Population level behavioural change to create a safer cycling environment is an essential yet complex task. While in Australia the overall road toll is decreasing, in recent years the number of fatal cyclist crashes is increasing. The Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF), Australia’s national cycling safety organisation, is dedicated to creating a safe cycling environment in Australia. This paper presents a case study of an AGF driver behaviour change campaign, a metre matters using the public policy approach to injury prevention. The public policy approach to injury prevention comprises three elements: problem recognition; preparation of injury prevention policy; and creation of political will. A convergence of these three elements creates opportunities to catalyse policy action. Australia has limited physically separated cycling facilities and typically all cyclists will need to travel on the road alongside moving vehicular traffic for some, or all, of their trip. Problem recognition occurred during a doctoral research study (MJ) that identified the need for drivers to allow a minimum lateral clearance distance when overtaking cyclists. This lead to the development of the public awareness campaign, a metre matters. The Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) convened with road safety experts and sought legal advice to develop the injury prevention policy to address this safety gap. The court finding following the death of a cyclist that a driver would not be held legally accountable galvanised the AGF, members of the public and several members of parliament across Australia to generate political will. Through the convergence of these three elements a window of opportunity was recognised, which resulted in the amendment of the road rules in Queensland and the implementation of a comprehensive education campaign in New South Wales and Tasmania. The public policy approach to injury prevention provides an important framework for the process from problem recognition to action in the community. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting