The Victorian Government has recently launched a new road safety campaign aiming to improve relations between cyclists and motorists. No doubt spurred on by the recent Shane Warne incident the program concentrates on findings that show we are ruder on the road than in other aspects of our lives.

Minister for Roads Terry Mulder said, “We know many bike riders feel that drivers resent their presence on the roads, and many drivers are unaware of the challenges faced by bike riders, or even realise they are there.

“Eighty-eight per cent of drivers and bike riders agree there needs to be greater mutual respect between road users.”

Our own anecdotal evidence shows that it doesn’t take much for a cyclist v motorist debate to flare up, either on the road or in any daily discussion.

An increase in the popularity of cycling in recent years, for recreational and commuting purposes, means motorists would be wise to be more aware of their obligations and, perhaps just as importantly, simple courtesies.

Mr Mulder explains an improvement in cyclist–motorist relations requires a two-way approach, “It is important that drivers and bike riders take shared responsibility for staying safe on Victoria’s roads. Even though the majority of bike riders know the road rules, according to the research there is a minority who continue to flout the law.

“While most bike riders ride to minimise risk, some see risk taking as acceptable, and may be prepared to break road rules if they think it is safe and they will get to their destination faster.”

That can often be a trigger for motorists to claim the moral high ground. In reality it doesn’t matter who is in the right if an accident occurs; basic physics tells us the motorist is likely to ‘win’ such an impact. But at what cost?

As always your approach to road use, either in your car or on your bike, requires an appropriate attitude and a healthy respect for all other road users.

For more information check out the Road User or Abuser program on Facebook.