LOSING his driver’s licence has made real estate agent John Fagan realise that riding a bicycle on the Eleven Mile Drive is risky business.
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Mr Fagan, who lives on the busy back road that connects Eglinton with Kelso, is learning first-hand that pedal power has the potential for tragedy.
He wants to issue a public challenge to the city’s elected representatives on council to jump on a bike and see just how dangerous it can be.
A principal at Raine and Horne Real Estate, Mr Fagan is adamant it’s only a matter of time before a motorist collects a cyclist.
“I have no doubts that someone is going to be killed or seriously injured ... sooner than later,” he said.
“I have to praise our council for putting $5 million into the bike park on the Vale Road, but they need to do something about Eleven Mile Drive.
“I’ve had a number of near misses and it’s scary.
“People are being encouraged to lead an active lifestyle and Eleven Mile Drive is one of the hot spots if you like to go for a ride. It leads out to the Duramana Road which is also a popular route.
“For starters, a decent-sized verge needs to be put in like they have done on the Vale Road leading out to the bike park.
“And there’s at least six nasty potholes that you have to dodge, with the worst ones near the turf club. That means you have to go around them into the middle of the road, and the car behind you has to hit the brakes and avoid you.
“It should also be noted that the developments on either end of Eleven Mile Drive are putting pressure on this very much of a country road.
“Council would be taking contributions from developers on each block of land and I believe a greater share of that money should be spent on this upgrade in order to save a life or someone from being seriously injured.”
Mr Fagan said riding bikes can be a family activity that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle for residents at Eglinton and Kelso.
“But, the way things are on Eleven Mile Drive you wouldn’t even consider it,” he said.
“There’s walking and cycleways, but they stop at Rankens Bridge at Eglinton. It is surely worth considering extending them to go through Eglinton, along Eleven Mile Drive to the turf club and back into Hereford Street. That would allow the average Joe Blow people to go for a decent and safe ride.
“Fixing up the road would also give Bathurst a great asset to our community for many generations to come.”
Mr Fagan said his neighbour, who also lives on Eleven Mile Drive, won’t ride his bike on the road any more because he’s also too scared.