2008 - Results of Survey on penalties

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17 June 08. Lack of education and enforcement hindering lights on bikes push, say Bicycle Victoria members

The TAC should run a campaign on cyclists riding without lights.

 
That is the view of Victorian cyclists who were surveyed by Bicycle Victoria in the lead up to the shortest day of the year.

 Harry Barber, CEO of Bicycle Victoria, said: “Ninety three percent (93%) of members told us that the TAC should run a campaign on riders without lights.”

 “The overwhelming majority of those surveyed were concerned about the lack of serious education and enforcement in those night-time bike riders disregarding the laws on bike lights.”

 Mr Barber said that members believed that a campaign similar to the current motorcycle advertisements would be very effective.

 The survey sought to understand Bicycle Victoria members’ views on the current level of penalties.

 The members’ viewpoints echo those of Bicycle Victoria which has become increasingly concerned at the disregard shown by some riders towards the laws on lights.

 The penalty for a rider without lights is $55 (0.5 penalty units). In WA the penalty is $100. Drivers in Victoria without working lights pay $155 (1.35 penalty units).

 Of the 300 members who responded to the survey a significant proportion of respondents were against increasing the fine:

 On the level of penalties:

 Analysis of comments showed members, whatever their views about penalties, clearly favoured stronger enforcement; along with high-profile awareness campaigns.

 This weekend brings the longest night of the year, a time when effective front and rear lights are critically important, for riders and other road users.

 The Bicycle Victoria roadside survey conducted just after the end of daylight saving in 2008 showed that 41 per cent of riders failed to have operating lights on the front and rear of their bicycles.

 “We know it is mainly people relatively new to cycling at night who are without lights”, Mr Barber said.

 “They seem to be unconcerned at the possibility of a penalty, and equally, unaware of the seriousness of the issue.”

 “Their fellow riders are genuinely concerned at this dangerous practice, and are definite about tough action being taken,” Mr Barber said.

 The Victorian Government’s road safety strategy for cyclists, ‘Arrive Alive’, highlights the education and enforcement of the use of lights as a key plank in its 2008-2010 action plan.

 He said that he hoped that the Government, including the Victoria Police and the TAC, recognised that high profile enforcement and promotion was essential to get a new generation of riders started on the right track, with lights bright and blinking.

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The campaign so far

Bicycle Victoria began to campaign on bike lights in 2005. Back then we found 61% of riders without lights in the week after the edd of Daylight Saving.

Since then we have:

- surveyed riders who ride without lights to understand who they are and their motivations

Based on the understandings from that survey we have:

- each year tested and endorsed lights - promoting the recommended lights through our networks, the media and Choice magazine.

- we have run surveys and media stories each year at the end of Daylight Saving and on the Shortest Day.

We have made some progress. This year's survey showed that 41% of riders are without the required lights.

This is still a very worrying proportion of people at risk. We will continue with the campaign.It is, however, time that the government and government agencies got behind this project. That will be our aim for 2008.

We wish all members a happy winter solstice. Please change your batteries for the last half of winter and consider getting new lights for next season, the new ones are considerably better than the lights from a few years ago.

Here is the main page for the National Light Up!