Bike signs make cycling safer

An exciting new initiative promises to make life safer and more enjoyable for cycling enthusiasts around Christchurch, and potentially New Zealand.

Cycling in Christchurch has always been popular, with October marking
the beginning of the "Season of Cycling."

During the past few years there has been an increase in people taking to
bikes for their daily mix of fun and fitness, with an estimated 130,000
recreational cyclists in Christchurch. However, more bikes on already
busy roads have presented new challenges for both cyclists and motorists
alike, highlighted by the recent death of paralympian and avid cyclist
Graham Condon.

A new cycling safety advocacy group, Bikesigns.org.nz in conjunction
with Christchurch City Council are working toward making the roads safer
for everyone. The intersections at Mount Pleasant, McCormack's Bay and
the Causeway have been identified as priority problem spots where new
"Look for Cycles" warning signs will be trialled. Installation will take
place from 10.30am Tuesday October 9. A further two signs, "Car door
warnings" will also be installed, one in Redcliffs village and one in
Sumner.

This initiative is the brain child of Christchurch businessman Cambel
Ferguson, an avid cyclist who says "After years of frustration and near
misses I decided something more needed to be done."

The road to Sumner, one of Christchurch's most popular cycling routes
will see the first of these new signs. "This area has been an accident
black spot for both motorists and cyclists for a long time," says
Cambel, "so it's an appropriate place to start."

Bikesigns.org.nz came about after Cambel teamed up with Simon Hollander
of Mainland Cycling and approached Christchurch City Council to fast
track cycle safety initiatives by putting up $5000 of their own money to
get the ball rolling. "To their credit the Council came to the party,"
says Simon "and we're all very excited to launch what promises to be a
great initiative."

The result of the trial and the value of the donations will determine
the total number of signs to be installed.

The Council have been working closely with the cycling community to put
in place cycle safety signs, says Council's Transport Planner for
Cycling, Michael Ferigo.

"The signs are to raise awareness of cyclists on the road and to prompt
driver behaviour - to look for cyclists and for cyclists to ride to the
road code. Our aim is to improve safety of cyclists on our roads," he
says.

"We have monitored the sites prior to the signs being installed and
will continue for several weeks afterwards," Michael says. "It will be
interesting to gauge the differences in driver and cyclists behaviour."

Cambel and Simon are appealing for donations from businesses, the
cycling community and individuals via the group's website, www.bikesigns.org.nz