CYCLING is no riskier than other types of transport according to Critical Mass’s Daniel Endicott.
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Critical Mass is a world wide bicycle celebration ride which Newcastle has been a part of for 18 years.
“It’s about asserting our rights on the road and showing there are all different ways to get around town – public transport, walking, cars – but you can do it on pushbikes as well,” Mr Endicott said.
“Once a month we meet in at Civic Park and go for a social bike ride around town and the beaches, and we usually meet up at some dinner spot. “
As many as 100 people take part in the ride each year, ages range from toddlers in baby trailers to Novocastrians in their 70s.
The rides tend to attract a fair bit of attention, but the vibe on the ride is “easy going, relaxed and there is no pressure”.
People who ride pushbikes may not feel safe, but there are the safer back street short cuts and statistics show it is no more dangerous than other modes of transport, Mr Endicott said.
There were many challenges to riding in Newcastle and Critical Mass is urging Newcastle City Council to fully implement its own Cycling Strategy and Action Plan.
“Newcastle’s 2030 vision is for most trips to be by walking or cycling, which is currently impossible for the way they are spending their budget,” he said.
“All three levels of government need to put their money where all of their strategies are.
“They say they promote active transport and they need to put their money where their mouths are with their budgets to make it a realistic choice for people to be able to feel safe.
“The insanity of the state government building WestConnex and highways which worsens the problem for everyone. More people on bikes means less congestion.”
In Newcastle specifically the completion of the CycleSafe Network would go a long way to alleviate the problem, he said.
“It’s been put together by peak cycling groups in the area, it’s the main push,” Mr Endicott said.
“And safer speed limits, the world’s best safety standard is 30km/h in local zones and you design your main roads at higher speeds … cyclists aren’t on busier roads. It’s a win/win for everyone.”
Mr Endicott said more cycling was “good for the whole of society”.
“Every day in the news you hear Australians aren’t exercising or moving, doctors have said people need to exercise … for 100 years,” he said.
Next ride: December 1, Civic Park, 6pm.
To find out more about the Safe Cycle Network visit their website: csn.org.au. See Cycling Strategy and Action Plan here: newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Explore/Things-to-do/Walking-cycling/Cycling