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By biking you're volunteering to die

Home » Blog » Su Yin Khoo » By biking you're volunteering to die

By Su Yin Khoo

Why isn't the Government doing anything to prevent this health hazard?

Photo by hugovk

Last Sunday, a motorist failed to stop at an intersection with a stop sign and crashed into four cyclists. One remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital. The other three escaped with broken bones and had their bikes written off.

And just one week before, a cyclist was mowed down by a drunk driver on the cycle lane. He leaves behind a wife, teenage stepson and a baby daughter.

In the wake of two serious cycling-related accidents in the space of a week, the New Zealand Herald decided to ask the public, “What can be done to make cycling in NZ safer?"

I should know better than to start reading the opinions proffered in ‘Your Views’. This comment in particular struck a chord with me:

Cycling is the leading cause of voluntary death on the roads of New Zealand and, like tobacco, ought to be banned. It is an untaxed, unlicensed, unenforced menace and is an entirely preventable hazard on New Zealand's roadways.

Cyclists selfishly impose their filthy habit on other road users, yet they do not pay a single cent toward contributing to the upkeep of our roads and highways, and they flaunt our laws that were designed to protect the health and safety of us all. Why should we all have to pay for their medical bills? Come on, New Zealand! Let's lead the world in fighting this dangerous health risk! How many more New Zealanders need to die on our roads before we learn that cycling is dangerous? Cycling kills. –Chieftain (Waitakere City)

Cycling is a filthy habit just like smoking! If you choose to cycle, you are volunteering to die! Ban this nefarious activity before we slip further down the OECD rankings! Won’t somebody please think of the children?

The attitude and mindset of motorists like Chieftain alarms me. Whenever a topic like this comes up for debate, they make unsubstantiated claims based on one bad experience on the road with a cyclist but conveniently black out the many bad experiences with other motorists.

This is where The Myth of the Scofflaw Cyclist deserves a page in the Road Code.

The premise that cyclists' behavior somehow voids their right to sharing the road is indefensible. "Well officer, I thought it was OK to hit this cyclist because several blocks back I saw another run a red light" is not something anyone could defend. This becomes an increasingly difficult premise when one considers that, as I've tried to point out, cyclists aren't behaving any differently than drivers or pedestrians. They're taking liberties with law where they think it's safe to do so. Right or wrong, that is what every class does.

For giggles, let’s look at some local statistics. The Ministry of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Crashes in New Zealand 2008 report tell me:

Types of road users killed and injured:

8,536 drivers
3,365 passengers
1, 314 motorcyclists
895 pedal cyclists
939 pedestrians

In 2008, per 100,000 population:

Cyclists: 21 injured, 0.2 killed
Pedestrians: 22 injured, 0.7 killed
I couldn't find stats for drivers

Who was at fault?

Cyclists are found to have primary responsibility in only 27 percent of all cyclist-vehicle crashes in which they are injured or killed. As the severity of the crash increases, there is a slight increase in the proportion of cyclists found to have the primary responsibility. #
Pedestrians were at fault in approximately 55 percent of all crashes resulting in the injury of pedestrians for 2003–2007. Fault is assigned to a pedestrian only if the driver of the vehicle involved was not found to have the primary fault for the crash. #

It seems to me that walking is the leading cause of voluntary death. In fact, it was pretty reckless of the Good team to have participated in the 100km Oxfam trailwalker challenge without a proper insurance policy at all.

So here’s what I think you should do: write to your local council and urge them to start ripping off the footpaths and replace them with cycle lanes instead.

Be safe on the roads, everyone.

Comments

Unity
www.aucklandcyclechic.blogspot.com/

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 09:39 AM

Well said Su Yin.

It really got up my nose the way the TVNZ interview with Barbara Insull overlaid images of cyclists running red lights - how has that got anything to do with a young girl mowing down 4 cyclists? They could of course have linked it to the new law about the dangers of texting while driving - but of course that would have highlighted driver error rather than those damn cyclists!!

Andrew Hedges
andrew.hedges.name/

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 09:52 AM

Unity, I had the same reaction listening to talk radio yesterday. Everyone blamed the "arrogance" of cyclists rather than the fact that the motorist in this latest instance broke the law, directly resulting in injury and near death of 4 other human beings.

