Brake Welcomes Waikato Coroner’s Investigation
Brake, the road safety charity welcomes the news that Waikato Coroner Gordon Matenga will travel to four separate
regions throughout the country to hear evidence relating to eight cycling deaths to try and identify any common trends
or information that could prevent a reoccurrence of such tragedies.
Chief executive Mary Williams said: "There are two vital measures that the government already recognises in its road
safety strategy will save lives of cyclists in many circumstances: slower traffic and separate cycle paths that connect
homes, schools and places of work. If these things are prioritised in local and state highway plans then not only will
cycling be safer, but more people will do it, saving the environment as well as lives in support of NZ’s international
reputation as a green nation.”
“But regardless of the need for these vital measures, cycling is great for fitness and general health and individual
drivers can help their communities get on their bikes, share our roads and stop these deaths right now by driving slowly
and always ‘thinking bike’ and expecting to see a cyclist round every bend and at every junction, particularly in towns
and on bendy rural roads. Most cycling deaths are caused by drivers not cyclist error.”
ENDS