Safety fears put women off bikes

[Jakaluma]

THERE are twice as many male cyclists as female cyclists in Australia, despite increasing rates of bike use, a nationwide study has found.
The Deakin University study found, however, that in Denmark, the Netherlands and Japan, there is no gender difference — a fact attributed to the higher standards of bike paths and other cycling facilities in these countries.
The study's author, Jan Garrard, said the international findings challenged the assumption that cycling was a male-dominated activity, and said the lower rates for women in Australia were due it part to safety concerns when riding.
"In Australia there are still a number of barriers to making cycling an appealing mode of transport for many people," Dr Garrard said.
Improvements to bike paths, traffic calming and greater enforcement of road rules would encourage more women to ride. The study also found women were victims of intimidation by motorists, and some felt uncomfortable about wearing cycling clothing.
One female cyclist said she had been harassed by men most days while riding. "So now I ride in really daggy clothing and I find it makes a really big difference," she said.

Read more:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/nation...321865995.html

[emd]

Great to see the safety issues being acknowledged. I'm not sure whether it's OK for me to ride a bike (with baby/toddler in bike seat) on the footpath when there's no bike path, but the road is just too dangerous. And it's getting worse in the ACT, more mums are driving their kids to school now that lots of local primary schools have been closed.

[Jakaluma]

Not sure of other states, but in Victoria you can ride on a footpath if you have a babyseat, or if you're accompanying a child under 12, and children can ride on footpaths until they're 12.

Riding bikes to school is a two pronged attack - you're taking cars off the road, and you're getting much needed exercise (both parents and children). Less cars, safer to ride. More bikes, drivers more aware of bikes. More exercise, less of the many health problems associated with overweight adults and even more important children.

[GreenGully]

In QLD you can ride on the footpath anytime, as long as you give way to pedestrians.

[Jakaluma]

Oh cool, I'd wondered about that.

[ashleyecarr]

Is it safe to wear baby in a backpack while riding??

[Jakaluma]

I wouldn't think so - you're not upright riding, so too easy to fall out the top. Also, not as stable if there is a crash, and higher to fall from. Also possibility of getting squashed by adult higher.

The baby seats are about $60 I think - you can get back or front ones. We bought one new for about $50 (7 years ago) and one at a garage sale for about $15 - both now passed on after 6 years of use, they took DS2 until he was 5 (about 18kg).

[GreenGully]

The better baby seats are around 180 but I got mine for 50 at target.

[Rinelle]

Originally Posted by Gullygirl

In QLD you can ride on the footpath anytime, as long as you give way to pedestrians.

You can? I was under the impression it was illegal? That is what has always put me off riding a bike, there is no way I would feel comfortable riding on the road, and I didn't think you were allowed to ride on the footpath.

[GreenGully]

Nup totally legal.