I highly suggest everyone (sp)read the link to the The Myth of the Scofflaw Cyclist article. It's an excellent analysis of the psychology behind motorists' attitudes.

Hayden

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 09:58 AM

NZ drivers really need a cultural shift to learn that all road users are equal. I'm both a cyclist and a driver and I admit it wasn't until I rode my bike on Auckland streets that I realised how pig-headed I was when driving my car near cyclists.

Maybe we should have a mandatory test as part of the license system where drivers are required to bicycle to work for one day to experience how scary it is to ride on our roads.

Su Yin Khoo

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 10:03 AM

That's a good suggestion, Hayden. Sometimes the older drivers seem to rely on experience rather than knowledge of the Road Code. If they resit that test now, I'm pretty sure they'll surprised at the results!

But I'm all for an attitude shift, rather than more and more legislation put into place. If there is a big enough incentive, it will happen.

Hayden

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 10:33 AM

I agree Su Yin. An attitude shift is the most important action.

We need to figure out a way to teach an old dog new tricks...

Su Yin Khoo

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 10:43 AM

Thanks for that video link, Unity. Yup, unfortunate footage. Nothing showing people having a jolly good time cycling Tamaki Drive. Only roadies.

And why does Pippa keep insisting that, "it's really hard, isn't it, to look out for cyclists?" Um, time to visit the optometrist?

anna

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 02:55 PM

I lived and rode a bicycle in Turin, Italy for many years. The city is well-known in Italian circles as home to some of the most dangerous drivers and driving manoeuvres - and this is coming from Italians themselves. I rode an old-fashioned 1-speed without a helmet, and never had an accident, just like most other cyclists in the city.

The key difference between riding a bicycle in Turin and riding a bike in Auckland is that cyclists in Italy choose the road rules of motorists and abide by them.

Conversely, in Auckland, I frequently see cyclists acting like motor vehicles some of the time (cycling on the road, crossing lanes and moving with traffic) and sporadically deciding they are suddenly pedestrians (cycling over pedestrian crossings, passing through intersections as the "Green Man" is flashing at traffic lights, venturing onto footpaths when they want to jump out of queues of traffic).

The problem with this is that cyclists transition from pedestrian to motor vehicle whenever they please. It's unpredictable, and unnerving to both motorists and pedestrians alike. Choose a set of rules and stick to it. You can't have it both ways.

Su Yin Khoo

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 03:00 PM

Hi Anna, thanks for your comment. Have you read The Myth of the Scofflaw Cyclist?

Both motorists and pedestrians aren't angels on the road either. The road crash stats have proven that.

Vincent

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 03:27 PM

My kids ride to school every morning. It's just around the block.

But here's the question: do they choose the road or the footpath? The road involves cars at high speed, plus three sidestreets to cross.

The footpath has no side streets and no speeding cars.

Yet my six year old has been knocked over twice by cars zooming out of driveways.

Hard to know what to do. Drive the 0.8 km to school everyday? Seems scandalous. And yet will my gorgeous daughter survive the madenss of the daily pedal?

Your advice welcome.

Su Yin Khoo

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 03:42 PM

Hi Vincent, the Road Code dictates:

"Don't ride your bicycle on a footpath unless you are delivering newspapers, mail or leaflets, or there is a sign indicating it is a shared pedestrian and cycle path"

But the LTSA guidelines also say:
"Take extra care around young cyclists" and "Always check the road carefully for cyclists before reversing or moving out of a driveway or parking space".

If motorists can't be bothered to follow those, it is only fair that your children should be allowed to cycle on the footpaths for their own safety. However, it is important that they can recite Road Code by heart.

Do note however, that cars are not expecting a speedy human-powered vehicle on the footpath. Drivers will not be looking out for bikes on footpaths. Make sure that your kids understand this.

My advice is that you should feed them porridge or Weetbix in the mornings for maximum mental alertness and pedal power.

Last Edit: September 29, 2009 @ 03:42PM by Su Yin Khoo

Cherie

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 03:46 PM

Whatever you do don't let her walk!

I biked across London to work for the two years I lived there. Even biking along Oxford street and I never feared for my life as there are bike lanes everywhere!

I definately think drivers need to respect cyclists and cyclists need to repect drivers - while they share the same roads. Until such times as there are dedicated bike lanes. Something we should fight for!

