Operation Safe Cycling launched ahead of the Santos Tour Down Under

Police have launched Operation Safe Cycling ahead of the Santos Tour Down Under on Jan. 15. The campaign aims to ensure the safety of cyclists, especially those of participants, until the event concludes on Jan. 22. SA Police mull on the need to prioritise proper care and attitude among road users.

Superintendent Anthony Fioravanti, the officer-in-charge of Traffic Support, explained that safety of cyclists is important as they are among the most vulnerable road users due to their size, speed and proximity to motor vehicles. “Too many cyclists sustain devastating, lifelong injuries in entirely preventable crashes,” Fioravanti said.

He noted that 492 cyclists were involved in crashes on SA roads last year. Five of them were killed and 50 were seriously injured. The superintendent believes that motorists, especially cyclists, need exercise greater care and attention. Cyclists that ride without helmet, or ride at night without appropriate lights are sure to have an encounter with the police.

Fioravanti said that all road users should show respect for each other when sharing the road, explaining that road safety is a shared responsibility. He said that cyclists have a pivotal role to play in preventing trauma on South Australian roads.

“Police will pay special attention to popular cycling locations along the coastline from Outer Harbour to Seacliff, and will be enforcing compliance with the road rules,” Fioravanti said. “We are also targeting cyclists who disobey road control devices, including traffic lights, and those cyclists causing a hazard by riding more than two abreast in large groups,” he added.

Santos Tour Down Under is expected to be joined by more cyclists this year. The international event will run for seven days. It is the first event on the UCI World Tour road cycling calendar and takes place annually.