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(By Montana Morais - Bond University journalism student)
A free bicycle training program held in Varsity Lakes last month attracted a small group of locals who wanted to learn more about bike and road safety.
Accredited cycling instructor Robert Kearney said he became interested in teaching people about bike safety after he was nearly pushed off the road by a motorist.
“I found that there’s nobody teaching people how to ride bikes, as far as the education side of it goes,” he said.
“We sell 1.2 million bicycles a year in Australia, but you’re not required to do any sought of training.”
Area councillor Jan Grew said she promoted the need for bicycle safety programs.
“It is essential for any young person riding a bicycle on our roads to fully understand that they must obey the road rules,” she said.
“Young people think they are invulnerable and that nothing can happen to them.”
Local resident Andrew Wong said he attended the event and found Mr Kearney’s advice helpful.
“Riding on the road safely and correctly so you don’t end up having an accident is one of the things that we don’t think about, and I think that was one of the benefits of the program, it taught us a lot,” said Mr Wong.
Bicycle instructor Mr Kearney said he thought cyclists should have to have a license just like motorists.
“It’s even more important [with cyclists] because they are going on a road where there are trucks and buses,” he said.
For more information about the Australian Cycle Skills Program visit www.cycleskills.com.au
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