Sharing and caring on the road

Maybe the first thing we should consider is terminology.

As with any contentious issue, public sympathy can be manipulated by the terms used to describe it. The Australian Nursing Federation, for example, in its current stoush with government, is described variously as simply "ANF", or as the Australian Nursing Federation union. The implications of the latter are clear "This is not a benign organisation, but a trade union with a background of often unwarranted industrial action."

It is much the same with the current stand-off between cyclists and cars [or is it an arugment as old as the car itself?]. Commonly viewed as a battle between the two groups, it has been honed down simply to "cars versus bikes". That’s an unfortunate view because if it is a battle, there can be only one winner out there on the road.

Ignited tempers, on both sides, in any on-road confrontation between a car and bike is usually going to favour the bigger, heavier and faster vehicle.

The invitation by Victorian Roads Minister Terry Mulder for drivers and cyclists to express their opinions on Facebook seems a positive step that could provide some useful suggestions making our roads safer for all users.

Facebook is an element of the state government’s Road User or Abuser social media campaign, now in its third week, that has brought "vigorous" discussion and more than 1,000 "likes" from viewers and participants.

So far, cyclists have been the most vocal, a not-surprising fact and one that minister Mulder recognises as not yet providing a fully balanced picture.

"While we have had a great level of participation on the Road User or Abuser page from bike riders and drivers who also ride bikes, it is important more drivers have their say on sharing Victoria’s roads," he said.

"We have seen very valid issues raised on the Road User or Abuser Facebook page, including discussions about cars leaving sufficient space for bike riders, the importance of checking for oncoming bikes before opening a car door and the rules about driving in a bike lane.

"Some of the polls published on the Facebook page show that 94 per cent of the respondents thought some car drivers do stupid and dangerous things to purposely intimidate bike riders, while 72 per cent felt car drivers have no understanding of what riders have to deal with to stay safe when riding on the road," Mr Mulder said.

"By getting involved in the online discussion, drivers can discuss the challenges they face when sharing the road with bike riders and share possible solutions. I encourage all Victorian road users to get involved with the aim of doubling the number of Facebook ‘likes’ to 2,000 during the next week."

The Road User or Abuser campaign was launched on February 6 this year, and addresses a key topic each week, including such issues as relationships, rules and tips, visibility, points of view, confessions and conciliation.

The results will be examined by VicRoads at the end of the campaign and will be used to "develop future communications for bike riders and other road users."

As for the outcome, we will just have to wait and see. A wide range of pre campaign suggestions have already been heard, from registering cyclists/bikes to simply closing down certain sections of specific roads to motor vehicle traffic on particularly bike-heavy Saturdays or Sundays.

Maybe we should remember that all road users have rights, and that the majority of users in either category usually behave with fairness and consideration. We do need, though, to take the heat out of the discussion and the animosity out of those who believe there’s only one side to the story.

Not everybody is guilty, nor is everybody innocent.

"It is important drivers and bike riders take shared responsibility for staying safe on Victoria’s roads. The Road User or Abuser Facebook page provides an excellent opportunity to clear up misconceptions about the road rules and address issues relating to road safety," Mr Mulder said.

A YouTube video can also be seen on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auIJhcSIvcA