Ediorial: Cyclists' tale a sad indictment

OPINION: Given the road system we have in New Zealand, one would have thought that consideration would have been a quality present in abundance among the country's driving population.

After all, we aren't blessed, for the most part, with wide, multi-lane highways that have expansive verges. On the contrary, in many parts of the country, one lane heading in either direction with precious little space on either side of the road is all we have.

In such circumstances, it's probably surprising that one can often see cyclists, their bicycles heavily laden, attempting lengthy trips around our beautiful country.

Real unspoilt beauty often goes hand in hand with remoteness, which can often mean roads that leave something to be desired. To cycle such stretches is a daunting task in itself, even without considering the habits of some of our less considerate drivers.

But when cyclists also have to deal with drivers apparently not inclined to allow for their presence on the road, things become a lot worse; downright dangerous, in fact.

The story in yesterday's Herald about a European couple who were trying to cycle the length of the country to raise money for Forest and Bird, but gave up the bikes by Taupo, is a sad indictment on the driving of some New Zealanders.

Not all, some. But for a couple cycling New Zealand roads with a baby in tow, the occasional poor driver would be enough to set their hearts racing.

Some may suggest they were crazy to embark on the trip with a baby, but that would be missing the point. As drivers of motorised vehicles, we all have a responsibility to make allowances for the presence on the road of those in non-motorised vehicles, who have a right to expect that they will be able to complete their journey safely. The fact that one may be driving a fast, powerful car is not a licence to act like a roadhog. Indeed, the bigger and more powerful the vehicle, the greater the responsibility on the driver to show consideration.

One could liken it to the situation on water. Motorised craft are required to give way to those under sail and oar power and with good reason – apart from anything else, those in charge of them are able to react and change course more easily to avert a possible collision.

Wouter van Wezemael was quoted in yesterday's story as saying the attitude of Kiwi drivers was in direct contrast to New Zealanders' general attitude off the road.

Granted, that may not be everyone's experience, but there is no reason why, if we can be courteous off the road, we should not be so on it.

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