Cycling in Melbourne Australia
Cyclists pay heavy toll on roads: the Age
http://www.theage.com.au/national/cyclists-pay-heavy-toll-on-roads-...
"Cyclists pay heavy toll on roads
* April 6, 2009
CYCLING injuries have soared in Victoria in recent years, but it is not clear whether the activity is becoming more dangerous or just more popular.
Research by doctors at The Alfred hospital and Monash University found the number of cyclists at emergency departments between 2001 and 2006 had risen 42 per cent, hospital admissions by 16 per cent and major trauma by 76 per cent.
The study, in The Medical Journal of Australia, found that almost 26,000 cyclists were treated in hospital emergency departments over the five years. Of this number, more than 10,000 were admitted and 47 people died.
But the authors warned that they had not been able to source accurate data on the number of people cycling in Victoria to see if this had increased in line with injuries.
The research did find that most fatal injuries happened between 5am and 8am and between 5pm and 8pm, and that wearing helmets reduced the risk of serious head injury.
Males under 35 were most likely to suffer injuries, but fatalities were more evenly represented, with 55 per cent involving people aged over 35. They authors called for more tracks that separate cyclists from cars.
JULIA MEDEW"
"Cyclists pay heavy toll on roads
* April 6, 2009
CYCLING injuries have soared in Victoria in recent years, but it is not clear whether the activity is becoming more dangerous or just more popular.
Research by doctors at The Alfred hospital and Monash University found the number of cyclists at emergency departments between 2001 and 2006 had risen 42 per cent, hospital admissions by 16 per cent and major trauma by 76 per cent.
The study, in The Medical Journal of Australia, found that almost 26,000 cyclists were treated in hospital emergency departments over the five years. Of this number, more than 10,000 were admitted and 47 people died.
But the authors warned that they had not been able to source accurate data on the number of people cycling in Victoria to see if this had increased in line with injuries.
The research did find that most fatal injuries happened between 5am and 8am and between 5pm and 8pm, and that wearing helmets reduced the risk of serious head injury.
Males under 35 were most likely to suffer injuries, but fatalities were more evenly represented, with 55 per cent involving people aged over 35. They authors called for more tracks that separate cyclists from cars.
JULIA MEDEW"
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by ChrisS on -
The article is based upon this research: Bicycling injuries and mortality in Victoria, 2001–2006
Mirjana Sikic, Antonina A Mikocka-Walus, Belinda J Gabbe, Francis T McDermott and Peter A Cameron
Editorial: Cycling and health: an opportunity for positive change? Adrian E Bauman and Chris Rissel
I'm not particularly impressed with the original article or it's poor research, although the editorial takes some of that to task.
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Permalink Reply by Cory on -
No of cyclists have increased more than the number of injuries... I think?
So therefore, cycling is becoming SAFER!?
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Permalink Reply by Adrian Tritschler on -
Covered pretty extensively in the BV forums. http://www.bv.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13821
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Permalink Reply by Alex 4.0 on -
Can we presume the authors considered driver behaviour (bottling cyclists, road rage, drink driving, 'text driving', driving while distracted) a lost cause, with their call for more separate cycling facilities? The Hun (can't find the article) spun the report along a 'cyclists continue to pursue dangerous hobby' or words to that effect - can't find a link, sorry :\
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Permalink Reply by Amy on -
Cycle commuting has made me hateful I think. I understand many drivers aren't used to driving with cyclists, but driver behaviour really needs to change.
After getting hit by a car today- a hit and run (and a few near misses previously) I am considering giving up cycling and just driving. I'm mostly physically fine, my bike is fine, I am just mentally drained and at a loss. People suck.
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Permalink Reply by AlexZ on -
Sorry to hear it Amy, it is incredibly depressing at times, particularly some of the aggro out there.. Glad to here that you are mostly fine, hope the not-fine bits get better quick, and just remember that the whole world isn't out to get you....
Only some people suck..... ;D
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Permalink Reply by ChrisS on
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Pity to read what happened to you Amy, but please don't stop commuting yet! I've been through quite a few bingles and more than my fair share of shouty matches. These days I prefer to remain calm and don't buy into someones elses drama. Yes that's harder than it sounds, but keeping a Zen-like countenance works although it takes time to develop whilst riding.
As a suggestion, consider going for a pleasant quiet ride during the Easter break. Pick relatively quiet side streets to a great destination like a park, cafe or local event to re-charge your metaphysical batteries so to speak. With your commute, how about considering an alternative route if possible?
Take care and have fun. ;)
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Permalink Reply by weg on -
Sorry to hear they got you Amy. But I know where you're coming from. I wouldn't have worried too much a while ago, but I'm tired of the constant incidents/careless/aggressive driving, the lack of support from senior government and police figures, their spin and refusal to fund driver awareness, the use of flawed research to endorse personal prejudices and justify targeting cyclists based on one pedestrian fatality (rather than all the cyclist fatalities/injuries), the damage that cars inflict and the public money spent supporting them, and the apparent acceptance of the status quo by our advocates. Hope you're OK, and you get some time off over Easter to recharge.
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Permalink Reply by Amy on
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Thanks for the replies and kind comments AlexZ, ChrisS and weg. I think what was most infuriating was that no one in the cars around me (stopped at the traffic lights) seemed to care. A pedestrian helped me though, and although I was upset and shaken, I managed to get their number plate and finish my short ride home. I went to the police station to lodge a report, but the officer didn't seem to care either and pretty much said there was nothing I could do since I wasn't really hurt and my bike was ok. I'm going back there today with a clearer mind.
I'll probably keep riding, considering my route is the shortest and safest to get to uni (back streets, pedestrian crossings). I'm considering (finally) joining a riding group, and this forum is great to get insights, tips and awareness.
Funny thing was, it was a full moon last night - definitely made people crazier, as some strange stuff was happening to friends of mine as well... Nutters out there...
Take care everyone and have a safe Easter!
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Permalink Reply by weg on
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Well done for pressing it with the cops. If these things don't appear in police statistics, they didn't happen. I generally find the local police good, and willing to call the driver to explain the rules. And it then goes on the record that there's been a problem with that driver already, which may help the next victim. If you find any damage to the bike or you of course, they're in more trouble. Good luck.
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