Cyclophobia in New Zealand

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) is calling for a stop to cyclist-bashing on the roads and in the media. CAN's call comes after four cyclists were injured last week on Auckland's Tamaki Drive when a car failed to stop at a stop sign. Public and media response to the crash frequently featured abuse of cyclists.

CAN spokes person Stephen McKernon says "cyclists often endure verbal abuse from motorists simply for being on the road. A segment of the motoring public also says cyclists break the Road Code and are a nuisance, and so conclude that cycling is dangerous. When a cyclist is injured or killed, this abuse is amplified by ill-informed media and callous public comment. These extreme views imply that cyclists deserve to be injured or killed."