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Cycling gear change call

Natalie NazzariCanning Gazette

The fatal crash occurred at the intersection of High Road and Willeri Drive, Willetton around 6am on Monday, March 30, when a vehicle collided with the 65-year-old cyclist from China.

The man was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital, but died a short time later.

It is the second cyclist death this year after a 25-year-old Gidgegannup cyclist was hit by a truck on February 16.

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BTA spokesman Heinrich Benz said several factors lead to cyclists being killed on roads, but in general the relationship between road users was flawed.

"We have lost the ability to forgive and we carry a lot of anger as a result and with anger comes reactions," he said.

The 70-year-old, who has been riding for about 60 years, said the road space belonged to everyone and should be shared.

"We tend to give that space to cars, as we live in a world where the car is the most convenient form of transport; over time we need to change," Mr Benz said.

"We know that cycling will become safe when lots of people cycle, so then car drivers expect to see a person on a bicycle.

"We have to rethink the way we build the suburbs and the way we move around."

Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey said the State Government was taking a multi-faceted approach to improving the safety of cyclists through investment in cycling infrastructure, education and awareness raising campaigns.

Ms Harvey said funding assistance to deliver bicycle education and training, and penalty increases for unsafe driving behaviour were also used to help improve safety.

The Government invested $68 million in cycling infrastructure from 2009-10 to 2013-14, with a further $39.95 million for 2014-15 to 2017-18.