Cyclist calls for road safety improvements needed after spike in injuries in Melbourne
A nurse horrifically injured in a CBD smash is calling for urgent road safety improvements, as data reveals a shocking spike in serious cyclist injuries across Melbourne.
Melbourne City
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A cyclist injured in a horrific CBD smash that left him with three titanium plates in his face says the government must urgently improve cyclist safety.
Jan Leman was riding home on May 15 after a nursing shift when he tried to cross busy Lygon St.
A driver coming from the opposite direction failed to give way, knocking the 28-year-old to the ground and leaving him with severe facial fractures and smashed teeth.
Months later he has three titanium plates in his face, held in place with 13 screws, and still suffers badly from pain and headaches.
Mr Leman said he said something needs to be done about cyclist safety on busy roads.
“We need more bike lanes – there (are) no bike lane on Princes St, so many people ride on the footpath instead because the road is so dangerous,” he said.
“Drivers need to be wary of cyclists and I think better signage to warn drivers about cyclists and pedestrians – especially at intersections like this – could improve things.”
The call comes as shocking data reveals a sharp increase in serious rider injuries across metropolitan Melbourne over the past five years.
Last year, 11 cyclists died in crashes on Victorian roads and 409 riders were hospitalised – up from 390 2018, 357 in 2017 and 310 in 2016, according to TAC data.
In Melbourne’s CBD, 76 cyclist were seriously injured last year, also a sharp increase from the previous year where 69 riders were hospitalised.
A new Victorian road rule is expected to come into effect next year meaning cars must stay one metre away from cyclists when travelling below 60km/h.
Slater and Gordon motor vehicle accident lawyer Micaela Dalli said cyclists should know their rights.
“Many cyclists don’t know that they have access to entitlements such as loss of wages or that the TAC can cover their reasonable medical costs,” she said.
“It’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you’ve been injured on your bike, to understand what your options are and to receive your maximum entitlements.
“Drivers need to be aware of cyclists on our roads, especially now that we are seeing more people cycling for fitness and as an alternative to driving coming into warmer weather.”
Cyclists involved in an accident can access physical therapy and other forms of care through the TAC recovery scheme.
The entitlements are not limited to severe accidents but include riders who have been hit by an open car door, collide with a motorcycle, stationary car or public transport vehicle.
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Contact Grace at grace.mckinnon@news.com.au