human909 wrote:I'm not sure that we bicycles should be encouraged onto "motorways", not only is it dangerous but it defeats the purpose of these roads.
Motorway is an odd NSW term that has no meaning in the road rules. In many cases "motorways" are in fact "freeways" which IS does have a meaning in the road rules. Sydney is a bit odd the fact in the fact that bicycles are allowed on their freeways in metropolitan areas. In general bicycles are banned from metropolitan freeways, exceptions seem to be made where there is no practical alternative route. Likewise freeways, motorways, interstates and autobahns across the globe normally ban bicycles and other slow moving vehicles except where no alternatives exist.
Now if there is a there is no practical alternatives to cyclists than the motorway then that is the problem that needs to be fixed. Having bikes on a metropolitan motorway even with a dedicated lane is NOT a good fix. Dutch cyclists, in fact most European cyclists, would find this concept laughable.
(It puzzles me that there is no other practicable alternative exists, but I'm ignorant on Sydney topography. Why isn't Anazac and Botany Rd possible?)
This whole topic is seriously doing my head in. I said once before that motorways are dangerous (this was before the accident) i suggested alternative routes instead, i was berated "we have a legal right, blah blah blah" so i gave it some thought and figured a transit lane for cyclists , particularly for morning club bunch rides would be a safe way to train, and motorists are not allowed in the lane at all, negating the need to overtake and eliminating a certain amount of danger. The bunch riders will be on those roads because they are smoother, quieter that time of morning and there is no intersections that idiots could run red lights and cut off cyclists. A cycle lane Anywhere is a victory for cyclists and safety. We dont have the space to put a dedicated cycle lanes, plus they are too narrow IMO for bunch riding. and you will be doing 40kph, and come across my son riding his little bike with training wheels on enjoying a safe bike path, there will be a tragedy. Bike paths are great for one or 2 riders and commute, but the serious incidents have happened with bunch training rides.
This does not cost a fortune in making new roads/paths, it is using current infrastructure. Can be implemented sooner rather than later. we need an solution and fast to save cyclists on the roads.
Morning bunch training rides can be more dangerous with alot of stop and start at intersections