Media Release 15 April 2010

Driving age increase welcomed by cyclists – but investment in cycle training needed

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) welcomes an increase in the driving age to 16, but says the government also needs to invest in professional cycle training to improve road safety.

CAN spokesperson Anne FitzSimon says one of the best ways to raise driving standards is to make cycle training widely available.

“Trained cyclists make better drivers.”

She says that raising the driving age means more young people will be cycling.

“We all win when cyclists receive proper training.”

“Research published in the British Medical Journal showed that experienced cyclists, like experienced drivers, have far lower accident rates.”

(source: Three lessons for a better cycling future, British Medical Journal, Dec 23, 2000 by Malcolm J Wardlaw)

“The NZ Transport Agency has developed a commendable set of guidelines for cycle skills training, but without funding for a national roll-out of training we fear New Zealanders will miss out on the chance to become confident and safe cyclists.”

-ENDS-

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