An MP surveying attitudes on mandatory high-viz
We have been told that Katrina Shanks, a National List MP from Wellington, is surveying various cycling groups in her area about whether high-viz should be mandatory for cycling. She doesn’t say whether she has a particular stance on the area, and simply invites a “yes” or “no” answer – and any further comments you might want to add.
If you would like to contact her with your opinion, please contact her at this email. The survey we saw was via paper mail, but we are sure she’ll take emails into consideration too.
CAA’s response was:
We understand you are currently surveying the attitudes of cyclists and cycling groups about the proposal by a coroner to require mandatory high-visibility clothing for cyclists.
Representing Cycle Action Auckland, a group advocating for better cycle conditions – whether for sport, leisure, family or commuting cycling – we believe that mandating high visibility clothing would be a negative step. It would emphasise the perception that cycling in general is a dangerous activity that one should require specific protective gear for. This contradicts the experience of many countries where cycling is an accepted mainstream transport mode with no mandatory requirements*. Like walking.
* [except brakes and lights on the bike itself of course, which is only sensible]
We believe that mandating high-visibility clothing would be an extremely blunt tool, and would actually harm cyclist safety – next to providing better cycling infrastructure, few things are as beneficial to the safety of the individual cyclist as having higher average cycle numbers. The “safety in numbers effect” has been well-researched, and is particularly important in countries that currently still have low cycle numbers, as cycling safety improves significantly as cycling moves above 2-3% of the mode share. As numbers rise to 4-5% percent and above, per person injuries drop markedly.
Therefore, anything that discourages cycling uptake could actually make cycling more dangerous for everyone not discouraged.
Friendly regards
Cycle Action Auckland
Fullers (CAA Sponsor)
Themocracy
No, high viz should not be compulsory for cyclists. Making that law would make the cyclists into the problem, when the problems – the response of vehicle drivers to the cyclists
- poor roading design
We certainly agree, Rose. feel free to drop the MP a friendly line about your opinion.
No way. We are all grown ups, there is way too much focus on the cyclists and, if anything, there should be far higher penalties against motorists who carelessly harm cyclists. THEN we might see attitudes changing. It is drivers who have the duty of care as they are in charge of the (potentially) lethal weapon. I know this particularly as my brother in law was dripping in hi viz, helmet, lights and more AND he was hit and he died. There is nothing inherently dangerous about cycling itself; if only motorists took the necessary care. Our soft pink bodies are not equal to a ton of steel travelling at any speed over 40km.
That is a very sad story, Jacqui. And so similar to the case that prompted this whole iteration. We just can’t understand why the coroner would make such comments, when the case he was reviewing also involved a rider with lights and high-viz. Maybe he didn’t intend that to be the central message to stick around from his recommendations, but it is depressing anyways.
Total nonsense …… blame the victim again
One angle that I haven’t seen mentioned is the driver’s eye test. I was amazed recently when getting new reading glasses how blind you have to be to need glasses for driving. Some years ago due to a medical condition I voluntarily started to wear glasses because I felt my sight was inadequate. The optician said you had to be a line worse than me to be obliged to wear glasses driving. I was horrified and told him so and he of course agreed. The eye test needs reviewing NOW.
Oh, and all cars should have a yellow visibility panel painted on their bonnets the same as trains do on their fronts………. and we should wear hard hats in the home, it’s the most dangerous place to be per ACC stats.
…and if you want to see CAN’s position on hi-vis clothing, have a look at http://can.org.nz/canpolicy/high-visibility-clothing – and borrow away!