BackFriday, 13 October 2017
Safety Reminder on White Cane Day
The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) is reminding cyclists and other footpath users to be aware of blind and visually impaired people and to use common sense and courtesy.
Cyclists are reminded to keep left, give way to pedestrians, ride at a safe speed and give a warning on approach if necessary.
Sunday, 15 October, is International White Cane Day, which celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.
“White Cane Day is an important opportunity to reflect on and advance the rights of vision impaired and blind South Australians,” Dignity Party MLC Kelly Vincent said.
“While the move to allow cyclists to ride on footpaths is an important step forward for cyclist safety and encouraging people to take up cycling, I have also been hearing people in the disability community who worry that the presence of bikes on our footpaths could present a particular danger for them.
“If you are blind or vision impaired, or dead or hard of hearing, navigating footpaths alongside riders who may be travelling at some speed when you may not hear or see them coming is a daunting idea.
“Whether we are travelling by foot with a cane or a dog, in a mobility aid or on a bike, we all have the same right to be safe. It’s vital that we learn how to respond to each other’s needs and use common sense and courtesy.”
