Safer walking and cycling

In each year over the period 2003-2007:

• an average of 671 pedestrians were hospitalised and 43 were killed.
• an average of 280 cyclists were hospitalised and 10 were killed from crashes involving a vehicle.

How can we improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians?

Improve techniques to integrate safety into land use planning
It can be difficult for people in residential areas to safely walk or cycle to services, such as shops and schools. There are various methods we can use to identify and resolve these local safety issues (eg neighbourhood accessibility plans (NAPs)).

The key elements of a NAP are that roads, pavements, intersections, signs and facilities are improved where possible so that they are safe for local people, particularly children and the elderly. These engineering improvements can be supported by education and enforcement campaigns. We could strengthen and build on these methods.

Strengthen requirements in the driving licence test so drivers are more aware of pedestrians and cyclists safety needs
We could test novice drivers on road rules regarding pedestrians and cyclists. This would encourage specific driver training on how to safely share the road with pedestrians and cyclists.

Stronger promotion of road user education on pedestrians and cyclists, including targeted messages and more national promotion
We could strengthen road user education around the safety needs of pedestrians and cyclists.

Greater promotion of cyclist skills training in schools
Children who have taken cyclist skills training are less likely to have a crash. Christchurch has run a successful programme (Cycle Safe) for several years. We could increase the coverage of this type of training in schools.

Support the roll-out of strongly enforced variable speed limits around schools and address the issue of school bus safety
Variable speed signs remind road users to consider the needs of school children. The default speed limit of 50 km/h around some schools is lowered to 40 km/h before and after school and at lunchtime. We could expand this programme.

We also need to address the issue of rural school safety, especially around school buses.

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