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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...5E1702,00.html

THE benefits of regular bike riding outweighed the loss of life throug
cycling accidents, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) sai
today.


.....refer to more, fwd'ed message below from Transport Australia


--- In , "Magarey Paul
paul.magarey@d... wrote:
Source documents for this are found at:

Media Release from Jim Lloyd:
http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/j...er/l60_2004.ht
(pasted below)

ASTB Web page: http://www.atsb.gov.au/road/mgraph/mgraph17/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------------------------------

MEDIA RELEASE
The Hon Jim Lloyd MP
Minister for Local Government,
Territories and Roads
08 December 2004
L60/2004

MOTORISTS AND CYCLISTS MUST SHARE THE ROAD

There are around 2500 cyclists seriously injured on the public road
system each year according to a new statistical report by th
Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Cycle Safety: A Nationa
Perspective.

Releasing the report today, Minister for Local Government, Territorie
and Roads, Jim Lloyd, called for motorists and cyclists to share th
road.

"Cycling is an important form of transport and recreation for many
people in the community," Mr Lloyd said.

"It is important that motorists recognise the rights of cyclists to us
the road and be considerate."

"It is equally important for cyclists to know their responsibilities o
the road and follow the rules."

"While we shouldn't ignore the risks of cycling, we should also
recognise the significant benefits regular cycling can provide to the
community," he said.

"Cycling should be encouraged as it can provide significant
environmental and health benefits."

"The National Cycling Strategy, Australia Cycling: the National
Strategy, 1999-2004 recognises these benefits and my departmen
supports the implementation of the strategy through the Australia
Bicycle Council." Mr Lloyd said.

The ATSB report summarises some of the key cycling safety indicators.
Key findings of the report include:

* Cyclists account for around 2 per cent of road deaths and 11 per cen
of seriously injured each year.
* In 2003, cycling was the fourth most popular physical activity amon
people aged 15 years and older.
* There is considerable evidence that the overall community benefits
from cycling are likely to outweigh the loss of life through cycling
accidents.

Cycle Safety: A National Perspective can be obtained from the ATSB'
web site: www.atsb.gov.au/road/mgraph/mgraph17/index.cfm



Media Contacts
Graeme Hallett ( Minister Lloyd's Office ) 0419 688 440
--- End forwarded message --

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cfsmtb