Media Release 23 November 2014

On World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Sunday 16 November 2014.
http://worlddayofremembrance.org, Living Streets Aotearoa remembered the 41 pedestrians who lost their lives in traffic crashes in New Zealand in the 12 months to the end of October 2014. We are also saddened to hear of yet another pedestrian death this last week in Raumati, near Wellington. The current road toll (Ministry of Transport) shows that pedestrians account for one in seven (41/280) road traffic fatalities. These are not just statistics. Each life lost represents real loss of human potential and shattered hopes and dreams for hundreds of family and friends. The economic cost alone is over $100 million.

Pedestrians are still the most vulnerable road users and yet benefit the least from investment in infrastructure in the public realm. Until there is the political will to make our towns and cities safe walking environments, we will continue to see pedestrians killed and maimed for want of simple proven measures such as slower traffic speeds and safe crossing points.

Living Streets reminds all road users, especially those driving powerful or pedalled vehicles, of their responsibility to avoid causing death or injury to others. Living Streets Aotearoa calls on the Police to maintain their efforts to ensure speed limits are complied with and rules relating to pedestrians are observed by all road users.

Ministry of Transport. Monthly road crash statistics update – October 2014. Online at:
http://www.transport.govt.nz/research/roadcrashstatistics/monthlyoverviewofcrashstatistics/monthly-road-crash-statistics-update-october-14/

About Living Streets
Living Streets Aotearoa is New Zealand’s national walking and pedestrian organisation, providing a positive voice for people on foot and working to promote walking friendly planning and development around the country. Our vision is “More people choosing to walk more often and enjoying public places”.

The objectives of Living Streets Aotearoa are:
• to promote walking as a healthy, environmentally-friendly and universal means of transport and recreation
• to promote the social and economic benefits of pedestrian-friendly communities
• to work for improved access and conditions for walkers, pedestrians and runners including walking surfaces, traffic flows, speed and safety
• to advocate for greater representation of pedestrian concerns in national, regional and urban land use and transport planning.

For more information, please see: www.livingstreets.org.nz

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