SYDNEY drivers are more hostile towards cyclists than motorists of any other country, says a world authority on transport.Christian Wolmar, a Briton who was invited by the State Government to promote bicycle use in NSW, said Sydney’s cycling infrastructure is 10 years behind that of London.
“And believe me, London is by no means at the forefront of cycling,” Mr Wolmar told the Herald. “You have to be much more careful here than in London because the drivers here are so much more hostile.”
Mr Wolmar’s comments come a day after the Herald showed commuting by bike could be faster than bus, train or car.
The traffic commentator, who has written extensively on transport planning, serves as a consultant and is a member of the board of Cycling England, mocked the NSW Treasurer, Michael Costa, whose passions are notoriously inflamed by the sight of lycra-clad bike riders.
“Apparently, he is quite hostile to cyclists but I can’t understand how anyone, in this day and age, can be like that, particularly with petrol prices going up,” he said. “People like him are backward in their thinking.”
He said Sydney drivers “are much more likely to hoot at you”.
“I think you need a serious education campaign, it’s a matter of creating a culture where it’s acceptable to cycle,” he said.
“Once you start putting in the infrastructure like bike lanes and signs, and give cyclists priority, then drivers will accept them.”
Do you live in Sydney, or have you every ridden a bicycle there? What do you think? Is Sydney a hostile place for a cyclist?
And if you’re not from Sydney, what about where you live? How well are you treated as a cyclist on the roadways?
