Written by Mal Sawford
CCCC has consistently strongly recommended that our members, and indeed all cyclists, give the ‘Hell Ride' a wide berth (see http://www.carnegiecycling.com.au/?c=Training). Unfortunately it seems that a small but vocal minority of Melbournians are unable to separate the actions of a small number of rogue cyclists from those of the majority of law abiding riders.
Today's article ‘Fatal cyclist selling bike' in the Herald Sun, which reveals that the rider (who has never been a member of CCCC nor participated in any CCCC events) found guilty of running the red light that saw him hit and kill a pedestrian advertised a bike for sale on the classified pages of this website. The article led to an anonymous, abusive phone call to my wife, who has no link to CCCC other than the misfortune of being married to me.
Members of the CCCC/SHM Elite team are expressly forbidden from participating in the ‘Hell Ride'. We do not have the authority to ban ordinary members from joining in, but in addition to the standing recommendation to stay clear, we ask you to consider the following:
The continuing mainstream media focus on this particular bunch ride (including the Herald Sun, 3AW and MMM's The Spoonman) has seen a growing number of calls by motorists for ‘vigilante' action by motorists. Aside from the existing obvious dangers to riders, motorists and pedestrians from unsanctioned and informal races on the open road, vigilante action could easily result in further tragedies.
Riders on all group rides must ride in a safe and legal manner at all times. Every rider in a bunch ride must assume personal responsibility for compliance with the road rules. If you are after ‘race style efforts' then why not go the extra step, join CCCC or one of the other clubs around Melbourne and participate in sanctioned, legal on-road racing which is offered all year round, for riders of every level of fitness and experience?
CCCC will continue to support any measures to ensure all road users are treated equally under the law – in terms of both rights and responsibilities.
Please feel free to discuss any aspect of this with me personally.
Mal Sawford
President, CCCC
0409 541 136
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