By: Errol Brocklehurst

Errol Brocklehurst — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 00:43:20 +0000

Sorry to say, I fall into the brave or foolish side of this scale. As a teen biking with logging trucks on the Napier to Taupo Rd, so traffic is just another road user. Having an edge or shoulder to the road back then was a blessing for a slower pace, if no shoulder then the pace was fast and hard. One rule I learnt with cycling, for some reason drivers see a cyclist traveling at speed but not traveling slow. This may be a judgment problem as a slow cyclist can look like they are not moving, so fast moving drivers don’t pay interest until they see movement. So a cycle lane ok, but the problem is and will always be there if not addressed, no colouring or lighting will help if drivers are not paying attention when driving. Defensive driving teaches to watch for not just movement but if object on or near road if moved can cross your path, you must learn to read or judge the possibility of someone or something suddenly entering you path and know what path of action to take if it happens. So it’s not cycle paths ,its teaching drivers / cyclists and walkers to keep watch at all times and always stay focused. Then everyone will get to their point of travel safe and happy.

By: C Kilgour

C Kilgour — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 21:11:49 +0000

I can’t decide if I am ‘Strong and Fearless’ or an ‘Enthused & Confident’.
I gave up riding for a few years due to not liking riding a ten speed on roads where there was too much gravel sitting on the sealed surface outside of where cars moved particularly at intersections if I was trying to turn left. Now I have bike with which I can do a small shop and it has wider tyers so the gravel doesn’t bother me as much.
We have limited cycle facilities and of low quality. I feel it’s a bit of a catch 22 we don’t have good facilities because not many cycle but we won’t get more cycling if council continues to believe that two white lines in the door zone of parked cars is a safe alternative to parents dropping their children off to school.
I know what is wrong with our road system and how it could be improved but due to economic and enviromental reasons and wanting cyclists to be seen in my town more often I’m not going to stop riding when I can.

Comments on: Flashback Friday: Are you “Interested but Concerned”?

By: Errol Brocklehurst

By: C Kilgour