Accident fuels fight to retain cycle lanes

BY JODEAL CADACIO

A serious accident involving a group of Shore cyclists highlights the need for cycle lanes on Lake Rd, says Cycle Action Auckland co-chairwoman Barbara Cuthbert.

Four Shore cyclists were injured when a 20-year-old driver crashed into the cyclists on Tamaki Drive in Auckland city on September 26.

Ms Cuthbert says the cyclists are from the Mairangi Bay social cycling group Pickled Pedalers.

One of them, Greg Paterson from Milford, suffered severe head injuries and is in a stable condition in hospital. Dave Woods, Kevin Marsh and Steve Lobb suffered broken ribs, collarbones and kneecaps.

Ms Cuthbert says the Tamaki Drive accident provides a strong argument for cycle lanes, particularly on a critical road network such as Lake Rd.

"It certainly is a ghastly event that we should reflect on and make sure it doesn’t happen on the Shore," Ms Cuthbert says.

"It’s absolutely essential to have a safety provision in the form of cycle lanes," she says.

"It’s precious so we don’t want to lose it."

Cycle lanes provide a buffer between cyclists and motorists, Ms Cuthbert says.

"They’re fundamental and non-negotiable."

Infrastructure and environment committee chairman Ken McKay says it is the council’s responsibility to ensure the interests of all Lake Rd users, not only cyclists, are catered for in looking at options to improve traffic flow.

The committee recently voted to review the option of removing the cycle lanes between the Winscombe-Bardia intersection and Bayswater Ave.

Devonport residents have launched a petition to protect the cycle lanes.

- © Fairfax NZ News