22 July, 2015
Sticky Solution to Increase Bike Safety
In a first for South Australia, taxis are about to change in a small but significant way, with the addition of a double-sided safety sticker that reminds passengers to be aware for bike riders.
The joint initiative of City of Adelaide and Taxi Council SA (TCSA) will be rolled out or, perhaps that should be ‘stuck on’ all of the state’s taxis shortly.
The initiative follows the excellent work done as part of Council’s Be Aware and Share campaign that seeks to create a culture of respect and courtesy within the City between street users.
One of the biggest risks to people riding bikes is car doors being opened into their path. This can cause bike riders to swerve out further into the road or collide with the car door, with potentially serious consequences.
Lord Mayor, Martin Haese, said Council was concerned by figures showing that, over the last six years in the City, 147 people riding bikes have been involved in a car dooring incident.
“Council has worked closely with stakeholders to make the City safer for bike riders as, sadly, there have been too many accidents that could have so easily been avoided,” Martin said.
“I congratulate everyone involved in this smart initiative that will make a real difference in making our City safer for people riding bikes.”
TCSA President, Jim Triantafyllou, said his organisation didn’t need to think twice when approached by City of Adelaide.
“This initiative will have a positive effect on cycle safety and that’s good news for everyone who rides a bike and we are really pleased to support it,” Jim said.
Bicycle SA Chief Executive, Christian Haag, welcomed the partnership of City of Adelaide and TCSA, and thanked both organisations for creating the campaign.
“This campaign will raise awareness for taxi passengers to look out for cyclists, making the ride that much safer for those on two wheels – whether they’re one of the thousands of tourists who ride in Adelaide each year or locals riding for transport, health or recreational benefits.”
The Be Aware and Share campaign is part of Council’s Smart Move strategy which sets directions for creating safer City streets that are more connected and easier for people to access and use.
To find out more, visit: cityofadelaide.com.au/beawareandshare