Back to the accident - my friends mother was run over while cycling nearly 3 years ago. The truck didn't even see her as he had been delivering goods non stop for 2 months without a day off, often driving 10 - 12 hour days. Watching the effect of her death had on her and her family makes me drive very very carefully around cyclists.

Patrick Morgan
www.can.org.nz

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 10:30 PM

First up, my best wishes to Greg and his mates and hoping for a speedy recovery.
I work at CAN, the Cycling Advocates' Network. We've worked since 1996 as a voice for NZ cyclists.
Here's some tips for cyclists, and our go at debunking myths about cycling.
There's heaps of good info on our site so check it out.
We also support the work of 21 cycling advocacy groups around around NZ.
Contact us if you need a hand, and support our work.
Pedal on.

Michelle

Tue September 29, 2009 @ 10:34 PM

Good on you Su Yin. Yes, we should all stop walking, it's too hazardous...

Our meter wide, luminous yellow cycle trailer (containing baby), and luminous rider, got narrowly missed by a poorly driven car on the road on Sunday, just metres short of the St Lukes Rd cycle lanes. Right where the footpath is barely walkable, let alone cyclabe. Yet the reservations raised re cars reversing on driveways not expecting speedy cyclists are valid, and a little scary.

Vincent, the school route is a tricky one. I agree, driving that distance would be just wrong! If it's only 0.8km, could she walk - with someone taller whom those reversing cars would see?

In the absence of sig. action from the council, is anyone else tempted to get out on the road at 3am with a torch, bicycle stencils and some green paint..??

Su Yin Khoo

Wed September 30, 2009 @ 09:13 AM

Thanks for the helpful links, Patrick! In my haste, I'd forgotten to add them.

The best factsheet that I've read about bicycle safety is Michael Bluejay's How Not to Get Hit by Cars (left-hand drive edition)

Also, the MAXX website has heaps of PDF maps of walking and cycling routes. I am also working on a Google maps edition for Central Auckland.

Simon Williams

Wed September 30, 2009 @ 11:49 AM

Hi Su Yin and other readers!

It may interest you all to know that on the North Shore of Auckland we are fighting to keep cycle lanes as the council is considering REMOVING the existing cycle lanes along Lake Rd. The cycle lanes are well used by children and adults. They encourage non-car travel (an important environmental goal), linking cyclists with other forms of public transport such as the Devonport Ferry, and they enhance safety for cyclists. Please spread the word and if you are pro-cycling, sign the petition. Every signature counts!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/lakeroadcyclelane/index.html

Cheers,
Simon

Rhylie

Wed September 30, 2009 @ 01:15 PM

Oh dear here we go again... It really is a shame that so many people in Aotearoa cannot see that cycling is a great way to get around - a way that works very well in other countries where motorists are less 'get out of my way' and a little more 'I don't want to kill you', and where policies and transport infrastructure are in place to ensure easy and non-confrontational road sharing.

If only we were that smart here.

If we had safe cycle lanes in Aotearoa New Zealand then so many of these problems wouldn't be an issue.

I'm a little over people saying motorists pay for the roads and therefore cyclists are second rate road-users (with the undertone that they should therefore watch out...!!). As a cyclist and motorist I'm happy share the road and, in the case that such policies come about, to pay bike road user taxes or to register my bike.. or something like that. This could help pay for bike lanes.

This would also take the steam out of arguments to the tune that motorists own the roads - roads paid for by taxes and road user levies. Can I please point out that these levies pay for road repairs required because roads wear down - and that isn't because of cyclists, is it. Cars are big and heavy and on the roads on huge numbers, and they do lots of damage to roads, raod sides, and of course to people.

The fact is that in this country we do not have the infrastructure and policies set up to make cycling safe. This is not a reason to tell cyclists to get of their cheap, healthy, environmentally friendly transportation; it's a reason to to put in safe cycle lanes.

Helen

Wed September 30, 2009 @ 03:40 PM

Some great comments here. I am a motorist and ex-cyclist. After many years of comuute and tour cycling in Sydney and Europe I have hung up my bike here in Auckland because it is just too scary - the amount of traffic on the road, the speed that vehicles travel and the narrow roads just gives me the heeby jeebies. My son started cycling to Auckland Uni last year and twice he was knocked off his bike by drivers pulling out without checking their mirrors. Until motorists give up their selfish attitudes I cannot see the situation improving. Great things are happening in Sydney with dedicated cycleways - something we all need to push for in Auckland.

