Page 2497 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 14 November 1989
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When the NCDC commissioned that network in the early 1970s it expected that they would be, as announced, primarily for cyclists travelling to and from work and in their recreation, and that no doubt will remain the most important use of the paths. Research was undertaken by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service and the CCAE, now the University of Canberra, which showed that the paths have a much wider use. Anyone who uses the paths would readily see that, as Mrs Nolan pointed out. The fact is that the urban and cycle ways network in the ACT has been identified in that survey as one of the most important recreational resources available to visitors and local residents. The large numbers of people who undertake activities which rely on access to these pathways clearly show their importance.
It is reasonable then to expect that they should be designated as having a wider use. This could create a potentially greater safety hazard, and I want to make some mention of that. As one who is a fair weather and warm weather cyclist, I know the very great volume of traffic that they carry. I am in the happy position of living between Lake Ginninderra and Lake Burley Griffin. When the weather is fine I spend my time cycling in these areas. I see a large number and variety of people who use them.
I think there is a potential for danger because there are people who walk their dogs; there are casual strollers; there are people in some parts who do their shopping, taking the cycle path towards Dickson, for example, or towards Jamison, who use them and walk along them; there are people pushing baby's strollers and the like. It all adds up to a fair volume of traffic. Along with that you have got the people with the very, very reasonable expectation that they should be able to pedal fairly furiously on them because they are designated as cycle paths. I have seen accidents happen on them, and I think the potential for accidents will increase. It is something that we need to be alert to.
Mrs Nolan suggested the greater use of helmets. I would recommend the greater use of bells. It seems that many cyclists think that it is impolite to ring a bell, and I know I do myself, but I think it is going to become necessary to clear the path of those people who take a much slower approach along it. I might mention that my approach, even on a bike, is pretty slow too - especially up O'Connor Ridge. Something that we will have to consider is that the great volume of traffic is going to require that all those who use the cycle paths, or the recreation paths, take greater responsibility. Those people who are admiring the flowers or walking the dog on a lead have to be alert to the fact that there may be a cyclist bearing down - sometimes very quickly - behind them. So, as the Minister makes announcements about this, she might bear in mind advising all those who use the paths to take greater care and show greater responsibility in the future.
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