Signage can play a leading role in reducing road accidents according to Highlands cycling expert Jon Leighton.
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Leighton, who was awarded an OAM for his cycling and charity advocacy in 2018, is President of Southern Highlands Walking and Cycling Advocacy (SHWACA).
The group has long been a voice for cyclists and walkers in a region that has experienced growth in activities such as the Bowral Classic, which attracted over 3,500 riders in 2021.
Leighton, who runs Highlands e-bikes, said the Southern Highlands was ripe for an eco tourist boom but that work needed to be done to make people feel safe.
He explained the installation of cycling and walking signage was just as crucial as other road and wildlife warnings.
"The road is there for people to get from A to B whether that's for business, family or pleasure," he told the Southern Highland News.
"The modal share of bikes on roads in Europe is 80 percent, in Australia it's two percent and the reason that is is the infrastructure isn't there to make it feel like it's safe."
February will see work begin on the Old Hume Highway to broaden the road at several points and whilst helpful, Leighton said creating an awareness for road users would keep both parties safe.
"The solution isn't spending billions of dollars building bike paths everywhere," he said.
"All over Europe when you get to places like this, there is an awareness of cyclists. The key is signage.
"All over this road from Mittagong to Berrima you need signs saying 'cycling friendly route' the same way you warn for wildlife. All road users will have had subliminal messaging about cyclists and will be more aware."
SHWACAS are in the process of preparing a submission for Wingecarribee Shire Council to complement the planned work with the aforementioned signage.
Key SHWACA founder Catherine Castelain said awareness for cyclists was growing but urged people to continue pushing.
"The primary point of the upgrades is for car safety not cyclists but it is a road that's heavily used by riders," she explained.
"I think it's evolving in the right direction but there's still a bit to be done.
"Riders will be safer but it works both ways. Signs are like driving aids, it's the same thing as a sign for a sharp bend in the road."
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