I would like to appeal to all drivers to pass cyclists WIDE and SLOW, knowing we may swerve at any time to avoid a pothole or other obstacle in the road. But my appeal is also to cyclists to BE SEEN.
Can you see the cyclist in this photo? Would you spot them in time while driving 100km/hr?
I’ve bike packed extensively throughout the South Island and it’s an all-too-common sight. Dark clothing. No high vis.
I can't overstate how useful high visibility gear is to help you be seen on the road. Even something as big as a horse can be near invisible in the wrong light! Drivers may follow the road rules and do all the right things but still miss seeing you up ahead if you're in the shadows. It's a no brainer that hi vis and bright bike lights will make you stand out more and be seen sooner, increasing your chances of having drivers pass you considerately rather than in a panic when they spot you at the last minute.
I honestly think my horse and I wouldn't have survived 9000km of travel around NZ without incident if we weren't wearing hi vis! And I saw the sheer number of cyclists on our roads without any hi vis as we traveled around. It's such a simple and cheap tool to help keep yourself safe while out cycling on our roads.
If you know any vulnerable road users - cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians - please implore them to use such a simple tool to increase their safety! And no, bright clothing does not do the same thing... Note the yellow saddlebags on the bike.
Let’s work together and look out for each other. Understand each other’s needs. Give Space. Slow down. Put your safety and the safety of other people - front and centre when you ride or get behind the wheel.
