26 August 2005

Cycle Action Query Ryall's 'Safe Speeding' Claims

Cycle Action Auckland is concerned that National's Tony Ryall claims speeding can often be considered "safe driving".

Cycle Action Auckland Chair, Bevan Woodward, invites Dr Brash and Mr Rayall to come cycling today on some of Auckland's fast and furious roads and see how they feel amongst the 'safe' speedsters.

"We're amazed Tony Ryall suggests that motorists travelling over 10 km/h of the speed limit should be considered 'safe' speedsters," says Mr. Woodward.

"If they accept our invitation to come cycling, afterwards we'll take them to meet with accident victims - pedestrians and cyclists - who have been hit by cars, travelling too fast to stop."

"With this year's 20% increase in cyclists on our roads, as reported by Auckland City Council, we do not want to lose this momentum by National's proposal, which effectively increases the speed limits and reduces safety for cyclists."

"Whilst the health benefits of cycling greatly outweigh the risks, we need to be diligent in continuing to improve safety for cyclists."

"National should instead be supporting the Police to enforce the law and go further by supporting the recent TRAFINZ recommendation of a reduction in New Zealand's speed limits - these have been proven to increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike" he says.

ENDS

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