Victoria Police will speak to around 30,000 cyclists across the state in October as Safe Cycle Month aims to increase bike safety and reduce the number of bicycle-related collisions.

The state-wide initiative will see police speak to cyclists on everything from the importance of wearing a helmet to how to prevent bike theft.

Last year, nine cyclists were killed on Victorian roads, including two that were not wearing a helmet.

There was around 15,000 collisions involving cyclists last year, and police believe many could be prevented if awareness amongst riders and other road users was increased.

Victoria Police State Bicycle Coordinator Sergeant Arty Lavos said that with an increasing number of people choosing to use bicycles as a form of transport or recreation, it was important for everyone to be aware of the road rules.

“Bicycles have outsold cars every year for the past nine years,” he said.

“Cyclists still feel vulnerable on the roads for a number of reasons such as lack of confidence or experience or because they feel unsafe travelling near larger vehicles,” Sgt Lavos said.

“It is important that both cyclists and motorists understand the road rules so they can share the road as cooperatively as possible.

“Every year there is around 15,000 collisions involving cyclists and many of these could be prevented. Road safety is the responsibility of every road user, whether they are a cyclist, vehicle driver or pedestrian,” Sgt Lavos said.

This year, four riders have died, three as a result of a collision with a vehicle.

All four deaths were as a result of crashes that occurred between the hours of 7am and 10am.

Sgt Lavos said it was important for cyclists to recognise that they needed to play an active role in their own safety.

“When a collision occurs that involves a cyclist, very rarely will they be the party that comes out with the lesser of any injuries or damage,” he said.

“Those riders who fail to obey the road rules, such as stopping at red lights or failing to indicate turns put themselves at great risk.

“By riding predictably and letting other road users know what you are doing, cyclists can greatly reduce that risk.

“They should also choose to use the appropriate level of safety equipment such as helmets and lights whilst riding their bike and wear bright coloured clothing, particularly at night.

“Regularly maintaining your bicycle by checking tyre inflation, brakes and all other parts are in good working condition is extremely important as well.

Sgt Lavos said motorists also carry a lot of responsibility when it comes to cycle safety and encouraged them to be constantly aware of who they share the road with.

“When drivers see a cyclist on the road, they need to be patient and give them plenty of room,” he said.

“Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast and may sometimes need to use the whole lane to make themselves more visible, particularly at intersections or roundabouts.

“People should also be careful when exiting a vehicle and check for cyclists before opening a car door as they can often travel faster than people think.”

During Safe Cycle Month, police will also be educating the community about how they can avoid becoming a victim of bike theft.

“Police can assist by marking your bike so that if theft does occur, you greatly increase the chances of getting it back.”

Safe Cycle Month is an annual road safety initiative conducted by Victoria Police, sponsored by VicRoads and supported by other government and community organisations including Bicycle Victoria, the Amy Gillett Foundation and CycleSport Victoria.

For more information on what is happening in your area for Safe Cycle Month, contact local police.