In a bid to stop thousands of hospitalisations, one Riverina organisation is calling for a 'bright solution' to keep everyone safe on public roads.
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The Oura branch will motion for the NSW-wide organisation to lobby the Federal Minister for Transport and Roads to make it compulsory for walkers and riders to wear a reflective vest when using public roads at the upcoming Riverina Country Women's Association's annual general meeting.
Ann Adams, vice-president of the Oura branch, said the motion was initially raised in 2008 and met with overwhelming support, but nothing has been done since then.
In the 12 months to June 2020, 48 cyclists died on Australian roads, compared to 34 deaths in the previous corresponding period a report from The Australian Automobile Association Benchmarking Road Safety Report revealed.
Ms Adams said it was not only the number of deaths that was concerning but how many people are hospitalised with injuries.
"The majority of them are men who are aged between 45 to 64," she said. "It is a huge concern for me."
A report released by Transport for NSW in March detailed how the state government would commit to encouraging residents to walk and cycle to work as a way to relieve pressure on roads and engage in a healthy lifestyle.
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Ms Adams said this was the perfect time to introduce the rule.
"The majority of accidents occur in the 60 to 70 km/hr zone and around 5pm," she added.
"Everyone seems to ride a black bike, wearing black outfits.
"Just spending $15 on a vest can save so many people from severe injury and even death."
A second motion to be put forward will that CWA NSW should lobby the Federal Minister of Transport and Roads to set up an advertising campaign on the merits of wearing reflective clothing when walking, jogging or riding bicycles and motorbikes on public roads.
Former highway patrol officer Paul Dawson said he was supportive of any measures that put safety first on the road.
He added it was crucial for anyone on public roads, especially at night, to wear bright clothing or have lights on their pushbike or motorbike.
"Drivers however also need to make sure they are constantly on the lookout for anyone on the road," Mr Dawson said.
"It is a shared space, and both parties have to take responsibility.
"As a motorcycle rider myself, I make sure that I have lights on and I pay attention to what the cars around me are doing."
Another motion to be put forward at the AGM on Wednesday is that the policy of the CWA of NSW shall be to lobby the state government to provide funding for rural and remote local health districts which service a high burden of travelling Grey Nomads.
The 94th Annual Riverina Group Conference and AGM of the CWA of NSW will be held on the October 14 in Coolamon.