Right ways on the road

Cycling is often lauded as the panacea for a range of problems, from peak oil and parking to congested roads and declining fitness levels, the Nelson Mail said in an editorial on Tuesday.

However, it has its downside. The intrinsic health benefits are many and obvious, but wearing a suddenly opened car door is not one of them. Latest statistics from the police and ACC make the point yet again that, despite cycling's many positives, those who do it are at risk.

The difference on the vulnerability scale between a cyclist or pedestrian and, say, a heavy articulated truck, four-wheel drive vehicle or even a mini is immense. Ideally, vehicles and unprotected walkers or cyclists should be kept apart. Despite the efforts of our local authorities - especially the Nelson City Council, which this month won its second national cycle safety award - accident rates are continuing to rise in line with the increase in traffic on the roads. Alongside education, engineering solutions such as cycleways and other means to keep cyclists away from areas of peak traffic flow - especially on the open road - are needed and, in this area, being provided as funding allows.

Where no viable alternative to road-sharing is available, a little attitude adjustment would also go a long way. Motorists who cut off cyclists for the sheer hell of it are dangerous fatheads who should never be allowed behind a wheel. Stroppy cyclists who ride in road-hogging bunches, make rude gestures at drivers and take delight in asserting a right to the middle of the lane don't help their own cause. Road rules aside, there should be a general attitude of watching out for the most vulnerable. It doesn't always work that way.