By XAVIER SMERDON
CYCLISTS is the Western suburbs are being encouraged to use a new iPhone application to highlight the best and worst bicycle paths in the area.
The application, Bike Blackspot, allows cyclists to use their phones to point out dangerous situations and forward them to the Minister for Transport, Terry Mulder.
Greens politician Colleen Hartland said the technology was a chance for residents to send a united voice to the State Government.
“Cyclists can use their phones to record danger zones, obstacles and maintenance issues on the spot and upload a photo. They can also nominate a spot that needs a bike path or bike facilities and praise ‘bike utopias’ – areas where cycling facilities really work,” Ms Hartland said.
“The information goes into an interactive ‘love my bike’ map that is accessible to all, so you are communicating with other cyclists as well as the government and cycling advocates like the Greens.”
Ms Hartland said areas like Wyndham were often overlooked when it came to cycling infrastructure.
“The western suburbs are under-represented for bike paths and facilities and we generally aren’t as loud in asking for what we need. So it would be great for residents to get involved and let the world know that we want to use our bikes – for heath, convenience and environment reasons,” she said.
“If you don’t have a fancy phone, don’t worry – you can use the ‘love my bike’ website to log a bike black.”
The Bike Blackspot App was launched by Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber and Colleen Hartland.
