The high number of cyclists killed on New Zealand�s roads this year is not a �statistical blip�, says national cycling organisation Cycling Advocates Network (CAN). CAN wants to see some action, not just concern, from the Land Transport Safety Authority over the cyclist deaths.
Sixteen cyclists have been killed so far this year, compared to three at the comparable time last year.
CAN Secretary, Robert Ibell, said that based on an average of 12.8 cyclist fatalities a year between 1995 and 1999, the chance of randomly getting 16 or more cyclists fatalities in half a year is only 0.1%. Even if the figure to date for 2000 is included, the likelihood rises to only 0.8%.
�The LTSA is the national agency with responsibility for road safety. It�s nice to hear that they�re concerned about the cyclist fatalities, but when are they actually going to do something about it?� said Mr Ibell. �If the LTSA has identified road user behaviours or vehicle problems that have contributed to the cyclist deaths, then why aren�t they using their media statements to say what should be done to stop it happening again?.�
CAN noted that the cost to NZ of the 16 fatalities this year amounts to nearly $40 million. �With these figures, a national campaign to improve road user behaviour and increase safety for cyclists starts to look like a good use of the LTSA�s money� said Mr Ibell. CAN is calling on the LTSA to mount a national high-profile �Share the Road� campaign. It also wants the LTSA to do something constructive about possible causes of cycle crashes such as vehicle window tinting and poor left side visibility for truck drivers.
Ends.
For further information, contact: Robert Ibell or Jane Dawson, CAN, 04-385 2557