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RELATED: Signs solve bike dilemma | Editorial ALBURY’s green cycling lanes have not been making roads safer for riders because too many motorists haven’t been educated about what they mean. Smollett Street is said to be of most concern with cars blocking the cycle path by parking in the lane. Bicycles are involved in 8.6 per cent of crashes in Albury, well above the NSW average of 5.6 per cent. Chris Pidd carts his son Oliver, 3, in a carriage behind his bike on the Smollett Street lane at least once a week and uses it himself “almost every day”. “I have seen people park on the lane which means I can’t get through,” he said. “I have to go into the traffic and then get back in. “It’s not a daily issue but it does happen about once a month.” The Smollett Street lanes were part of a $450,000 project by the federal government and the Albury and Wodonga councils to provide bike trails. Albury’s road safety officer Lauren Musil said the council had erected temporary signs in a bid to educate drivers. “The signs will be up for a week and we will look at some survey data pre-education, while the education is happening,” she said. “Post-education, we will see if the signs have made any difference. “We want to promote the green cycle lane and make motorists aware they need to be parking in their bays — not hard up against the kerb. “It’s actually illegal to park over the green cycle lanes and it can attract a fine of up to $242.” Regular riders in the green lanes, which have been operating for about a year, have welcomed the signs. Mr Pidd said he hoped the council’s education efforts would be ongoing. “People are still not used to the green lane and how to park next to it,” he said. “What’s important is the council is providing some education and helping people understand how the lane is actually used for cyclists and how to park next to it. “Already today I think the signs have made a difference — everyone along the road has parked correctly, which is great.” Other issues for motorists to be aware of include telling passengers to look before they open the car door and giving cyclists at least a metre of space when passing them.

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