Release distributed by Cycle Action Auckland
The months leading up to the country’s most popular road cycling event in Taupo bring many more cyclists out to train on roads throughout the country. Last year they took a horrific toll, as 5 cyclists were killed in 5 days in the Auckland/Waikato regions. Auckland Transport and Cycle Action have a special interest in the event, as they know that many road cyclists use Tamaki Drive as part of their road training. The road’s central location and flat contour makes it very attractive for this, but it also has a grim crash record for cycling.
Auckland Transport, Cycle Action Auckland and road cyclists are collaborating on a pilot programme to teach bunch riding skills to cyclists before they take to the roads en-masse for the big event. “We are already teamed up with Auckland Transport, the Police and a group of leading road cyclists on Tamaki Drive to develop and promote a code of behaviour for bunch riding on the road. At the same time, Auckland Transport is working to make the road safer, by removing obstructions like boat trailers. “This pilot is an important initiative to sharpen up bunch riding skills ” says Barbara Cuthbert, Spokesperson for Cycle Action Auckland. “ We know safety is seldom a quick fix, single shot, but all road users benefit when cyclists are road -savy and skilled.”
The skill sessions will be taught by three experienced road cyclists from Devonport Xpressos’ cycling group. They will be led by Daymon Shack, coach of the Takapuna Grammar cycling team, with his support team of Andrea Gilkison, who leads the Xpressos ‘newbies’ group twice each week, and programme manager, Murray Vaile.
Murray is impressed by Auckland Transport’s commitment to improve cycling safety on Tamaki Drive. “I credit Auckland Transport’s Kitch Cuthbert for seeing that upskilling bunch riders makes for safer road sharing and benefits all road users. We are pleased to be doing our part to make the lead-up to this Taupo training season, including Tamaki Drive training, a more pleasurable and safer experience” concludes Murray.
The sessions will be held at Pt England, Glen Innes, at 0730 – 0930 am Sunday 6th and 13th November. Each session will cost $10.00 to each participant. (This low cost is possible because it is subsidised by Auckland Transport.) To register or to seek further information, contact Daymon at bunchridingskills@gmail.com
Contacts –
Barbara Cuthbert, Spokesperson, Cycle Action Auckland, ph 0274 125 824