Bike week aims to encourage people to cycle
This is Bike Wise Month, which means more cyclists will be on our roads.
Already an estimated million-plus cyclists are pedalling the country's roads and streets this summer. That's two million-plus wheels for drivers to be aware of, says the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). And during this month's 370 Bike Wise events around the country, there will be additional cyclists.
Last year, more than 56,000 Kiwis took part in the NZTA's national cycling programme, aimed at promoting cycling as a fun, healthy, safe way to travel.
To be in to win a $500 bike accessory voucher, we asked Driven readers to give us their best safety tips for cyclists. We received a huge response and there are some of the best (go to driven.co.nz for the full responses).
The winner
Shared roads, paths and cycleways are popping up everywhere, from Onehunga to Mangere Bridge to the new Nelson St Cycleway. These paths give cyclists a welcome chance to bypass busy roads and snarling intersections, but some basic road rules and common courtesy, like keeping left as much as possible, and slowing down when approaching pedestrians, goes a long way to making these paths a joy to ride. Don't forget pedestrians often can't hear you approaching from behind too so give them as much room as possible. Finally don't forget to smile as you coast past gridlocked drivers: who knows, they might be inspired to give it a go themselves!
— M Dewhurst
Selection of the rest
Always assume a car is going to turn left when you are cycling straight at an intersection. Check behind you to make sure it is safe. Car drivers, please check your left blindspot.
— J Chrisp
My tip is for wet weather riding; try to avoid riding on painted lines on the road, especially when cornering. They can be extremely slippery, particularly for the first rain after dry spell, when there may be oil residues on the road.
— C Baker
When cycling at night, always make sure you wear appropriate visibility gear. This includes flashing lights on the bicycle and reflective clothing to ensure you can be seen and kept safe.
— N O'Brien
If you are cycling along quite happy and carefree always check where you are on the road before sneezing. I discovered this handy tip after sneezing then swerving into the parked car. I broke my collarbone. This inattention has thus far cost me two weeks wages not to forgot considerable amounts of pain.
— J Newton
Avoid riding two abreast (just annoys drivers) and drivers, give cyclists at least 1.5m of space when overtaking.
— R Carter
My favourite tips are wearing an approved helmet and renew every four years and regularly checking bike brakes, tyres, chain, lights and reflectors.
— M Lindsay
Be confident. Use hand signals and a bell. Ride at least one metre from parked cars. Use the cycle or traffic lane. -- K Howell
Drive as if the cyclist on the left of you were your best friend.
— W Yipp
Never try to text while you are riding a bicycle. Everyone know the rule goes for motorists but its just as dangerous for cyclists.
— I Eades
Be safe: Follow the road rules and choose the safest route.
— M Brown
Be predictable: Make eye contact with other road users. Maintain a straight line and don't pass on the left hand side.
— D Brown
Check helmets regularly for signs of damage, wear or fatigue; don't continue to use a helmet that's taken a knock.
— S Young
Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings. Know what is behind you and watch out for what is in front of you.
— B Hall
Get the family involved -- cycle together. My children love riding their bikes and it's even more fun when we ride together.
— the Webber Family
Always assume that any motorists in your vicinity haven't seen you, too often they don't.
— B McKenzie
Leave enough room to avoid obstacles like glass and car doors. Don't risk riding in the door zone.
— J Keyzer
As a driver, intersections are always a hazard when cyclists are turning left. It's so important to be patient and not overtake, slow down and turn behind them.
— G Sorenson
As a cyclist always pay extra attention at intersections as a lot of motorists look right and left but not right in front of them before pulling out or they don't see you because a pillar may be in the way.
— K McKenzie
Keep as far left as is safely possible. Consideration is paramount to helping improve driver attitudes towards us all.
— J Carson
Try to travel outside peak times, when traffic is lighter.
— S Needham
Put a white light on the front of your helmet and a red light on the rear of your helmet. When you turn your head at intersections the motorists can see you, whereas they won't see lights on your bike as you are side-on.
— P Taylor
Don't rush. On dangerous, intersections use the pedestrian crossing even if it costs a couple of minutes. For motorists: Don't rush. If the road is narrow and there is a cyclist ahead, slow down until it's safe to pass even if it costs you an extra couple of seconds.
— D Peterson
My favourite tips are wearing an approved helmet and renew every four years and regularly checking bike brakes, tyres, chain, lights and reflectors. -
- M Lindsay
Be Confident - Use hand signals and a bell. Ride at least one metre from parked cars. Use the cycle or traffic lane. - K Howell
Drive as if the cyclist on the left of you were your best friend.
- W Yipp
Never try to text while you are riding a bicycle. Everyone know the rule goes for motorists but its just as dangerous for Cyclists. - I Eades
Be Safe - Follow the road rules and choose the safest route.
