4 November 2009

Politicians crash out of Cycle Challenge and into cycle safety debate

The much anticipated MP cycle challenge around Lake Taupo between Labour’s Trevor Mallard and Auckland Central National MP Nikki Kaye has come to a crashing end.

Both MP’s were blogging their preparation on www.RideStrong.org.nz with readers eagerly following their rivalry- cruelly nicknamed “Beauty Versus the Beast.” However both Mallard and Kaye were involved in two shocking cycling incidents on our roads while riding last week that has ended the challenge.

Ms Kaye broke her ankle as a result of swerving to avoid a collision on Sunday. She said a car had moved close to her, so she had swerved to avoid it but crashed with her foot locked into the pedal.

Last Wednesday, Mr Mallard was on the receiving end of a road rage incident while cycling with friends in Wellington, as a motorist allegedly swung a bag at the former Minister of Sport while riding. Mr Mallard still plans to ride in this year’s Lake Taupo ride.

Mr Mallard commented on his RideStrong blog yesterday “[Nikki] swerved to avoid a car coming into her space and crashed. Pretty serious injury, was seeing surgeon today. Terrible end to a challenge and my thoughts are with her for a good and complete recovery.”

Both MP’s were training to race the 160km Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge on 28th November along with 12,000 other riders.

The two incidents keep cycle safety again in the spotlight as cycle advocates and government search for positive solutions.

BikeNZ’s RideStrong community and their 1.5m to survive campaign aim to gain government support for a greater commitment to road safety, including a 1.5m rule when passing a cyclist- the centre point of a full ‘share the road’ submission to the Ministry of Transport.

Key to the 1.5m to survive submission is a focus on both cyclist and motorist awareness and education programmes backed by government.

The 1.5m to survive petition has over 12,500 signatures in support of a law change, and will be presented to government in December for greater road safety for cyclists. However BikeNZ are asking for more signatures top the petition, and constructive dialogue through www.ridestrong.org.nz to improve cycle safety.

BikeNZ are concerned NZ’s poor cycle safety record will affect the ever increasing number of Kiwis riding this summer. Cycling is one of New Zealand's five most popular activities and personal challenge cycling (for example Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge) is one of NZ’s fastest growing sports. More than 50,000 people took part in over 15 events during the 2008/9 summer.

BikeNZ CEO Kieran Turner has made a plea for cyclists to stand up and support the 1.5m to survive message.

“New Zealand has recognised we have not developed a suitable ‘share the road’ attitude and there is a problem on our roads between cyclists and motorists. It’s not going to just disappear. We’re seeking urgent support of positive solutions in providing a safe cycling environment for all Kiwis- from children to commuters to cycle challenge riders.”

ENDS

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