Headline: Greens challenge Police to protect cyclists
“Drivers passing cyclists owe them a high duty of care.”
Green MP Julie Anne Genter has called for an independent review of the Police’s decision not to prosecute the driver involved in a fatal collision with cyclist Jane Farrelly near Taupo in March.
“There is prima facie evidence that the Police are failing to protect people on bicycles and prosecute drivers who pass them dangerously,” said Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.
“Drivers passing cyclists owe them a high duty of care.
“Police need to strengthen this culture of care through enforcement and prosecution, where necessary.”
Jane Farrelly’s husband, an eye witness to the fatal accident, reportedly said that she wobbled slightly before the collision with the passing truck.
“Drivers must accept that wobbling is normal cycling behaviour, especially when riding slowly. This is why drivers must leave at least a 1.5 metre gap to enable safe passing,” Ms Genter said.
“The Police don’t seem to be enforcing the current law that requires drivers to pass cyclists in a safe way.
“YouTube has numerous dangerous close passes in New Zealand. Police prosecute only a tiny fraction of these cases, suggesting cycle safety is a low priority for them.
“The law needs to change making the 1.5 metre passing rule mandatory so Police will act.
“Cycling is a healthy activity and a smart, green way of getting around. Making cycling safer benefits all New Zealanders.
“Police can step up their enforcement role to make cycling safer for a growing number of people who want to ride bicycles.
“Research shows that the more people cycle, the safer it becomes.”
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