Great logical rules to Idaho, thanks! and maybe in a distant future Christchurch. I think mastering a red light left turn “free turn” rule for cyclists giving way to all other traffic/pedestrians is a good start safe point.

Brilliant idea, let’s do it! There’s even a precedent in Idaho:
http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title49/T49CH7SECT49-720.htm

I’d like to see the red light runners reported on a tonnage basis – on the simple grounds that the more mass there is, the greater danger to other road users.

This makes common sense: it is not dangerous: motorist will not then get angry at cyclists “breaking the law” because they wont be: motorists will be envious instead of angry and encouraged to bike as well to save time from waiting at the lights. Making cycling as efficient and safe as possible will encourage it and put less cars on our roads.

The headlines should/could have read:-
“Council eliminates cycle lanes required by their own and NZ Safety Standards: Independent Safety Audit identifies 10 serious and significant frequent death and serious injury safety issues.”

Shame on The Press and the media for not bringing these dangers to the attention of the public. Yet they’d be lining up for a scoop on the first of the forecast deaths.

The media is only interested when people are killed or injured riding bikes.

I’ve tried for 4 years to expose through the media the dangers of the grossly non-complying roads that CCC & NZTA knowingly approved in the new Living G Yaldhurst subdivision. The media & The Press were not interested in publishing the facts and dangers. Finally the out-going Council were pressured by the at risk public to seek an independent safety audit that confirmed “10 (ten) serious and significant frequent death and serious injury safety issues”. STILL the media and The Press are not interested.

I’ve heard similar comments about riding helping with depression several times. I stopped riding for a few years due to living in a place with poor road conditions. Now I’m riding regularly again, I can see that period matched a decline in my mental health. Sometimes I try to figure out why. The benefits of exercise are part of it, but I’m pretty sure there is something deeper going on. I would argue that a community where you feel free to walk or ride around, and see other people doing the same, feels a lot less aggressive and lonely.