This question comes up from time to time: "Why bikes don't have wing mirrors fitted? Surely mirrors would warn of approaching cars?"CAN's responseIn New Zealand bicycles are required to have effective brakes, reflectors and at night, lights. Although mirrors can be useful in some situations, they are no substitute for looking over your shoulder and having a good look around. This also signals to other road users that you are planning to make a turn or change lanes. Mirrors can be useful, but the case for compulsion is weak.This suggestion was also raised during the Cycle Safety Panel period, in 2014. There seems to be an assumption that having a mirror will enable riders to notice a vehicle bearing down on them from behind and be able to to dive out of the way (or some such evasive manoeuvre). This thinking overlooks two key issues: 1. Contrary...
News: August 2016
Aug
by Vanessa DavisWhile these may be obvious, like stating an organisation’s mission at the beginning of a meeting, it can be a healthy reminder to stay focused on the task at hand. 1. Meet people where they are, not where you want them to be. All people in all stages of the shift have a place in the active transport effort. I have a friend who wore button that read, “I woke up today.” Slightly infuriating as an attitude but honestly, this is where we all start. That is all we can assume. At an instructor training for the Pedal Ready Programme, Marilyn Northcotte reiterated to us that we have to assume nothing about students’ biking skills, not even knowing how to mount a bicycle. This is a great approach to the public at large. We are not signing everyone in town up for a triathlon, no lycra suit for every man, woman and child, maybe not even a bike. But...