Dunedin Councillor Lee Vandervis recently mis-represented us at on official council meeting while discussing the new update report on cycle-pedestrian safety on the One-Ways. Lee stated that the people at Bike Otago do not support cycle lanes, which is of course completely untrue.
We were just sent this youtube clip from the September 23 Council meeting and we think it would be appropriate to make our opinions publicly known.
If you just watched his performance above, then we are 'those' blokes, the 'seriously heavy duty cyclists' from the cycle shop across the road from the railway station that he is talking about and I am the owner of the shop.
So we would just like to put a little context to what Lee tells the council here. Lee states that we said that cycling lanes actually give cyclists a false sense of security... But what Lee has missed out is the words 'painted on'. For sure, we, like almost all cyclists you ask are against the painted on cycling lanes, similar to what we currently have on our one way system.
What Lee has forgotten to mention is that we are strong advocates for separated, or 'protected' cycling lanes where there is a physical separation between cyclists and motorists. This style of cycling lane has been proven around the world to reduce accidents for cyclists and increase numbers.
What Lee states about intersections not being separable is not something that we would consider hard to fix... it would just take a bit of good planning to ensure everyone can enjoy the roads safely together.
The 'protected' cycle lanes idea has been proven around the world and we passionately support the new initiatives by the current council to examine options for implementing protected cycle tracks on the one-ways for the benefit of all riders.
So clearly Lee Vandervis has misquoted us in order to push forward his own agenda. Not quite the kind of behavior we would expect from a councillor, or what do you think?
I also urge readers to consider the options outlined in the NZTA/DCC report and support the need for separated lanes on the One-ways. SPOKES Dunedin have made it very easy for all Kiwis to do this on their Submission Website.
Kashi Leuchs
Owner Bike Otago