8 August 2009

New Zealand’s roads resemble a battlefield for cyclists

“New Zealand needs a new approach to road safety following a second cycling death in as many weeks” says Kieran Turner, CEO of BikeNZ.  “Over the last two weeks the number of fatalities could have been two or three times greater with two cyclists on a charity ride sustaining serious injuries after a hit and run crash near Hamilton, and 7-time Coast to Coast legend Steve Gurney was knocked off his bike for the second time this year in Christchurch”.

“We need to acknowledge that our approach to road safety to date isn’t working.  Cyclists and motorcyclists have a greater risk of being injured or killed on our roads than any other road user.  The trends are heading in the wrong direction and have been for several years with the number of crashes between cyclists and other road users on the increase”. 

“No motorist or cyclist wishes to be involved in a crash - the consequences of which are felt right across our communities”. 

 “BikeNZ has real concerns with what’s in stall for the future” says Mr Turner.  “New Zealand is following an international trend with more people cycling to get around and leaving their cars at home.  We have also seen a phenomenal 82% increase in the number of people riding for sport and recreation.  Unless we make significant changes, things are going to continue getting worse, not better”.

“The new Ten Year Road Safety Strategy that the government is currently developing needs to acknowledge this, and address road safety for cyclists as a priority”.
 
“The message from BikeNZ and NZ’s community for cyclists, RideStrong, is loud and clear.  The present risk and rate of fatalities and injuries isn’t acceptable, solutions need to be found, and changes need to be made.  The cycling community, government and all other road users need to find workable solutions that save lives and reduce the harm to our communities”.

Ends.

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