"I'm not shaving yet but they gave me a licence anyway"
Maybe I’m just tired. The phone didn’t stopped ringing all day. But it is definitely out of character for a 45 year old male to be having teary moments. It hit me while riding, actually. Thinking and talking about the avoidable tragedy took its toll I guess. The abusive call didn’t help either. When I finally stopped to take a breath, the reality, the senselessness of it all, hit me again. A life has been stubbed out. I don’t feel good talking about someone I have never met, in the past tense. A person who is now the centre of unwanted attention.
Of course, the discussion will need to turn to how can such a tragedy be avoided in the future. But let’s remember Jane for a little while longer, please. I really thought the death of the Senior policeman in Wellington on his bike not so long ago would have been the catalyst for change.
Auckland Transport today outlined plans for changes to cycling infrastructure on Tamaki Dr in a bid to prevent further tragic accidents. They are not comprehensive enough. To me, it still looks like tinkering and trying to accommodate the packs of motorists wedded to their cars. The reality is, Auckland needs cyclists. Cyclists and other sustainable transport modes.
Unfortunately, my faith in the Auckland Council to create a safe cycling environment for us has been seriously undermined from years of inaction. In my mind, I don’t think it is too strong to suggest that the Council and some of its employees are criminally negligent and directly responsible for Jane’s death.
Cycle Action made recommendations to the council in 2006 about the part of Tamaki Drive where Jane was killed. No action was taken. A council engineer would have signed off on this dangerous stretch of road knowing full well that squeezing in extra carparks and the way the road was designed would create pinch points and endanger the lives of cyclists. Leaky homes anyone?
Earlier this year, Cycle Action fought tooth and nail to get the council to recognise the need for safety improvements to Tamaki Drive near Nga Pipi Rd intersection. These were done with lots of arm bending and sweet talking. Duress, I think it’s called. I remember being told by (a non-cycling) council engineer at a meeting earlier this year that the introduction of a T2 lane on Tamaki Drive would not undermine cycling safety once the foliage next to the curb had been removed. NEGLIGENT! These people are paid big money by us. And what do we get? Have a heart, please!
The list goes on and on. One of the “victories” of the Tamaki Drive Working Party was to place clearway parking restrictions on parts of Tamaki Drive. It is disapointing but not surprising to hear that these parking restrictions are regularly being flouted.
In spite of this latest death, I guarantee cycling numbers willcontinue to grow. And so it should. 27% by last count. And that was just in the old Auckland City. Imagine the increase there would be if some decent infrastructure was provided.
Finally, thanks to all of you who have been in touch to offer support. It’s much appreciated. Cycle Action is a volunteer organisation after all and runs entirely on goodwill and graft. It’s a great group to be a part of.
On the morning of Sunday December 5, there will be an organised mass ride along Tamaki Dr. It is a ride for all tribes. For people who have a heart. We will temporarily reclaim one of the most beautiful pieces of real estate in Auckland. We will be showing that we’re all real people and we’re all sad and angry. We will be raising awareness of the need for a sea change. Come along and be a part of the change.
cycling/freedom
Cycle Action Auckland – a voice for cyclists
"In my mind, I don’t think it is too strong to suggest that the Council and some of its employees are criminally negligent and directly responsible for Jane’s death."
I'd agree with you there.
I went to bed depressed, woke-up angry.
My workplace is governed by health & safety regulations and accidents are now very rare. A shame the roads I cycle to work on are not designed with similar principles.
The spate of so called accidents has affected me as well – I was so fucken angry and wanting to shoot certain people that I almost rang a current local body politician who was implicit in some way towards Ms Bishop's death and fucken give him a good ear bashing – I didn't – but I'm still angry. I need to express it somewhere and somehow.
I'm very angry and teary at the same time. I want to do something to make this better. The obvious and most important thing is to keep riding my bike. Try to keep the high ground. What else can I do? Love to hear more information on the mass ride. Any plans for 'ghost bike' tributes?
@Carl My cycling experience is a positive one and I intend to keep cycling sensibly just like I always do. A person on a bike is the best advertisement. Details of the ride will be available early next week. Keep the morning of Sunday December 5th free in the meanwhile.
Mark, any chance you can create a Facebook Event for the Sunday ride? Time to take this to the masses.
I'm thinking of doing a ghost bike ride silently along Tamaki Drive next Thursday at 5pm as a memorial ride.
what time does it start on the 5th of december. tnx
Thanks so much for all the posts on this item. Cycle Action is totally gutted by the events of this week, and our voluntary gang have been doing long hours responding to media etc.We are meeting this weekend to plan the Dec 5 event – we hope to use Queens Wharf to make it easy for families to bring bikes on trains and ferries. The facebook suggestion is great, thanks, – please keep your suggestions flowing. We need your collective energies and support at this time.
I live in the US and have read about the latest accidents. My daughter lives and rides in Auckland and I am sickened by the stories I hear about the attitudes of the none cycling public there. A recent case in Southern California where jail time was given to a doctor who repeatedly harassed cyclist by braking in front riders, pushing them off the road, etc. The only way to get their attention is an awareness campaign and enforcement with harsh penalties. It has to begin at the city level. I applaud Cycle Action for their efforts so far, but it is going to take a much bigger effort to with a lot more people to provide bike lanes and awareness. "Remember Jane" is good start.
Mark, I've said to you by email. Great article, good message.
Will be thinking of you all on the 5th.
Have look at the video produced in Wellington
http://can.org.nz/please-give-us-a-chance
@Stephen I have watched the video and I love it. It hits the right spot. this is exactly what we need now. All our energy needs to go into taking our message to the masses. Keep it up and more of the same please. We are ordinary people who cycle. simple and compelling.