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THIRTY-six signs warning motorists of potential cyclists in the area will be installed across Orange in a move the cycling community says could save lives. After initial hesitation, the City of Orange Traffic Committee approved them at councillors’ insistence. The signs will be positioned along the main cycling routes, including the airport route along Forest and Cadia roads, winery routes along Cargo and Racecourse roads, and the Northern Distributor Road. Steve Peterson, who survived a collision with a car in March and is now a quadriplegic, said one life saved would make the investment worth the effort. “Considering on a lot of those roads the speed is quite high, if an accident happens, they’re quite serious,” he said. MAP: Where the signs will be installed ... “Around town, perhaps they’re more wary of cars coming out of driveways and pedestrians, whereas if they’re on Cadia Road, they’re probably thinking there’s going to be less potential dangers.” Orange Cycle Club president Matt McGrath said it would create more awareness. “We have kangaroo signs, we have duck signs – it’s something to be a bit more vigilant about,” he said. “I think everyone, including cyclists, need to be mindful that we’re all part of the community and at the end of the day, no one wants to do anything that’s going to put anyone in harm’s way.” The proposal originated from Orange Treadlies, but the traffic committee voted it down. Councillors insisted in March the issue be revisited, but the committee deferred it in August, concerned the signage might create an insurance issue for the council. A report to the committee said by erecting the signs, councils would be “inviting cyclists to ride on those roads and the duty of care is raised”. “Without the signage, the cyclist has to make the decision for him/herself as to whether or not they ride on that road,” the report said. Councillor Jason Hamling was one of those agitating for the signs and said it was “about time”. “I just think it’s a no-brainer,” he said.

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