Lucky then that people who bike also still pay rates and taxes that are contributing to their cost… In Chch, we have also seen a significant uptick in the number of people cycling since the introduction of cycleways here (yes, even during adverse weather); presumably many of them previously driving. The resulting reduced traffic congestion (compared to what it would have been without any mode shift) was one of the biggest calculated benefits of the Chch Major Cycleways programme…

Out of interest Jim, I wonder if you could explain please how the width of a particular road influences congestion and therefore national productivity. Thanks.

That is the best answer I’ve heard.The very reason people bicycle in the first place is 1) to save the use of using a vehicle 2) Save the cost of fuel.

Wish people could see all the smiles from pedestrians I see when I’m cycling, and the thank yous, pleasantries we often share as we pass. Times they are a changing. Those who are not mobility impaired, who choose to spend their entire lives encased in a hunk of steel complaining about others, complaining about petrol prices, parking subsidised by our rates, motorways subsidised by our taxes, making the city less accessible to those who are mobility impaired, complaining about those who make the world a better place…… can continue doing so. They will just have to learn to start paying their true costs.

Sometimes I cycle, sometimes I take the bike on the bus, and if I’m with someone whose mobility impaired I’ll take them in the car. Choosing to do so for years means I save this country a fortune in many areas especially by being able to afford to care for our family of all ages rather than grovelling to the state cap in hand. Look at all the benefits of cycling, you’ll be amazed.

Susan, here’s what I think (and I’m a cyclist who doesn’t own a car, but who has driven in the past):

I’m not sure it’s simply because we’re cyclists that instills in some people hatred and aggressiveness. I think it’s mostly as a result of intolerance, and the belief they shouldn’t be held up, but the fact that some cyclists don’t obey rules and we are all deemed to be freeloaders doesn’t help.

I’ve seen just as many motorists (some of whom are usually really mild-mannered) turn into aggressive and intolerant monsters (and I’m no angel in this respect, but am better these days) when they are behind the wheel and some other motorist makes a mistake.

It’s something about our psyche, I think, but I don’t know why.

Just to be clear, I’m talking about the average motorist. Those like the motorist who hit your little boy and failed stop, I can’t understand the mindset of people like that. I’ve had a few try and purposely swerve to cut me off. I guess these are the same people who would attack a gay person just because they’re different. The only thing I can put it down to is intolerance.

BTW, you sound like a really nice person, who, considering what has happened, has every reason to feel bitter. But, you’re not in the slightest, based on what you wrote.

I would be interested in a further brake down of the motor vehicle accidents with same analysis done for motorbikes. As a rider the ACC levy feels extremely unjust and I am reluctant to take a politicians word that it isn’t. some facts and figures would be interesting to quite a few of my 2 wheeled (motorised) colleagues.

Let’s face it, there is something about a person on a cycle that makes some people in a car forget their humanity. I think more research needs to be done. Do you all hate my freedom? I can just get on my bike and ride! Are you threatened by my little legs pumping up and down? Do you just really hate how I’m leaning forward? Does it look aggressive? Why did you run over my kid on his way to school in his little uniform with his little back-pack on… and he was going straight through the intersection with the right of way? And why did you go on without stopping to see if he was ok? I’m just wondering. What about those skinny tires and the flighty handlebars makes you hate me while I’m out there in the wind and rain and you are sitting comfy in a car? Why will no jury convict you for “not seeing” me and breaking me to bits with your car?

We need to figure this out.

I want to see pedestrians start paying road tax. All they do is get in the way of my car.

I could drive to work so much faster if I didn’t have to stop at those pedestrian crossings and wait for them as I make a turn at the lights. Arghh. Don’t get me started.

Not only are the pedestrians not paying road tax, they are not safety conscious enough. Given the number of pedestrians hit by cars in this country, a compulsory helmet law for pedestrians ( especially children) is needed now!!!

And what about night time – why aren’t these pedestrians using front and back flashing lights???? If they get hit, its only their own fault IMO

I think we would all be better off to have separated roadways for pedestrians only! Let’s do it. Let’s get the government to……..
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oh wait, we do have separated walkways for pedestrians…. on second thought, forget my rant – how about cyclists and car drivers start being more considerate of pedestrians – no matter if they pay their road tax or not – and we can all get along getting around.