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The campaign, which was intended to raise awareness that motorized road users should keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists, was “a complete success” for Gerhard Fischer, chairman of the Upper Austrian cycling lobby. It has been possible to show how many cyclists are already using the route via Treffling to Linz, but that an awareness campaign is also needed as soon as possible. “Many road users lack respect for cyclists and their safety, even driving too close to children cycling,” said Fischer in the OÖN interview.
With the “Distance makes sure” campaign, which will also be repeated this week on the Linzerberg in Gallneukirchen, in Alturfahr and near the Pichlingersee, the bike lobby wants to make the lack of bike paths visible.
“We are the enemy,” says Fischer, summing up what he believes to be the mood that motorists have towards cyclists. But you don’t want to be that, which is why you attached particular importance to not causing traffic jams during the “distance campaign”. “Cyclists should only ride in small groups one behind the other, while drivers should change lanes when overtaking to ensure appropriate safety on the road,” said the cycling lobby chairman. The distance meter on the bike provided the relevant evidence for the actual behavior.
At the bike networking meeting next week, Fischer wants to present the campaign “Distance makes sure” and encourage communities across the country to follow suit with appropriate “exits” to the lack of safety for cyclists on the road.
Source: Nachrichten
