Recent media headlines suggest one in three cyclists had accidents last year. This is misleading, as about 1 in one thousand cyclists is seriously injured or killed per year, and cycling’s overall safety is comparable to other modes of transport.
Media Releases
New Zealand’s motoring and cycling organisations have joined forces to
urge young cyclists to brighten up and to urge motorists to make space for cyclists.
"With the return of students to schools and universities, plus the onset
of winter, cyclists should brighten up for morning, afternoon, evening, and
bad weather riding. High-visibility riding gear and brighter lights are cheap
and popular, and every cyclist should use them," says Cycling Advocates'
Network (CAN) spokesperson Stephen McKernon.
With daylight saving heralding changes in riding conditions, cyclists are being
urged to light up and brighten up. Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) spokesman
Stephen McKernon says, “Cyclists should light up for morning, evening,
and bad weather riding. Most of the 12 cycling fatalities that occurred in 2005
happened at night. Cycling fatalities have declined over recent years, at the
same time as high-visibility riding gear and brighter lights have become more
popular.”
"We would like to express our deepest sympathy and support for the families of the three cyclists who were struck by cars this weekend, two of them fatally,” says Cycling Advocates´ Network (CAN) spokesperson Stephen McKernon. “Cyclists nationwide will be shocked to learn of these deaths.” “Two of these cyclists were struck from behind in Taupo, during the week of a local campaign to educate motorists about sharing the road safely with cyclists. Another was struck from behind in Matamata,” says Mr. McKernon.
Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN) announces the launch of a new guide helping cyclists with every day cycling. The guide recognises that cycling is enjoyable, makes a difference, and needs to be done responsibly. The launch supports the National Go By Bike Day on Wednesday 28 February 2007.
National organisation the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) today supported a review of blanket open road speed limits, but said the upper speed limit should not be raised from 100 km/h.
CAN also called for speeds in many urban areas to be reduced to 30km/h, reinforced by traffic calming measures.
CAN spokesperson Robert Ibell said there are good safety and environmental reasons for lower speeds.
New Zealanders have until the end of the week to nominate their favourite cycling project or cycling champion for a CAN Cycle-Friendly Award.
The second national Cycle-Friendly Awards aim to celebrate initiatives that promote cycling and create a cycle-friendly environment at both national and local levels. The awards are administered by the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and proudly supported by SPARC.
There are four award categories:
Toast for NZ's most efficient vehicle
New Zealand's most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle will be toasted outside Parliament Buildings on Wednesday. And no, it won't have taken part in the EnergyWise Rally.
Cyclists will assemble to celebrate the benefits of the bicycle, having been denied the opportunity to compete in the four day rally.
Wellington cyclist Patrick Morgan, a member of the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN), tried to enter the rally and found that the rules excluded bicycles.
The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN), the national group representing cyclists as road users, today welcomed the Government's road safety package. CAN Campaigns Secretary Robert Ibell stated that "The proposals are a significant improvement over the status quo, and we offer our qualified support. We're disappointed, however, that the Government has not committed itself to working towards a vision of zero fatalities."
The Government's draft transport strategy is welcome because it is looking at a transport system where people have real choices about how they move around, said the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) today.
"The strategy starts to redress the imbalance in funding that has seen people encouraged to drive and created conditions where biking, walking or taking public transport is too unattractive" said CAN chairperson Jane Dawson.