Cyclists’ accidents

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33253, 16 June 1973, Page 14

Cyclists’ accidents

Sir,—As a regular cyclist in the city, I dread making right turns, or even using the right-hand lanes in the one-way streets. I have had many experiences similar to the one described by Patrick Neary, when motorists refuse to recognise the cyclist as a legitimate road user but instead tend to treat him as yet another obstacle in some mighty motorised slalom event. Has the City Council (or any other appropriate body) any plans for separating cyclists and motorists, by cycle tracks, cycles-only and cars-only streets, or any other means? Such plans could not be implemented too soon, now that all the one-way streets are in action and the rush of cars down them is a cyclist’s nightmare. —Yours, etc., C. DANN. June 6, 1973.

[The City Engineer (Mr P. G. Scoular) replies: “It is

accepted that the growth ofi traffic and the increasing use of lanes does make it more difficult for cyclists in the city centre. Some consideration has been given to possible cycle routes and this is currently being considered in more detail. There is considerable merit in having cyclists (and pedestrians) segregated from traffic where this is practicable.”] Sir,—l believe that Christchurch, reputed to be the “cycling city” has been advertised as such to attract overseas visitors to the Commonwealth Games. If this “cycling city” image is true, then why are cyclists banned from using the Lyttelton Road Tunnel, the Moorhouse Avenue overbridge and the Northern Motorway? Why have restrictions in the form of barriers and curbing been imposed at the entrances and exits to the Hagley Park cycling tracks? Why is it that some traffic do not respond to cyclists and that an increasing number of motorists believe that the right hand give way rule does not apply when the approaching vehicle is a bicycle? Rather than advertise Christchurch as the “cycling city” let us advise overseas visitors not to risk their necks on the world popular bicycle in what has now developed into a hostile environment for cyclists.—Yours etc., MEAT IN MOTORIST’S SANDWICH. June 11, 1973.