Pathway will improve cycle safety

A coastal pathway from Ferrymead to Sumner will help reduce the number of cycling fatalities and injuries says CPG organiser Linda Rutland.

“There are a large number of cyclists living near the hills and beaches of this area and historically Main Road and Ferry Road have been over-represented in the cyclist crash statistics.”

Rutland cites an American study which examines the public health consequences of unsafe and inconvenient walking and bicycling conditions in American cities.  Improve Safe Walking and Cycling to improve Public Health compares the American situation with successful pathways in the Netherlands and Germany.

“Such a pathway would not only be a great metropolitan and tourism asset for Christchurch, offering access from city to beaches and hills, but also letting workers from the coastal communities commute  safely into the new cycle-friendly CBD and local children to school.”

Rutland says the city of Melbourne is leading the way with innovative bicycle lanes to improve safety and comfort.

 

 

Published on Friday, June 1st, 2012, under News