The Eurobodalla is a wonderful place to ride a bike and cyclists are most welcome here, but a word to the wise: hitting an elderly person in your hurry from one beautiful spot to the next is not a good look.
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The news that Surfside retirees have to gird their loins in order to cross the Clyde River bridge is disturbing.
That four older residents, some with serious health issues, had each been bumped, bruised and, in one case, knocked into a ditch, is just not good enough.
That the cyclist involved in Wednesday’s incident, reported in today’s issue, failed to stop is even more disturbing.
Health professionals advise older Australians to keep moving and walking is one of the best things they can do to retain their mobility and mental health.
Yet, it seems there is little wriggle room for slower pedestrians on our bridge.
Older people can be unsteady on their feet and their reactions have slowed, but that does not mean they should have to give up what should be a very pleasant stroll across the wonderful Clyde River.
An injury or fall in this age group can signal the end of independence.
What might be a minor cut in a younger person, can become a serious graze in an older person, whose skin is more fragile and takes longer to heal.
Let’s have a rethink about the shared use of the narrow pathway before there’s a serious injury.