Page 1413 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 28 March 2012
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I think there has to be a range of responses to the issue of cycling safety, but, at the moment, we are focusing on making the infrastructure changes that we are putting in place, including the city cycle loop, safe for cyclists. But we are going to have to continue to educate people about the benefits of shared paths and, indeed, the need to share the paths and minimise accidents to both pedestrians and cyclists.
MS LE COUTEUR: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: Minister, given that the report did not include seriously injured cyclists because of issues of getting their informed consent, what is the government doing to get information about serious cycle accidents in the ACT?
MS GALLAGHER: Because of the size of our jurisdiction, I believe that information is probably well understood across the government in terms of serious cycling accidents and the impact that has on the community. I am absolutely resolute about improving cycling safety. I have lost someone on the road from dangerous driving. When I look at how the city has changed, we should acknowledge what has happened certainly in the last 15 years, and the difference that has occurred around the city to encourage cycling and make cycling safer should be acknowledged. But I think there is a lot more we can do.
I have been having discussions with people who are interested in trying to make Canberra the cycling capital of Australia, looking at alternative incentives to promote cycling. I have been looking at bike share programs. I have been looking at the rules around wearing helmets. That is, again, very vexed.
There probably is an understanding around the impact of serious cycling accidents on individuals and the community and the ongoing costs around that, and I think it informs the decisions we take around trying to improve cycling safety and pedestrian safety for everybody.
MS BRESNAN: Supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Bresnan.
MS BRESNAN: What increased maintenance is being undertaken in regard to keeping cycle lanes free of gravel and other potential hazards?
MR SPEAKER: Chief Minister, did you catch the question?
MS GALLAGHER: Yes, thank you. I think the question was: what maintenance is being done to keep on-road cycling lanes safe?
Ms Bresnan: Cycle lanes free of gravel, yes.
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