Su Yin Khoo

Wed September 30, 2009 @ 03:59 PM

Hi Helen, it's a shame that you (and many others) have decided to stop cycling due to the (relatively) unsafe traffic conditions.

Have you considered trying a quieter route (e.g. through the suburbs) or a route with wide lanes instead of the busier, narrower main roads instead? It may take slightly longer but totally worth it. I have avoided Ponsonby Road altogether (faster route but busy and narrow) in favour of a roundabout but wider Great North Road.

I try my best to cycle defensivelyâ€”trying to predict what a car is going to do so that I have an escape route

Stephen

Wed September 30, 2009 @ 10:06 PM

One of the main problems is road user attitude. A significant number of drivers and riders in New Zealand think they 'own the road' and everyone else can get stuffed! Drivers do it to other drivers and riders. Riders do it to other riders and drivers.

I both ride and drive.

The other main problem is lack of infrastructure for cars, bikes and walkers. Until we have a single council with a single dept responsible for this nothing will happen.

Would the riders who are so upset about this young driver driving into the cyclists be so upset if it was a not the cyclists but another car that was hit. My guess is that they would not be. Any reasonable rider or driver would be.

Wayne

Wed September 30, 2009 @ 10:18 PM

I agree with your comments Su Yin Khoo. I am startled by the anti-cycling sentiment expressed in the media & have complained to the Eastern Bays Community Board and Auckland City Council over Monday's press release. This sort of cyclist bashing in the media is only driving a wedge further between cyclists and other road users.

In the current climate of being encouraged to reduce our carbon footprint, cycling is being encouraged by our council but we are treated with little respect on the roads. None of the anti cycling arguments offered are defensible. Cyclists pay taxes, reduce the burden on the health system when older and fitter & have a significantly lower carbon footprint.

I'm a cyclist & car driver. As a cyclist I look for the safest route but still do not feel safe when on the road. As a car driver I am a lot more aware of cyclists & their needs. We need a culture change in the way motorists use the road.

I have found professional drivers, buses & trucks very considerate but many car drivers just donâ€™t get it that they could kill you so easily. Keep up the good work. I'm hoping that the more people we have cycling & advocating for cycling the more the council will provide safe options.

Last Edit: October 01, 2009 @ 10:51AM by Su Yin Khoo

Tane

Sat October 03, 2009 @ 11:55 PM

Very good article.

I'd like to cycle more but after being clipped by a truck on my first attempt on the road, I am too fearful. We do need more dedicated cycle ways around NZ for sure.

I must admit that I have been critical of some cyclists in the past that seem to take their own safety for granted, such as jumping red lights, inadequate or no illumination (I've witnessed one cyclist in dark clothing riding at night on a rural road with no lights). As the article explains, motorists and pedestrians are just as bad and everyone needs to show some responsibility, not to mention courtesy, on our roads.

pioverten

Sun October 04, 2009 @ 10:48 AM

I am a very accomplished cyclist. I am not dead yet. I did survive 4 years cycling to uni in auckland so feel qualified to comment here.

Safe (for me) cycling was more possible before my knees blew up. now that I am 50% slower, cycling is a much more harrowing experience.

I have on my bike a 700lumen bike light, a 120+db airhorn and I ride wearing a horrible yellow top. None of these get me noticed.

However what does get you noticed is riding like an a__hole. Riding like this was and is my deliberate survival strategy.

Seriously. I'm not joking. Riding like a prick results in all sorts of horns and honks and fists and the like, but a motorist who has seen you will not run you over.

People who drive cars and dont ride bikes dont have any concept of the fact that a cyclist can travel at >30km/hr, nor do they have an adequate understanding of the dimensions of their vehicles.

I've just spent $80 on a cheap helmet camera of TM. I've only used it on two bike rides and in those two rides have captured people pushing past me right on intersections. So now I have video evidence to send in with my roadwatch rant.

