Road safety paramount for riders

A contingent of over 150 members of Perth Over 55 Cycling Club have visited Busselton for their annual holiday camp, joining forces with Geographe Cycle Club urging motorists to abide by road rules.

Laws give cyclists 1m of space in a 60km/h speed zone, while over 60km/h, motorists are required to provide 1.5m.

Perth Over 55 Cycle Club president Nev Taylor said the aim of the club was to “have fun gain fitness and develop friendships”.

“We respect the car drivers and they give us a good bit of room — it’s only when people are in a rush or already having a bad day when issues arise,” he said.

“Usually drivers are pretty good, but when there is a lot of cyclists on the road you have to be careful.”

Geographe Cycle Club secretary Robert Hangston said Busselton motorists had a good relationship with their cycling counterparts.

“You give each other a wave and thumbs-up, developing a camaraderie and respect for one another,” Mr Taylor said.

The Perth club has a remarkable 28 members over 80 and 400 altogether, while the Geographe Bay club has about 130 members over 50.

The two clubs joined forces for a 50km cycle on Monday, riding to Port Geographe, then on Tuesday they had a 50km ride around Capel and a 100km ride to Cowaramup and back on Wednesday.

“People are active and healthy, which reflects in less time spent with doctors and in hospitals,” Mr Hangston said.