9 July 2014

Greens challenge Police to protect people on bicycles

Evidence heard in today’s inquest into the death of Jane Farrelly highlights the Police’s ongoing failure to protect people on bicycles, the Green Party said today.

The Police decided not to prosecute the driver involved in a fatal collision with Jane Farrelly near Taupo last year saying it was ‘unrealistic’ for a heavily laden vehicle to slow down before passing a group on bicycles safely.

“Vulnerable road users like Jane Farrelly deserve better protection from the Police who are failing to prosecute drivers who pass them dangerously,” said Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.

“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.

“There is a simple solution to Police inaction: Change the law to make the 1.5 meter passing rule mandatory so Police will have to act.

“YouTube now has numerous dangerous close passes caught on film. Police prosecute only a tiny fraction of these cases, suggesting cycle safety is a low priority for them.

“Cycling is a healthy activity and a smart, green way of getting around. Making cycling safer benefits all New Zealanders.

“Police need to step up their enforcement role to make cycling safer for a growing number of people who want to ride bicycles.

“Research shows that the more people cycle, the safer it becomes.”

ENDS

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