Julie Medina riding her bike in Varsity Lakes
PHOTO: Franziska Elmer
University student Chad
Kanovsky expresses
concerns over bicycle lanes.
Photo: Azhar Toodayan |
(By Azhar Toodayan and Franziska Elmer – Bond University Journalism students)
Varsity lakes cycling enthusiasts and commuters are calling for an improvement to bicycle lanes.
There is a growing safety concern regarding the lack of designated cycling lanes, as the number of recreational and commuter cyclist increases.
In addition, there have also been calls for improvements to existing lanes.
Varsity Lakes resident Julia Ren said she did not feel safe when cycling in the area.
“There’s so much traffic and the roads are rather narrow,” she said.
“It makes me feel unsafe when I am riding my bike.”
Ms Ren said more cycling paths would improve safety, especially for children.
“I like to cycle the track around Lake Orr, because you do not have to watch out for cars,” she said.
Varsity Lakes resident Vincent Guinan said cycling through the community is especially dangerous for children.
“The roads are narrow and many people are speeding,” he said.
“It is not safe for children to ride their bikes here.”
Mr Guinan said that car drivers often do not notice cyclists and cut them off.
A sales assistant from Robina said current bicycle lanes were better than nothing, but needed to be improved.
“Bike lanes disappear just when they are needed most, which leaves cyclists in unsafe situations,” he said.
Sports cyclist Scott Dougal acknowledged bicycle lanes were expensive, but in the long term the benefits to the community were greater.
“At the moment some lanes are better than no lanes, but the issue needs to be addressed as it would definitely benefit cyclists and motorists,” he added.
Bond University business student and cycling enthusiast Chad Kanovsky agreed and stated green bicycle lanes would mean motorists and cyclists would not get in each other’s way.
Most streets and roads in Varsity lakes have large shoulders, with a yellow bike displayed, however they are not strictly cycling lanes only.
“Ninety percent of the time there are cars parked in the shoulder lane, forcing riders on the road with traffic,” he said.
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