Catherine Stewart Tauranga City Councillor

Central Government has recently raised the idea of a 1.5m road space between cyclists and motorists.

While this separation distance may reduce accidents, it will be very costly, if not impossible to carry out on some roads.

In many cases it would require land acquisition or removal of car parking to implement any new regime.

It may have unintended consequences such as cars braking suddenly to keep the stipulated distance from a cyclist which may result in more car accidents.

The only practical time to bring in the 1.5m-rule, would be in new roading projects. Someone will have to pay for the cost to do this, either the ratepayer or taxpayer or a combination of both.

Planning the best cycling route and being dressed in fluro colours, having lights, mirror and bell will go some way to reducing risk on the road. There are many off road walking and cycling pathways that negate the need to be on busy roads.

Educating cyclists on road safety through advertising campaigns in newspapers and television may be a good option. The drivers of large trucks have no ability to see cyclists when they are close to the front and sides of their vehicles. Community cycling safety workshops during Bikewise month held each February may be an opportunity for different agencies to share their knowledge with the community.

Cycling safety is a two way responsibility between cyclists and motorists. Take care on our roads.