| Wettenhall Calls for Further Cycle Safety Measures on Roundabouts |
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Barron River MP Steve Wettenhall has today called for improvements to roundabouts on the Captain Cook Highway north of Cairns. "Although Main Roads has made a number of changes on this section of road to make road conditions safer for cyclists, I believe more can be done" said Mr Wettenhall. Following the tragic death of a Cairns doctor last weekend at the Trinity Beach roundabout, Mr Wettenhall met with Main Roads officials to discuss what action could be taken. Mr Wettenhall said that some changes could be implemented quickly including revised lane markings, additional signage and reduced speed limits at roundabout approaches. "Ultimately, I think that the critical issue on some of the roundabouts is that there needs to be more room for cyclists. Achieving this will involve detailed analysis and design by Main Roads on the most effective and practical measures that can be taken" said Mr Wettenhall. "I will be fighting for the additional funds that Main Roads may need to carry out any major engineering changes - such as widening the roundabouts - that are recommended by Main Roads. In the meantime, Mr Wettenhall urged all motorists to look out for cyclists, particularly at roundabouts and especially when visibility is poor. "Cyclists have as much right as motorists to use our roads, including our main roads. If everyone practices awareness, courtesy and respect, the safety of cyclists can be enhanced" said Mr Wettenhall. Mr Wettenhall said that more and more people in Cairns are cycling on our roads for fitness, recreation and as a means of everyday transport. "Although road design and construction can play its part in improving safety for cyclists, it is also important that motorists respect cyclists and for cyclists to always practise safe riding techniques. As the new school year is due to start next week, Mr Wettenhall said that everyone needed to be especially conscious of school children riding to and from school. "Many of these children will have little or no experience of riding on or near busy roads so extra care is needed" Mr Wettenhall also acknowledged that consideration needed to be given to ways of improving cycle education. "As a community in which the popularity of cycling is booming, parents, schools, and government agencies need to work together to make sure children are drilled on cycle safety at a young age".
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