I watched it all happen before my eyes – the swerve and near-miss, the cries of anguish, the swearing and fist-shaking. But what I witnessed was not road-rage of motorists on Northbourne Avenue – instead, the arena of conflict was the shared path outside Commonwealth Place; the gladiators: a pedestrian and a cyclist.
Both believed they had primary rights to the shared path, and such a clash is not a rare occurrence – so what are the common provocations to rage, what are the laws and how can peace be restored to the thin white line? Everyone should be able to enjoy Canberra’s network of shared paths that are the envy of cities around Australia.
Canberra cycling and pedestrian statistics
Canberra has over 300 kilometres of shared paths, that is, concrete with a white streak down the middle. The lovely autumn weather is ideal for physical activity and yet heart rates rise in anger – people are yelling, swerving, swearing and fuming. So who are these pedestrian and pedalling path warriors?
Pedestrian’s Perspective
The Sustainable Transport Plan (STP – April 2004) listed targets of 6% of people commuting to work by walking by 2011. Apart from walk-to-workers, there are joggers zoned out with iPods, groups of gals on a power walk, parents with small children, dogwalkers, and tourist sightseers. From their own perspective, pedestrians want to get from A to B and/or enjoy the sights at a pace that suits them.
However, the point of view from cyclists may be different – having to swerve to avoid groups that take up both lanes of the path; ring bells and shout warnings that go unheard by ear-plugged or gossiping walkers; slam on brakes for unpredictable children and dogs, and slow down for camera-blinded tourists walking in the northern hemisphere lane.
Cyclist’s Side
There are different types of cyclists, ranging in skill from Lance Armstrong fitness freaks on whizzing bikes, to meandering folks wearing thongs whose rusted steed has threadbare deflated tyres. A study released in 2000 listed that over 40 per cent of Canberrans – 110 000 – cycle at least once a fortnight (Kaine, 2000 Canberra Bicycle). The cyclists want to get from A to B using paths the most efficient way, which means not slowing down, nor having to swerve and fall off at high speed.
But pedestrians see this efficient riding as offensive – scaring them by zooming out behind from nowhere, cutting too close, antagonising dogs and making children cry as if they’d been chased by baddies in a Mad Max film.
These different perspectives from pedestrians and cyclists inevitably cause as much heat as hastily applied brakes, but peace is achievable by following the law and by showing common courtesy.
Canberra bike laws
When each group feel they are entitled to use the path how they want, who is right?
The law is clear, but the average Canberran may not be aware of the Territory and Municipal Services website (2006), which states the “The use of shared paths is restricted to non-motorised transport (with the exception of motorised wheelchairs and power assisted pedal cycles). Both pedestrians and cyclists must share the use of these paths.”
The website also give hints about how both parties can feel safe and have a good time when using shared paths, by showing common courtesy to each other.
Sharing is caring – how to be considerate on shared paths
Cyclists:
• Warn of your approach eg yelling out “Bike” or “on your right” or ring a bell.
• When passing, slow down, leave plenty of room
• Do not splash up puddles and sticks
• Be patient and don’t lose your temper
• If out at night, set front lights to medium to be seen but not to blind others
Pedestrians:
• Look before crossing any path
• Keep dogs and children near
• Keep to the left of the path – if walking in a group, walk in lines of two
• Keep arms near body
• If you hear a bell or warning, keep to your original line
• Have a general state of awareness – turn down the iPod
• If you’re out at night, wear a reflector
Imagine again, the scene of Commonwealth Place where the rage between the tribes of pedestrians and cyclists mellows out to the softness and harmony of autumn sunlight. With awareness of the shared path laws and respect for others, cyclists and pedestrians can both enjoy Canberra’s shared paths.
