Why cyclists are in danger
From what you have written, it would appear the disastrous crash was a combination of inadequate shoulder, high speed, darkness, unsafe driving (the driver clearly at fault, in my opinion, as the law states any passing has to be safe and responsibility of the passer to ensure it’s so), but ultimately roading engineers and authorities for inadequate facilities. We are also dealing with a New Zealand work culture that requires people to exercise at dangerous times of the day; in daylight, risk may have been lowered as the driver might have seen all 16 riders. Multiple factors, but ultimately the driver is responsible by not taking responsibility for the care of other road users.
We have little legal recourse to sue drivers at fault or roading authorities – another problem that promotes irresponsibility. Politicians seem incapable of making decisions on the matter. Why didn’t the driver brake and retreat from the passing move?
I am working in Switzerland and last week in Barcelona. The driving culture here is opposite: drivers will slow and wait until it’s safe to pass; I have experienced no exceptions. There is no honking or abuse; rather patience and respect for the more vulnerable user. There are multiple more-than-adequate cycle lanes, some separated from the road aka Copenhagen design. Respect engenders respect. The disastrous roading design (billions into motorways, zero into cycle infrastructure) and careless attitude of many Kiwi drivers are the issues.
For goodness sake, grow up New Zealand and take responsibility for a serious cultural problem. (Abridged) DAVID S ROWLANDS Massey University for cyclists if they had wider cycle lanes. The photo on the front page shows the area between the white line, near the side of the road, and the grass verge is about 10cm – ridiculous!
Tarseal ought to be added so there is 1 metre of sealed road between the solid white line and the shoulder of the road. Unemployed people could help get the job done sooner rather than later. DOMINIC GUZZO Hamilton
A readers says the canary in this cage would be unable to exhibit its natural behaviours. Photo: Fairfax NZ No solution will be recommended other than more funding for Restorative Justice projects and the upgrading of prison accommodation and recreation facilities. LEO LEITCH Hamilton