News

OPINION: The appallingly high number of cyclists killed on New Zealand roads in the last few weeks might prove to be a statistical blip, but the probability is that it signals a trend.

That is the consequence of a deadly equation: more cyclists on the roads and roads ill-equipped to accommodate them safely.

New Zealanders have had a love-hate relationship with the bicycle since the machines became freely available in the 1890s. They provided transport unencumbered by the bothersome horse or the expensive motorcar, and they provided it free. But the bicycle was also the...

To all road users - The case for cycling and safer roads for all:

Over the last two weeks there has been a great deal of attention given to cycling. As leaders in the cycling community; BikeNZ and the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) feel this open letter is warranted, as we want more New Zealanders to enjoy the pleasure and benefits of cycling without fearing for their lives. We don't consider cycling a dangerous activity and believe some of the recent commentary has been ill-founded and irresponsible.

We would like to make a number of important points in the debate on how to...

In remembrance of the three Morrinsville cyclists Willie Muller, Mark Fergusson and Kay Wolfe who were tragically killed last week, the Morrinsville Wheelers Cycling Club is organising a ride of Remembrance and Reflection on the Tuesday 23rd of November 2010.

Everyone in the greater community is welcome to join this cycle ride

Date: 23 November 2010 

Time: 6pm everyone is to meet. Ride starts at 6.30pm

Location: Hangawera Road - (first road on the left hand...

Those bereaved by the deaths of five cyclists in as many days over the last week may be assured of the sympathies of us all.

But in turning from individual tragedy to examine the wider implications for road-user policy, it is important to keep the matter in perspective.

This is not an epidemic, nor even an upsurge, but a statistical blip. On average, 10 cyclists die on New Zealand roads each year.

The carnage of the last few days has taken this year's death toll to 10 and it is probable that the blaze of publicity surrounding the recent deaths will prompt a...

The death of a young woman cyclist, a visitor from Britain, on Tamaki Drive last week demonstrates yet again the need for a better accommodation of all the ways in which people enjoy this jewel of a road. Motorists, cyclists, joggers, strollers, are all drawn to the flat waterfront drive with its headlands and bays and sweeping views of the harbour entrance and inner gulf and deserve to be able to use it more safely.

After four cyclists were injured by a car last year, the old Auckland City Council spent $455,000 on improvements, mostly warning signs alerting drivers to the...

Road safety is no accident, nor is it a joke.

Allow me to debunk myths about people who ride bikes, (R Fowles, DomPost letters 20 Nov)

Let's look at the facts.

It's not ok to break the rules, whether you are on a bike or driving. Ministry of Justice figures show just one percent of traffic offences are committed by people on bikes.

The Cycling Advocates Network's 'Stop at Red' and 'Cruise the Waterfront' campaigns promote responsible cycling.

Riding two abreast is legal, although cyclists need to show courtesy to other road users by not impeding the flow of...

Cyclists welcome Chief Coroner's decision to investigate crashes

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and BikeNZ welcome the Chief Coroner's decision to investigate recent cycling crashes.

Spokesman Patrick Morgan said the inquest will examine whether there were any patterns and possible law changes needed.

"CAN and BikeNZ are keen to help the coroner in any way with our expertise."

He said CAN and BikeNZ are committed to raising the standard of cycling.

"Road safety is no accident."

"We are all responsible for making our roads safer...

Cycling advocates are picking Hastings as a cycling tourism mecca to rival Otago's rail trail.

 

(Photo - CYCLE TOUR: Taking a tour of Hastings' cycle friendly features, Barbara Insull (left), Owen Mata, Shawnae Heremaia, Barbara Cuthbert, and Claudia Wirihana, front. Shawnae and Claudia, from Hastings. Photo / Paul Taylor)

"I think it's quite realistic that within two years all of New Zealand will know about Hastings, and all of New Zealand will want to come and ride here," said Cycle Action Auckland spokeswoman Barbara Cuthbert.

Ms Cuthbert and fellow CAA...

Take action to make our roads safer
We are distressed at this week's crashes and want to take action.
Here's some ideas from the Cycling Advocates Network.

1. If you are in Wellington, come to Civic Square at 5pm on Friday 19th, where we'll make a short video. See below for details.

2. Keep riding. There's safety in numbers so the more people there are riding, the lower the risk.

3. Remember that fatal crashes are rare - down from 27 in 1990.

4. Send your thoughts to Minister of Transport Steven Joyce: s.joyce@ministers.govt...