Smart signs aim to keep cyclists alive

The City of Busselton has received $193,954 in Federal Government funding to invest in innovative road technology to prevent incidents between vehicles and cyclists on our roads.

The funding will be spread over three years and used to invest in a project titled “Share the Regional Road”.

The LED flashing signs are triggered by passing cyclists and activated by cars and motorbikes that pass over the sensors warning motorists there are cyclists ahead.

The signs then go into standby mode until a cyclist reaches the next sign.

The project will be accompanied by a community education component to raise awareness of two road safety messages these being “share the road” and “minimum passing distance”.

The International Transport Forum 2018 roundtable report recommended cycling safety be studied, to contribute to a reduction in road trauma and near-miss events.

City of Busselton acting chief executive Oliver Darby said the project would support both cyclists and motorists.

“It will research the most effective way to activate driver awareness of cyclists,” he said.

“The aim is to increase cyclists’ confidence while on the road with vehicles. The project will obtain qualitative data and share the results with interested stakeholders.”

City consultation with local cycling clubs and the broader community verified an RAC survey finding 43 per cent of cyclists identified a “fear of sharing the road with vehicles” as the reason for not cycling more often.

“Six popular cycling routes will be considered, however, before a decision is made, each will be subject to a road safety audit to determine visibility and safety issues,” Mr Darby said.

The funding comes as part of the Federal Government’s Road Safety Innovation Fund aimed at reducing road fatalities.