The issue is road users of all types not paying attention to what is around them . The cost of upgrading and introducing cycling related infrastructure should be used to increase education and monitoring of road users.
Ah, cycling. The noble sport of two-wheeled transportation that has somehow become a battlefield between cyclists, drivers, and the occasional confused pedestrian. If you’ve ever found yourself navigating through the labyrinthine roads of Melbourne’s outer suburbs, you might relate to the plight of our Reddit friend, who goes by the not-so-cryptic username /u/voidspace021. Let’s dive into the absurdity of cycling laws and the lackluster infrastructure that leaves many of us in a head-scratching situation.
So, picture this: you’re living in a car-dependent outer suburban area, where public transport is about as reliable as a weather forecast in Melbourne. Buses are a distant memory, and the only thing standing between you and your daily commute is a 3km stretch of road that could be described as, let’s say, less than ideal for cycling. You have two choices: brave the bustling highway with cars zooming by at 60 km/h, or take your chances on the footpath, where you risk being the next star of a police chase.
Let’s break it down.
Option A: The Road of Doom
Riding on the road is like playing a game of chicken with a bunch of angry drivers. You’re on your trusty e-scooter, moving at a leisurely 20 km/h, while cars are whizzing past you at a speed that could only be described as ‘faster than your average speeding ticket.’ Sure, you’re trying to keep as far left as possible to let the frustrated drivers overtake, but let’s be honest: you’re still holding up traffic like a stubborn traffic light that refuses to change.
And what do you get in return for your bravery? Honks, shouts, and possibly the occasional hand gesture that we won’t describe here for the sake of decency. It’s almost as if some drivers have mistaken you for a traffic cone that’s just taking its sweet time to move out of the way.
Option B: The Footpath Fiasco
Now, if you decide to take the footpath, you’re faced with the looming threat of a fine from the police. Because yes, riding on footpaths is illegal in many areas. Apparently, the government believes that the only people who should be cruising on footpaths are pedestrians who are blissfully unaware of the chaos happening just a few feet away on the road.
But let’s be real: in outer suburbs where the cycling infrastructure is non-existent, isn’t it time for a little leniency? After all, you’re not exactly trying to race in the Tour de France; you’re just trying to get to the train station without becoming a hood ornament on some overzealous driver’s car.
The Irony of It All
The irony here is thick enough to spread on toast. Many of the same drivers who are honking and yelling at cyclists for being on the road are also the ones who vehemently oppose better cycling infrastructure. It’s like they’re caught in a loop of frustration, blaming cyclists for being on the road while simultaneously protesting the very infrastructure that could make cycling more viable.
In a world where we’re trying to encourage short journeys to train stations (because, let’s face it, who wants to drive 3km?), it seems counterintuitive to have laws that don’t align with the reality of our suburban lives. The government should be throwing out the welcome mat for cyclists, not treating them like unwanted guests at a party.
The Call for Change
So, what’s the solution? It’s simple: we need better cycling infrastructure that matches our laws. If the government is serious about encouraging people to hop on their bikes or scooters for short commutes, it’s time to invest in dedicated bike lanes, safer road designs, and perhaps a little education for drivers about sharing the road.
Until then, we’ll just have to keep dodging cars and hoping for a police officer who’s had a good day and isn’t looking to ruin ours. And remember, the next time you see a cyclist on the road, maybe give them a wave instead of a honk. After all, they’re just trying to get from Point A to Point B without becoming a statistic. Happy cycling, everyone!
Inspired by: “Cycling infrastructure in some areas just doesn’t match the current laws” (r/melbourne)