INDEPENDENT NEWS

On yer bike New Zealand…

Published: Tue 11 Feb 2014 12:06 PM
On yer bike New Zealand…
The NZ Transport Agency is urging Kiwis to get on their bikes tomorrow, as New Zealand celebrates the joys of pedal power to mark Go By Bike Day.
A highlight of Bike Wise Month, Go By Bike Day events will be held tomorrow in towns and cities across New Zealand, with many providing free breakfast for anyone who arrives on a bike.
Transport Agency Chief Executive Geoff Dangerfield said Go By Bike Day events and other events taking place throughout February as part of Bike Wise month were aimed at encouraging New Zealanders to give cycling a go and discover – or rediscover – the joys of cycling.
“Go By Bike Day is a fantastic opportunity for Kiwis to leave their cars at home and realise the many benefits that cycling has to offer. With more people on bikes over summer, and particularly during February, it’s also a good time to remind drivers and people who cycle to look out for each other, be considerate and share the road safely.”
Last year more than 800 Bike Wise events attracted tens of thousands of participants nationwide, with similar numbers expected this year. To find Go By Bike Day and other Bike Wise events happening in your area, visit www.bikewise.co.nz/events.
The NZ Transport Agency recently launched a Share the Road education campaign designed to personalise and humanise people cycling so that motorists see beyond the bike. Information about the campaign is available at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/about/advertising/other-advertising/share-the-road.html
Bike Wise Month
February is Bike Wise Month, New Zealand’s annual celebration of cycling, which sees hundreds of events held around the country during February.
Led by the NZ Transport Agency, the Bike Wise programme aims to encourage more Kiwis to get safely on their bikes, whether it be to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with the family or discover a new sport.
With thousands of events being held during Bike Wise Month, there is an event to suit every age, ability and location. If you have access to a safe working bike and helmet, then you can take part in Bike Wise Month.
You can also share your cycling stories and get frequent updates on www.facebook.com/bikewise, orwww.twitter.com/bikewisenz.
Safety first
Before hitting the road, brush up on your skills through the official New Zealand code for cyclists and remember these key tips for sharing the road safely:
Safety Tips for people cycling
• Be prepared: Plan a safe route and check your bike before you start – brakes, tyres, chain, lights and reflectors.
• Be aware: Watch for car doors opening, potholes, rubbish, grates, and other hazards.
• Be confident: Ride in a straight line, at least one metre from parked cars if you can and take the lane when you have to. Use cycle lanes when you can.
• Be considerate: Try not to hold up the flow of traffic – if necessary, pull over to allow vehicles to pass.
• Be predictable: Make eye contact with other road users and signal your intentions clearly
• Be seen: Wear high visibility or brightly coloured clothing. Use front and rear lights at night, in low light and rain.
• Be patient: Slow down near parked or lined up vehicles. Pass slowly and only when safe.
Safety Tips for Motorists
• Be aware: Watch out for people on bikes, especially in low light or rain, before opening car doors and at intersections. Cyclists may be travelling faster than you expect.
• Be patient: Slow down near people on bikes and if need be, wait behind them. Pass slowly and only when it is safe. Ideally, leave a space of about 1.5 metres.
• Be considerate: Cyclists sometimes need to use the traffic lane for their safety. Please give them time and space to move in and out of the lane.
• When turning left: Remember that if you have passed someone on a bike just before approaching a traffic signal, driveway, bus stop or junction, it is very likely they will end up on your left-hand side or just in front of you – assume the cyclist is in one of your blind spots and do not turn until you know they’re safely out of your way.
ends

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