The Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) congratulates the NZ Police for their successful campaign on lower speeds.
CAN spokesperson, Anne FitzSimon, says, "Well done New Zealand, our best road safety record for a holiday weekend in one hundred years!"
"CAN urges the Police to extend its successful campaign on lower speeds permanently."
"New Zealand drivers have shown their support this weekend with their behaviour. Let's keep it up and keep road safety a priority. There's a clear trade off between speed and safety. We believe most New Zealanders support safer speeds and will support tougher speed enforcement."
"If it makes sense for one holiday weekend, it makes sense all the time."
Ms FitzSimon says, "The case for lower speeds is compelling."
"Five percent tolerance for speeding, and lowering operating speeds will improve safety for all road users - not just cyclists. It aligns New Zealand with Australia's better road safety record."
Reducing vehicle speeds has two benefits for cyclists and pedestrians.
First, people struck by motor vehicles at lower speeds will be less likely to be killed or seriously injured.
Second, the chances of them being struck is reduced as motorists have more time to avoid a crash and retain control of their vehicle.
CAN's policy on Speed Limit Tolerance: http://can.org.nz/canpolicy/speed-limit-tolerance
-ENDS-
For further information or interviews contact:
Anne FitzSimon
Cycling Advocates' Network
Ph: 03 539 0527 mobile: 021 1123-890
PO Box 6491, Auckland, New Zealand
Comments
I agree
Full marks to Police for bold action in the face of NZers' ambivalence about speed and safety.
The day I hit a child at 20mph...
The day I hit a child at 20mph - and realised the speed limit must be cut
In an impassioned appeal, Dr Nick Foreman remembers the near-fatal accident that convinced him of the need to stop motorists driving at 30mph in built-up areas
This is what happens and this is how it feels. I was driving along a well-lit suburban street with my two small stepchildren in the back of the car. We were on the way to pick up my wife who had been working away for a few days, and we were all excited about seeing her. It was 6.35pm on a dark February evening and I had some rather gloomy Radiohead music on the CD player.
In an instant, a few yards in front of me was a small child. He was followed by an adult. I remember thinking "WHAT THE..." and then reflexively hit my brakes. The car skidded and I ran into both of them. The child flew through the air, caught in the beam of my headlights. I didn't see the adult.
Traffic stopped behind me and on the other side of the road ahead of me. For a few seconds everything was still. The child, who looked about three years old, was crying in a heap a few yards in front of my car; the adult had been thrown further. See full story ...