This is probably a bit like preaching to the choir in the sports pages, but constant vitriol and plain lack of manners levelled at cyclists is a stubborn stain we are struggling to remove from our region.

We are not alone in a long-standing issue but we should be better. We are billed as the Australian home of road cycling and yet there are undertones of us behaving like anything but. Enough to be a major concern.

The Courier ran a major feature last weekend highlighting the bigger picture for a new one-metre passing rule on Victorian roads the government is introducing this year. We spoke to cyclists of varying background, strong cycling safety advocates and academics.

Their overwhelming response was for a greater need for awareness on how to share the roads - to be better motorists and better cyclists.

SAFE MARGIN

At the same time, public response on The Courier's social media showed a barrage of people with outdated diatribe. On the roads there still exists the verbal attacks and physical intimidation our cyclists continue to report.

The reality is 14 cyclists were killed on Victorian roads last year, TAC data shows. That demands respect and action.

To be clear, this is not an issue for which we need to take sides. As Saxons cyclist Brian Harrison says, we all need to take responsibility, show patience and obey road rules - and this includes cyclists.

This is an issue with deadly and life-changing consequences on our roads.

We present these stories to raise awareness for how to share, to open discussion on how we can do this better as a region and to better understand the issues we are facing.

There is no doubt cycling is booming in this city. Cycling shops across Ballarat continue to report unprecedented demand for repair services and new bikes. This trend started in the first lockdown and has not let up with people of all ages and abilities wanting to get pedalling or keep pedalling for recreation and as a means of transport.

E-bikes are fast becoming a popular alternative for commuting about town without really breaking a sweat.

This creates a whole lot more people cycling in our community and on our roads.

Ballarat-Sebastopol Cycling Club has been strong in promoting skills sessions. Other recreational cycling groups have been helping prepare and equip newer intimidated members.

In a city where we are keen to promote active living for all ages, we need to step up and share the responsibility in safety.

This is a time in January when ordinarily we are celebrating cycling on our roads with the AusCycling Road National Championships. Postponed to February, we will once more have cyclists to inspire and motivate.

This is a major event our city should never take for granted. A big part of that is building on the proud cycling reputation we as a community have created - and not just when the champs roll into town.

Our infrastructure might take a while to catch up - and no, not just in bike lanes for Sturt Street - but we can adjust our attitudes now.

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