Pedal Power says the coronavirus pandemic has seen more cyclists - and skateboarders and scooter riders - on the roads as children and adults stay home and has called for the ACT government to make changes to accommodate that including allowing residents to ask for slower speed limits on their streets.
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Pedal Power also suggests partial road closures on bridges and other locations to create a lane for walkers and cyclists. Automated call buttons at intersections would also reduce the risk of spreading the virus, it says.
The group says "it has been wonderful to see so many more people out taking the opportunity to exercise during the COVID-19 crisis by going out on walks and rides (and on scooters and skateboards)".
"However, this increase brings risks," the group said, in a statement.
"Pedal Power is increasingly receiving reports about difficulties people are having in giving enough room when passing other people and other risks of infection while out exercising
"Pedal Power is, therefore, engaging with the ACT Government and our community partners on a number of initiatives to reduce the risk to riders and walkers."
The group has called for "safe exercise streets", as parks, skateparks and playgrounds have been closed in response to the crisis.
"Some Canberra residential streets have no footpaths, and many of our suburban paths are quite narrow. This can make it difficult for families and individuals to pass each other safely," it said.
"Pedal Power is advocating for the ACT Government to establish mechanisms for residents to request slower vehicle speed limits on their streets, so people out riding and walking can exercise at a safe social distance."
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They also suggest lane closures.
"Pedal Power is advocating for partial road closures on bridges and other locations where pedestrian or cyclist bottleneck," it said.
"Making a lane available for walkers and riders will provide greater space for social distancing. Both Commonwealth Avenue bridge and Kings Avenue bridges are good examples, as are the bridges on Ginninderra Drive."
And they want to introduce a new mantra to people riding around the city's lakes -"Clockwise is COVID-wise".
"Pedal Power asking Canberrans who take their solo or family exercise around any of Canberra's lakes for recreation, to travel clockwise wherever possible," it said.
"If we all go in the same direction we will minimise collisions and ensure we can all follow the 1.5 minimum distance rule. 'Clockwise is COVID-Wise' is a simple action we can all take to reduce our risk while exercising, and the risks to our community. Please share this idea with your family and friends."
And automated call buttons at intersections could help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
"Pedal Power is advocating that the pedestrian green lights at popular major intersections be changed to automatically trigger," it said.
"This will mean that cyclists and pedestrians can cross without having to press any buttons and reduce obvious infection risk.
"Pedal Power is also asking that signage be erected at those crossings to let people know that the signs are now automatic, similar to those that are now being posted in intersections in NSW."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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