) brochure.