Cyclist fatalities show need for better infrastructure and motorist behaviour

After two cyclists were killed today, the national organisation for everyday cyclists is calling for urgent improvements in roading design and motorist behaviour.

Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) chairperson Robert Ibell said tonight that the deaths of two cyclists in the Wellington region show that central and local government are not moving fast enough to make roads safer for cycling.

A car door carelessly opened into the path of a 61 year old cyclist in Upper Hutt caused his death this morning when he was thrown into the path of a car.

And a cyclist riding northbound from Wellington was killed tonight on the Petone off-ramp.

"Neither of these tragic deaths should have happened," says Mr Ibell. "In the case of the Petone crash, continuing procrastination by Transit and buck-passing by several other authorities in the Wellington region have meant that the Ngauranga to Petone cycle track is still incomplete."

"Local cyclists have been asking for at least 14 years for something to be done on this route ."

"This is one of the region's busiest and most important cycling routes, yet cyclists have no choice but to share the road space with high speed motor vehicles." saysMr Ibell.

The death of the cyclist outside St Patrick's College in Upper Hutt showsthe need for a publicity campaign.

"Urgent changes to driver licensing and driver education are needed to make drivers more aware of how to take care around cyclists", says Mr Ibell.

"How many fatalities will it take before something is finally done? We need action on cyclist safety now."

Ends.

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