The Green Party is calling for the 1.5m passing rule to be set in law to give cyclists more protection.
Transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter is asking for the rule to be mandatory so 'police will have to act”.
'Motorists passing people on bicycles and other vulnerable road users owe them a high duty of care. 'Police need to reinforce this culture of care through enforcement and prosecution, wherever necessary.”
Julie believes the simple solution is to change the law to make the 1.5m passing rule mandatory.
'YouTube now has numerous dangerous close passes caught on film.
'Cycling is a healthy activity and a smart, green way of getting around. Making cycling safer benefits all New Zealanders.” SunLive asked members of the public what they thought should be done to make the road safer for cyclists.
7 comments
Cycle Paths
Posted on 12-07-2014 13:04 | By Suntrenz
Are the police going to driving around with tape measures now. Many drivers have a lack of understanding or care for cyclists. The only sensible remedy is to provide cyclist with there access ways as they do in Australia. Widen the existing footpaths where possible to allow both cyclists and pedestrians to share these access ways. However this is a different story for triathletes and cyclists who are training. High Vis clothing a great idea
Where do you stop.
Posted on 12-07-2014 13:17 | By s83cruiser
I fully agree with the greens re giving cyclist room on the road. I can only hope that, as a motorcyclist, the same law would extend to me as well based on the grounds that I too only have two wheels on the road. The other question that comes to mind is how much room do you give cyclists when they are riding 4 abreast or more. How far onto oncoming traffic are you supposed to go and risk your life to give cyclist their 1.5 metres. Common sense needs to be applied here. If the Cyclist and the Greens want that sort of consideration for push bikes then Single file must be the rule of the day. Cyclist need to start taking more responsibility for their own actions and safety. When I'm on 2 wheels I take the stance that EVERYONE is out to kill me.
The Idea is Good But
Posted on 12-07-2014 14:42 | By tabatha
The cycle lanes as marked are close to 1.5 in some cases and narrow in others. if a cycle lane is marked it should be close to 3m so the cyclists can ride away from the traffic. we are asked to drive by keeping left so should cylists, however those looking after the roads must maintain the cycle way clear of debris so they can keep left. Common sense needs to prevail like years ago but some road users believe they have the right. By users I mean ALL USERS. Before it is enacted some clear guidelines needed. First cyclists to prove they can obey all rules, possible licence. Ooops here comes the hate mail. Licence to use roadways sensibly is what I mean. Positive outcomes not negative. Greens dispense with cars and start ridiing the length and breadth of NZ first before making a law.
jmac
Posted on 12-07-2014 17:00 | By JohnMac
Seems to b an impossible measurement for a driver to judge when the cyclist is on the left of the car and the driver on the right. Maybe bikes should have a rear vision mirror and blinker lights like all other vehicles on a road plus compulsory Hi Viz.
I like the Idea BUT
Posted on 12-07-2014 18:01 | By Blessed
All people need to obey the road rules, Cyclist need to stick to single file, and NOT ride 2abreast, if you are holding up traffic keep left and pull over, wear High visibility clothing. Cycle lanes should be separated with road markers, keep Motorists out. ALL ROAD USERS NEED TO RESPECT EACH OTHER. Ive seen Motorist and Cyclist do stupid dangerous things.
Traffic will come to a halt
Posted on 13-07-2014 07:36 | By Stevo
Traffic will come to a halt on rural Welcome bay road as the local cycle club use this road and ride up to 4 abreast at times. That doesnt leave any room for the 1.5mt clearance required
A good start ...
Posted on 13-07-2014 08:56 | By Murray.Guy
A good start would be if our roading engineers, designers, ensured that new projects had as a 'must do' requirement, separate and safe provision for cyclists with NO sharing of the bitumen with cars and trucks! Still the NZTA denies the existence of cyclists - check out the $455 million Eastern Arterial under construction! Check out the Route K Toll Rd and extension through the Lakes to Pyes Pa - NOTHING the resembles reasonable consideration! When such provision is made, it MUST BE ILLEGAL for cyclists to mix it with the cars and trucks (eg: Tauranga harbour bridge).
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