
Live, Drive, Ride like a local features the stories of eleven local leaders from the Alpine Region, who share their fears and their solutions for greater harmony on the road.
Based on research evidence, this awareness raising campaign seeks to re-humanise cyclists, a particularly vulnerable and sometimes marginalised group of road users.
By pointing out the importance of a wave or a nod hello to let other road users know you’ve seen them, Live, Drive, Ride like a local centres on the need for acknowledgement and visibility not only on the road, but also in the community.
Take the pledge to take a little extra care on the roads and keep each other safe.
“I pledge to see cyclists as human. All it takes is a wave and to say g’day, it can make a real difference.”
Fiona
Fiona is a champion cyclocross rider. Riding at altitude in the Alpine region gives her a training edge against the world’s best riders.
“When riding I give drivers a quick wave before they pass me. What I often notice is that they give me just that little bit more room simply because they realise I’m human too.”
Daniel
In February 2005, he was involved in a catastrophic crash with a driver that ended Daniel’s elite sporting career and almost ended his life.
“When I ride, I feel free. When I’m in my car, I make sure I wave to every rider. Just to say g’day. You’re never too pro to wave.”
Phil
Pharmacist, Bright
Phil is the pharmacist in Mt Beauty. He drives and sometimes rides over Tawonga Gap. Cycling helps keep him healthy so he can help members of the community stay healthy too.
“It comes down to greater awareness, greater visibility. Not just on the road but also in the community and acknowledging that many people are cyclists.”
Helen
“I’m a better person and a better mother when I can go out and cycle.
“I have many conversations with my kids about cycling on the roads. But I tell my kids I certainly don’t go out to get killed while I’m cycling.”
Sam and Cooper
“I think we can all share the road together. It would be so much safer if everyone appreciates what other people are doing.” Cooper, 13 years
“I reckon we can all share the road. Trucks, cars, buses, cyclists – everyone can share the road.” Sam, 14 years
Doug
Wandiligong
Dr Doug is an emergency doctor at the Wangaratta Hospital and drives the two hour round trip from Wandi for every shift.
“I joke the busier the week at work, the more I need to ride. But it really is true. You can easily give me a metre or more and it doesn’t slow you down any and it makes me feel much safer.”
Megan
Wandiligong
Megan is a child psychologist and treats children and parents from across the Alpine region.
“With COVID-19, some families are finding it tougher than usual. Being able to get on my bike for a hard ride with the bunch or to catch up with friends or to just to get places with my kids is a great way to switch off from work.”
Mark
Bank Manager, Bright
“Like a lot of my mates, I like the footy, the cricket, going for a beer and having a barbeque. It’s just that I choose to ride a bike every now and then. I want drivers to see me as a person and all it takes is a wave from us riders. It can make a real difference.”
David
“We love the freedom of the Alpine Shire. Getting out on the bike gives me a completely different appreciation of the area. The climbs are tough but the view is always worth the effort.”
Nick
Mt Beauty
He loves living and working in the close community in the Alpine region. Nick rides for fitness, fun and to get around.
“You may just give someone a wave and I think that’s valuable for the cyclist and the driver to acknowledge that you’ve seen each other.”
Tell others to take the pledge!
Live, Drive, Ride like a local campaign development was led by Monash University and RMIT University with expertise in sociology, law and design, in collaboration with the Alpine Shire Council. This project demonstrates the power and potential of interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to road safety to produce true and human messages and perspectives for the community.