AS CYCLING fever sweeps across South Australia with excitement building for today’s launch of the Santos Tour Down Under, police are training their sights on cyclists and motorists during Operation Safe Cycling.
The statewide operation started on Monday and will run for the duration of the tour.
Support Branch, said the fortnight-long operation was focused on ensuring rider safety, as well as compliance with the road rules.
“A significant number of sometime-cyclists hop on their bikes around this time of year, inspired by the Tour Down Under,” Supt Gray said.
“Operation Safe Cycling is all about ensuring that cyclists of all skill levels, from Sunday riders to pros, are safe on the state’s roads.”
During 2018, seven cyclists were killed on South Australian roads, which included an 80-year-old Mount Gambier man.
He was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle on the Riddoch Highway in March.
In an effort to make the number of cyclist fatalities zero in 2019, Supt Gray said police will take appropriate action against both drivers and cyclists who fail to comply with the Australian Road Rules.
“Among other offences, we will look out for motorists who fail to maintain a safe passing distance and anyone driving or parking illegally in bicycle lanes,” he said.
“Cyclists have an important role to play in ensuring their own safety on the road.”
Mount Gambier resident Troy Mustey cycles around the South East region regularly and was quick to praise the way drivers within the community respected local riders.
“Majority of people in cars are actually pretty good at following the road rules when it comes to cyclists,” Mr Mustey said.
“With the new laws of keeping one metre and a half from the cyclists, we understand it can be tricky, particularly on main roads, which is why we generally do not ride on busy roads at peak hour.”
Mr Mustey fully supported the current police operation and was happy to see the onus put on both the driver and cyclist to follow the road rules.
“It is quite funny because myself and the bulk of the people I ride with drive cars as well, which can sometimes be forgotten,” he said.
“We are aware of being on both sides and I can honestly say more than 90pc of the time, car drivers around Mount Gambier are pretty good.”
Supt Gray said cyclists not wearing helmets, or disobeying traffic signals, can expect to be stopped and dealt with.
“Do not forget, you can ride no more than two abreast – even if you’re riding in a large group,” Supt Gray said.
“Exercise courtesy and remember that sharing the road is a two-way street.”
While also expressing an overall satisfaction with the attitudes of local cyclists, Mr Mustey said he would like to see more education for younger riders.
“Back when I went to school it was part of our curriculum to bring our bike along and have classes to give us a feel for the things to look out for on the road,” he said.
“I do not think that actually happens as often these days, probably because of the reduction in the number of children who ride their bikes to school.”
Ultimately, Mr Mustey encouraged all locals to get off the couch during the warmer months and discover the South East region on two wheels.
“It’s a great time of year to be out riding a bike, particularly during the school holidays – get out and be active with you children,” he said.
