| Mordialloc Roundabout uses world-leading bike safety technology |
| Friday, 01 February 2013 17:21 |
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Mordialloc MP Lorraine Wreford joined Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder today to switch on new trial signage technology at the intersection of Nepean Highway and McDonald Street, Mordialloc which aims to improve the safety of cyclists. Ms Wreford said the upgrade was important because it would reduce the risk of further accidents. “This roundabout has seen some terrible collisions between cars and bikes. We needed an innovative approach to reduce the risk of future accidents,” Ms Wreford said. “It is believed that this is the first time this technology has been used in Victoria and Australia. Minister Mulder said the upgrade would improve safety. “A key element of the $310,000 trial works includes the installation of special detector loops, which are expected to improve safety for cyclists at the busy intersection,” Mr Mulder said. “The new loops have the ability to differentiate between cars and cyclists in a shared traffic lane and this technology has been successfully used overseas. “The loops are linked to a flashing warning sign facing McDonald Street traffic which is activated by cyclists on the Nepean Highway. “The new bike detection and cyclist activated warning signage is expected to increase driver awareness of cyclists as they exit McDonald Street.” In the five year period from January 2005 and December 2009 there were nine casualty crashes at this intersection, four of these involved vehicles exiting McDonald Street, failing to give way and colliding with southbound cyclists on Nepean Highway. The works have been funded through the Safer Roads Infrastructure Program (SRIP) which targets roads identified as needing safety improvements. The funding, provided by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), is part of a 10-year commitment of $650 million. “Improving road infrastructure is just one of the many ways that we can contribute to lowering the road toll and reducing serious injury crashes,” Mulder said. ---- Click to see the story on Channel 9:  ----  Minister Mulder unveils the sign with Mordialloc MP Lorraine Wreford and VicRoads staff  Minister Mulder, Mordialloc MP Lorraine Wreford, John Cain (who was injured in an accident at the roundabout) and Keith Leonard  The press interview |
