Unsafe lane change puts Auckland cyclist's life at risk

Wednesday, 31 October 2018

Cyclist Robin Capper's near miss from his front camera, and then from the rear.

Police are investigating after a cyclist was almost hit just northwest of suburban Auckland.

West Auckland-based cyclist Robin Capper posted a video of the near-miss at the Whenuapai West roundabout on his personal blog.

'I just caught the black car coming across me in my rear-view mirror and hit the brakes,' Capper said.

'Otherwise I would have missed it and I would have been into the side of the car or under it, I imagine.'

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A screenshot from cyclist Robin Capper's camera as a car crossed into his lane, forcing him to slam on his brakes.

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While he would be more cautious in the future, Capper said the majority of New Zealand motorists were fine on the roads.

'Half of those that are a problem wouldn't even realise they are a problem, they don't realise what they are doing,' he said.

'A significant number of drivers just don't appreciate how wide their vehicles are. They breeze past, thinking they are leaving plenty of room and they aren't.'

Capper said more was needed to be done to make cycling safe.

'I contrast it with Hawaii. I cycled there recently and it's almost embarrassing how polite the drivers were,' he said.

As a motorised society, Hawaii was a good comparison to New Zealand.

'It's not like saying that we need to be like Holland. We are never going to be like that – but more effort is needed.'

After viewing the footage from Capper, Waitematā road policing manager Inspector Trevor Beggs said staff would be making enquiries.

'Police urge all motorists to be vigilant for cyclists and to take extra caution and consideration when driving around cyclists,' Beggs said.

'It appears that on this occasion the driver may have made an unsafe lane change which could have resulted in the cyclist being hit. Fortunately the cyclist wasn't hurt on this occasion but the circumstances could have been much worse.'

Beggs encouraged anyone who witnessed dangerous driving to phone *555. Reports on dangerous driving could also be completed online.

Acting Associate Transport Minister James Shaw said the Government was committed to making cycling safer and more attractive.

'From experience, we know that for most people to feel safe on a bike we need to provide safe cycling routes, physically separated from traffic.'

The Government and councils across the country had committed $390 million in safe cycling infrastructure over the next three years, Shaw said.

'A safe passing distance around people cycling is something we're looking at, but ultimately I think creating safe, separated routes for people cycling will make the biggest difference,' Shaw said.