- M Brown
Be Confident - Use hand signals and a bell. Ride at least one metre from parked cars. Use the cycle or traffic lane.
- L Brown
Be Predictable - Make eye contact with other road users. Maintain a straight line and don’t pass on the left hand side -
- D Brown
Check helmets regularly for signs of damage, wear or fatigue; don't continue to use a helmet that's taken a knock!
- S Young
Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings. Know what is behind you and watch out for what is in front of you.
- B Hall
Our favourite tip is to get the family involved - cycle together! My children love riding their bikes and it's even more fun when we ride together.
- the Webber Family
Always assume that any motorists in your vicinity haven't seen you - too often they don't!
- B McKenzie
If you’re riding your bike, leave enough room to avoid obstacles like glass and car doors. Don’t risk riding in the door zone!
- J Keyzer
As a cyclist it is our role to stand out and be seen - always wear a fluro vest, a quality fitted helmet and have quality lights front and rear. I always carry spare batteries for the unexpected failure…. One final thing - use your arms to clearly signal your intentions to other road users.
- G o’Keefe
As a driver, intersections are always a hazard when cyclists are turning left. It's so important to be patient and not overtake, slow down and turn behind them.
- G Sorenson
As a cyclist always pay extra attention at intersections as a lot of motorists look right and left but not right in front of them before pulling out or they don’t see you because a pillar may be in the way. Intersections can be the worst.
- K McKenzie
Keep left! As far left as is safely possible & always consider other traffic, you may need to pull over & stop to allow safe room for them to pass - Consideration is paramount to helping improve driver attitudes toward us all & help prevent unsafe passing whilst frustrated.
- J Carson
Try to travel outside of peak times when traffic is lighter.
- S Needham
For a small cost put a white light on the front of your helmet and a red light on the rear of your helmet. When you turn your head at intersections the motorists can see you whereas they won't see lights on your bike as you are side on. Also, stops you being attacked by magpies. Lights on your bike are also essential.
- P Taylor
For cyclists: Don't rush. On dangerous, cycle-unfriendly intersections use the pedestrian crossing even if it costs an extra couple of minutes.
For motorists: Don't rush. If the road is narrow and there is a cyclist ahead slow down until it's safe to pass even if it costs you an extra couple of seconds.
- D Peterson
Don't be afraid to stand out. Dress brightly and/or wear a reflective vest.
- G Roberts
Give cyclists lots of space and watch for them when turning left- take an extra second- I know I have been hit as a cyclist and it’s scary.
- C Barr
Do a safety check before using your bike. For example check you tyre pressure.
- T Jack
My favourite tip for cycling is, be safe wear bright colours such as fluoro yellow. My friends have said that they have been able to see me when riding from quite a long way off.
- F van Dalen
A friend ties a bright coloured foam roll that is exactly the same width as his handle bars to the back of his bike, to show drivers how much space he takes up on the road.
- B Walsh
Check behind yourself frequently, especially before changing position on the road. This attracts the attention of drivers as well as ensuring that you know what is happening around you.
- M Sherstobitov
Convince your little kids that wearing cycling gloves is cool - they often fall off their bikes and it's their hands that get hurt the most. Saves lots of tears and lots of stitches.
- J Sole
Always wait for a safe place to pass a cyclist, you will loose very little time.
- John
Make sure your brakes are always in top-notch condition. Always be aware of how the weather and road conditions can effect your ability to brake.
- J Woolley
Drivers:
"Please remember that cyclists are often moving faster than they appear, look twice & be patient, they will normally try hard to avoid holding you up."
Cyclists:
"Keep left! As far left as is safely possible & always consider other traffic, you may need to pull over & stop to allow safe room for them to pass - Consideration is paramount to helping improve driver attitudes toward us all & help prevent unsafe passing whilst frustrated."
- J Carson
My tip for cyclists is to be confident - ride decisively and positively, and make eye contact with drivers. That way motorists know exactly what you are doing.
My tip for drivers is to ALWAYS check your rear-vision mirrors and look over your shoulder before opening doors. Have had many, many, near misses with that one.
- L Carter
I know it's been said before but my number one cycle safety tip would be could vehicle drivers please not use phones while driving. Just a couple of days ago I luckily averted a collision with a woman holding her phone while turning into a driveway - oblivious to the cycle lane she was crossing - not to mention me!
For cyclists with earphones this can be another bugbear as they are not aware of others around them trying to get past (ringing your bell is pointless in this case).
- D Glass
Give a cyclist plenty of room when passing - also if a group are not riding in single file give a very short toot of your horn to let them know you're there and want to pass them. This shows them you're not being agressive so they'll be more likely to help you pass.
- M Lang