New Zealand has some of the most scenic roads in the world but cycle tourism operators say some are becoming increasingly dangerous.
Road cycle tourism was at risk because the roads were not designed for cyclists and increasing traffic volumes, operators said.
BREATHER: Australian Bruna Lisciotto takes a break
after a ride from Manapouri to Te Anau as part of an
Active New Zealand tour.
This is despite efforts to educate both drivers and cyclists to improve road safety.
Cycle Tourism Operators New Zealand chairman Tim De Jong said it was harder for operators to cater for tourists wanting to do road tours because of the increase in volume of traffic on roads that were not designed for cyclists and vehicles.
The Catlins highway was one area where problems could develop, with more motorists and cyclists visiting the area, Mr De Jong said.
"The more cars you get on there the more potential you have for conflict, unfortunately. In the end, as cycle tour operators, we have to look for other options and other routes, which is a shame."
Other popular southern routes such as State Highway 94 to Milford Sound and State Highway 6 along the West Coast were becoming increasingly dangerous, he said.
"That's the premier cycling route but in the end the choice is either clients being put in unsafe situations or having unpleasant experiences, or looking at other options," he said.
The concerns echoed those raised by Southland Highway Patrol supervisor Sergeant Geoff Sutherland who also this week cautioned motorists on roads to stop speeding, particularly between Invercargill, Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford. Active New Zealand tour guide Michael Searchfield said the company no longer took cyclists into Milford Sound and only travelled parts of the road because it was unsafe.
"There's just not enough room for everyone on the roads," Mr Searchfield said.
Mr De Jong said Cycle Tourism Operators New Zealand had been working with Cycle Advocates Network, the New Zealand Transport Agency, the National Incident database, Bus and Coach Association, the Rental Vehicle Association and the NZ Road Transport Forum to improve safety for cyclists and motorists.
This had resulted in share the road protocols with some road user groups and road signs. But Cycle Tourism Operators New Zealand was still lobbying for signage on the Milford road.
Improving road experiences needed a mutual effort. Cyclists needed to be considerate towards motorists by riding in single file and moving over if they were holding up traffic, he said.
From Nelson Mail
Comments
Cyclists Squeezed
Cyclists not using the road actually aggravates the situation because it is well documented the more there are the safer it is.
We have several problems in NZ and some could be rectified quickly if Government acted in support of all road users. I personally think the 50 million dollars for cycle trails whilst a great idea should go first to remove cyclist hazard spots on our main roads where there is no alternative route.
Problem 1).
Unlike say Europe where there are numerous back roads as alternatives in NZ there are many places where the major State Highways have no alternative
2) Many of our main roads are of secondary road standard
3) Road Hauliers have been allowed to operate trucks far too large for most of our roads
4) Heavy vehicle and towed trailers had their speed limit rationalised at 90kph and it should have been 80kph.
5) 40Tonne trucks should be limited more in the roads they can use
6) Our open speed limit was 55mph, then reduced to 50mph in 1970's oil shock then raised to 100kph. Overseas countries are looking at lowering speed limits and I suggerst we do the same as follows;
Trucks, trailers (All roads) 80kph
Other vehicles on open-single lane road 80kph
Dual carriageways with shoulder or cycle lane e.g.
Waikato Expressway 100kph
Motorways 110kph or even 120kph
With the mix of road users in the country including cyclists with narrow , windy roads 100kph is far too fast.
7) The criteria for reducing speed limits from the open limit is quite involved and should be amended and simplified.
I think the "Give Cyclists 1.5" campaign is great but on the open road trucks travelling
over their legal 90kph as many do still give a mighty blast at 1.5m and 2m would be better on open roads. Perhaps trucks should be made to slow to 70kph passing cyclists on the open road?
Just a thought
Richard `