It appears many residents across Australia and the Hunter have given up cycling due to safety concerns.
The Medical Journal of Australia today released the results of a recent study, showing a doubling of hospitalised major trauma for cyclists in the last nine years.
The data is even more shocking when you note there has been a decrease in the level of bike riders over that same period.
So why has there been an increase in accidents when the number of riders has dropped? The Australian Cycling Promotion Foundation is blaming the lack of infrastructure for cyclists.
Australia doesn't have separate bike paths and lanes like other countries, forcing many riders to either ride on the busy footpaths and roads or not ride at all.
Stephen Hodge of the Cycling Foundation is calling on the government to act now and make cycling safer and more viable for casual bike riders.
"The government should focus on getting people out of their cars and onto their bikes, but the infrastructure needs to improve before that can happen", he said.
"The development of safe and well-connected bike lanes along with a more positive legislative attitude towards cycling is what we're calling for".
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| Source; ABC |
