Council resolution regarding cycle safety

An extraordinary meeting of the Dunedin City Council today resolved to write a letter to the NZTA requesting that it urgently address safety issues for cyclists on the state highway system through Dunedin. The resolution follows the death of cyclist Dr Li Hong (Chris) He last week.

In memory of Dr He, the Council stood for a minute’s silence before beginning the meeting to discuss cycle safety.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull says the tragedy highlighted the need for an urgent solution.

“The recent tragic death of Li Hong He has again highlighted cyclist’s safety, especially on the city’s one-way system. It is a clearly a major concern to Council, cyclists, motorists and the wider community. Dunedin must make cycling safer. So Council is seeking to urgently explore the solutions available to us, with NZTA, the other authority with responsibility for roads within the city, specifically state highways.”

At the meeting the Council agreed that its Chief Executive Paul Orders write and ask that NZTA produce a list of temporary interventions to improve the safety of cyclists. The Council also asked for a plan to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety on the state highway, with special consideration of separated cycle facilities and any suggestions for safer alternative routes, and assistance in funding such works.

ends

© Scoop Media