Getting there safely

From City Scene, published on 9 December, 2007

Courtesy counts: people using our roads and cycleways are asked to keep an eye out for other users so everyone gets to their destination safely.

One of the ways the council supports cycling and walking is by providing cycle lanes throughout the city, including shared cycle-pedestrian paths along Tamaki Drive, Green Lane East, Waikaraka, Walmsey and Underwood parks, Ian McKinnon Drive and Symonds Street. With the summer holidays approaching and more people using these shared paths and on-road cycle lanes, here are a few suggestions to make every journey a safe journey.

Tips for drivers:

cyclists have the same rights on the road as a vehicle
cyclists are less protected and visible than other road users, so please give them some berth when passing
before you open your car door, check for passing cyclists and pedestrians
follow the same rules around intersections with cyclists as any other road users - indicate when turning and give way to cyclists before you turn across "their" line
every cyclist and pedestrian helps reduce vehicle traffic on our roads, so don't be aggressive towards them or toot at them.

Tips for cyclists and pedestrians:

share paths with each other with care
show consideration for other users - cyclists should be aware that pedestrians are more vulnerable than they are and adjust their behaviour accordingly
be courteous to other traffic - for example, if you're cycling two abreast, drop back to single file when passing a parked car, signal with your hands before you turn
wear bright, reflective clothing at dawn, dusk, at night and in poor conditions and, cyclists, use lights
if you're a pedestrian walking with young children, keep them close to you.