Cyclist: We need to recognise the risks of cycling, and then reduce them

Wednesday, 18 April 2018

West Auckland cycleways needed as population grows

OPINION: At least once every morning I whisper 'I don't want to die'.

It usually involves a truck or van passing me close enough that I can touch them.

They sweep past me from behind and I try not to react wildly or swear too loudly.

Cycling on Auckland's roads is to take your life in your hands.

Debrin Foxcroft, a Stuff journalist in Auckland, says cycling is to take your life in your hands, even when there are bike lanes.

* Road to NZ's brave new cycling world will have plenty of bumps, so how will we do it?

Cars partially obstruct a cycleway in Te Atatu.

* Health and economy of cycling**

I wear fluorescent pink tights and an oh-so-sexy high vis.

I am visible. I am cautious. And, I am often a little nervous.

Last year was a deadly year for cyclists, with 18 deaths on New Zealand's roads.

This was three times more than in 2016.

On April 4, Transport Minister Phil Twyford released the Government's 10-year transport plan which included a massive investment for cycle paths and public transport.

This was met with the inevitable bikelash.

However, there are arguments that urban cycling benefits both cyclists and drivers alike by reducing the numbers of cars, shrinking health costs, saving money and improving the carbon footprint.

And yes, there are already cycle paths to Auckland's CBD.

However, to get to those paths, or anywhere else, I often have to pull on my big girl pants and cycle along arterial roads.

They can be down right terrifying.

I am competing for space with heavy tonnage, speed and a good dose of aggressive drivers.

And that is just the other drivers on the roads.

I also have to deal with a worrying number of broken bottles and general debris that push me further right into traffic.

Then there are the parked cars, the buses that have pulled up, and the cars whipping out of driveways.

According to New Zealand Road Code, it is illegal for me to cycle on footpaths. But riding on the road is an act of bravery.

Despite all that, I love cycling.

I love the freedom the bike gives me, the endorphins from the exercise and the moments of being outside before I spend my day in the office.

Those firmly against cycle paths are unlikely to be moved by my words or the appeals of others.

But I hope everyone else considers the current cycling experiences in our major metropolitan areas, and the ways we can possibly improve them.

Stuff journalist Debrin Foxcroft commutes to work on her e-bike each day.