Media Statement
Wednesday, 15 December 2010

Dunne: Instant fines for bursting cyclists’ ‘bubble’

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne wants a change to the road code to require drivers to give cyclists a 1.5 metre “bubble” when passing them.

“The road code already suggests motorists give cyclists a 1.5 metre space, but the spate of recent serious and fatal accidents involving cyclists means it is time to take the issue more seriously, particularly with regard to highways and main arterial roads,” said Mr Dunne.

“Strengthening the road code this way is a common sense measure that cyclists have long called for and I think it is one very simple step we can take to help end the dreadful carnage on our roads.”

“We need to make it enforceable with instant fines for breaches of that ‘bubble’.”

“The spate of recent fatal accidents involving serious injury and loss of life for cyclists is a reminder that this issue is not going away.”

“We have seen a huge increase in the number of cyclists, reflecting a growing desire to lead healthier and more active lives, but recent governments have not kept pace by providing the roading or traffic laws to keep cyclists safe.”

“As it stands today, cycling is a pretty risky endeavour, but it does not have to be that way.”

Mr Dunne said no motorist would ever wish to hit a cyclist, and he expected they would greet enforcement of a 1.5m ‘bubble’ as a sensible change.

“We have seen how motorists almost universally supported the banning of the use of cell phones while driving, which shows that people are happy to support smart changes that make sense, make a difference and are about safety.”

“Of course, we must regard these measures within a much broader context.
Many of our roads and streets, especially in our cities, are fundamentally ill-equipped to cope with both cyclists and motorists travelling at speed.”

“That is why I have been a strong supporter of the ‘Great Harbour Way’ – a 70km cycleway around Wellington Harbour, because it will provide a smooth, continuous and safe cycleway all the way around the harbour.”

“Being able to drive or cycle safely around our cities and towns are a vital part of UnitedFuture’s focus of making New Zealand the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family,” said Mr Dunne.

To hear more of Peter’s views on cycling, strengthening the road code and the Great Harbour Way go to his latest podcast at http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/peter-dunne-on-safer-roads-for-cyclists/

ENDS

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