A Wright

Sun October 04, 2009 @ 08:12 PM

I would like to cycle to work sometimes but am too nervous-I feel vulnerable enough in my car just driving to work! I just feel disgusted with some of the drivers in New Zealand who constantly tailgate, are horrendously impatient, and pay no attention to pedestrians and cyclists alike on the road. I still havn't figured out what is behind this 'I can do what the hell I like' on our roads mentality. But you just have to look at the advertisments for new cars which show them flying around corners at speed etc which I don't think helps.
I havn't really had any trouble with cyclists on the road as yet, and my only gripe would be when they try to go around a single lane roundabout right beside my car rather than waiting as I would do for them.but As has been mentioned already a few times-pedestrians and drivers are no angels either!

Fiona

Sun October 11, 2009 @ 05:05 AM

I must say that I am shocked at the dominance of cars and the warped attitude in a country with the green credentials like New Zealand! I am Dutch but have lived in London for the past 9 years. I have seen London change from a dangerous place to cycle in to a very pro-bike city in this time. The government has actively promoted cycling and this is paying off. Traffic is more aware that we, cyclists, are on the road and the incentives to cycling including the 'ride to work' and bike hire schemes and the addition of many cycle lanes are making cycling more available to all. All of these things are tempting more and more people out of cars and into the saddle. I'm planning to move to New Zealand next year and am a little afraid of the car culture and attitudes towards cyclist. But this will not deter me and I will join the many who risk their lives everyday to use the move of transport they love.

Michael

Wed October 28, 2009 @ 09:50 PM

What you guys have to realise is motorists have no problems sharing the road with cyclists who keep left and obey the road code. What we have a problem with is pack cyclists who break the law by ILLEGALLY impeding traffic (it's illegal to ride in a pack if by doing so you impede traffic - http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/factsheets/01.html). If the cycling community could reel in these loose cannons who ruin it for everyone else, you'll find the attitude shown towards cyclists will greatly improve.

Su Yin Khoo

Thu October 29, 2009 @ 09:55 AM

I'm sorry Michael, but your argument is invalid.

Weâ€”as in, everyone, not just cyclistsâ€”also have a problem of drivers speeding, driving drunk, parking illegally, making illegal turns, failing to stop at stop signs or give way, etc.

Tell you what, if you reel in the loose cannons in cars, I'll do the same for the cyclists.

Michael

Thu October 29, 2009 @ 01:36 PM

Su Yin Khoo

But that's just it. There are no motorists who support drunk drivers, no motorists who support red light runners etc etc. In fact, the AA (the leading Motorists Advocacy group) states "there is a hard-core of drunk drivers who can't be relied on to be responsible" (http://www.aa.co.nz/aadirections/driver/Pages/Drink-Driving.aspx).

Now lets compare this to cyclists. Go out, and ask a random cyclist what they think of pack cyclists who illegally impede traffic. You'll be lucky to find one with a negative view. Additionally, lets look at what Barbara Cuthbert, co-chair of Cycle Action Auckland (CAA) had to say, " Why is everyone so down on these so-called pack cyclists? We are constantly having to defend the fact that we're here at all." (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10600013&ref=rss)

So, as we see, motorists do not support the loose cannons, and state so. We can take ownership of our problems. These cycle action groups though support law breakers. That's why no one has any respect for pack cyclists.

I've said it beofre, and I'll say it again, if you're a commuter cyclist who keeps left, obeys the road code and doesn't cause problems, you're unlikely to have any problems. Sounds fair to me?

Annabel McAleer

Thu October 29, 2009 @ 01:46 PM

Perhaps if riding in packs contributed to 23 percent
of all fatal motor vehicle accidents and 14 percent of all motor
vehicle accident injuries, like drink driving has, then that comparison might be valid?

Riding in packs may be against the law, but it's hardly in the same class as drink-driving. And it doesn't do any harm to anyone, unless careless, distracted or impatient drivers plough into them.

Su Yin Khoo

Thu October 29, 2009 @ 01:57 PM

But Michael, the cyclists involved in the Tamaki Drive accident were cycling in a single file. Woman who failed to stop at stop sign also got a speeding ticket less than a week ago.

Dr Ian Robinson who was mowed down along Peak Rd by the hit-and-run ute was also cycling in a single file with his mate.

Frank van Kampen was cycling alone to the left of the road was killed by a drunk driver (who has since regained her license to kill).

How is this fair?

Sure, in theory nobody supports breaking the law. In reality, people break it anyway.

Are you saying that due to the actions of a few idiots who take up the lane, preventing you from rushing to wherever, you have the right to be nasty to all cyclists?

How would you like to be treated in the same way by a large truck?

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