Tragedies call for action on cycle safety

Green Media Release 20th June 2008

The death of police superintendant Steve Fitzgerald is a tragedy that should never have happened, Green Party Co-Leader Russel Norman says.

Mr Fitzgerald, who was one of the countries’ top advocates for road safety, was tragically killed yesterday while cycling home from work.

“The Green Party offers our condolences to Mr Fitzgerald’s family, friends and police colleagues,” says Dr. Russel Norman, Green Co-leader.

“As a cyclist, I know too well the risks of commuting by bike. The circumstance of Mr Fitzgerald’s death is something all road cyclists acknowledge could happen to any one of us. We are a uniquely vulnerable group of road users.

This tragedy follows the death of another cyclist in Wellington yesterday morning.

“With petrol prices ever increasing, more and more commuters will opt for cycling as a means of transport and regional and local bodies must take this into account in their transport plans.

“The Government must start investing more in cycle and pedestrian facilities.

“Education for drivers along the lines of the ‘Don’t burst their bubble’ campaign is also essential.

“Dedicated cycle lanes along major routes will go some way to making travel safer for cyclists. Without these we will almost certainly see many more needless accidents and deaths.

“The Green Party’s thoughts are with the families of those affected by these tragedies,” Dr. Norman says.

ENDS

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