With more people making the effort to get out cycling during February, which is Bike Wise Month, the AA has some safety tips for cyclists and motorists.

Events to encourage cycling are being organised by local authorities and community groups throughout the country, with a special focus on Go By Bike Day next week on 16 February.

Cycling will always be a popular recreational activity, but if people also feel like they can incorporate it in their daily lives they will be healthier and avoid high fuel costs, says AA General Manager Motoring Affairs Mike Noon.

He says as more people get out cycling, local authorities will be more inclined to invest in cycling infrastructure, which is good for both cyclists and motorists.

The AA is pleased that more dedicated cycle lanes are being built around New Zealand, but there will always be a lot of roads where all road users still need to share the space, says Mr Noon.

“Everyone wants roads that safely accommodate cycling and driving and both cyclists and motorists must help with that by obeying road rules and following simple safety advice.

“Bike Wise Month is a great way to build a culture of safely sharing the roads. If everyone switched between cycling and driving more often, I think we would all be better at sharing the road,” he says

Tips for five-star cyclists:

- Obey the road rules
- Make sure you’re highly visible
- Wear a helmet
- Keep well to the left
- Avoid busy streets if possible
- Don’t ride two abreast on narrow roads
- Be extra careful at intersections – drivers focusing on finding a gap in the traffic can overlook less visible cyclists

Tips for five-star motorists:

- Be patient when waiting to pass cyclists – they have the same rights to the road as you
- Give cyclists plenty of space when you’re passing
- Check for cyclists before you pull out into the traffic
- Check for cyclists before you open vehicle doors

The AA cautions cyclists and motorists to be particularly careful on busy and high speed roads where cycle lanes are marked out simply by paint on the road. “It’s commendable that communities are trying to cater for cycling, but we need to be careful not to create inherently unsafe cycle facilities on already busy roads,” says Mr Noon. “If there is no physical barrier separating cyclists from other traffic, both cyclists and motorists need to be particularly alert.”

More information about Bike Wise Month and Go By Bike Day is on www.bikewisechallenge.co.nz

For more information contact

Mike Noon
General Manager Motoring Affairs
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 931 9984
M.+64 021 659 704
E. mnoon@aa.co.nz