Cyclists Welcome Inquest Into Cycling Deaths

Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and BikeNZ welcome the Coroner's inquest into eight recent cycling deaths.

CAN spokesperson, Patrick Morgan said cycling is a wonderful sport and way to get from A to B, but we need to do much more to make it safer.

“The Coroner's inquest is an opportunity for a major re-think on road safety.”

“We expect the 1.5 million New Zealanders who ride bikes to take a close interest.”

The inquest will examine whether there were any patterns in relation to the deaths and if possible law changes were needed.

Bike NZ Chair Richard Leggat, said CAN and BikeNZ will share their expertise to benefit the inquest.

"CAN and BikeNZ are very concerned with the recent deaths. As more cyclists take to the roads it is vital that roading infrastructure, road user attitudes and cycling skills are all improved.”

“We are putting a lot of effort into cycle skills training and also working with NZTA to deliver Road User Workshops and targeted ‘Share the Road’ messages. Our objective is to make the roads safer for cyclists so that more people will cycle more often.”

ENDS

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