Share the Road, the campaign that puts truck drivers and cyclists in each others’ shoes, has received a prestigious industry award.
Campaign Manager Richard Barter was delighted to accept the Trafinz Leadership award, saying it confirms the value of the research that went into creating Share the Road workshops and activities.
"Behaviour change on New Zealand’s roads is critical in encouraging more Kiwis to cycle. Understanding the demands on our heavy vehicle drivers is a big part of that."
Richard said the award, from the New Zealand Local Authority Traffic Institute (TRAFINZ) confirms the value of the research that went into creating Share the Road workshops and activities, and the support of many members of the trucking and cycling communities in NZ. ‘This award’s a tribute to all the work and help given to us by local councils, cycling advocates and the NZTA, not to mention trucking companies, National Road Carriers, NZ Trucking and Road Transport Association NZ and the many many drivers we’ve had contact with’.
‘Behaviour change on NZ’s roads is critical in encouraging more kiwis to cycle. Understanding the demands on our heavy vehicle drivers and their vehicles is a big part of that.' The campaign, supported by NZTA, gives the two groups clear guidance on sharing the road in a manner that is safe and respectful. Share the Road has been running over three years, and was recently extended for a further three. While the focus has been on engaging truck and bus drivers through their employers, cyclists are now being targeted in a new initiative that aims both to build confidence in basic skills, and to raise awareness about the features of heavy vehicles such as logging trucks. Professional facilitators bring participants through a structured set of exercises to help raise awareness of their responsibility in road safety.
‘It's only when the drivers go for a ride, and when the cyclists jump up into the cab of a truck, that they can understand each others’ position’, said Richard. The New Zealand Local Authority Traffic Institute or TRAFINZ represents local authority views on road safety and traffic management in New Zealand. See http://trafinz.org.nz/about/ More information at https://can.org.nz/str or from Richard on 021 2771213
The New Zealand Local Authority Traffic Institute or TRAFINZ represents local authority views on road safety and traffic management in New Zealand.
