14 Nov 2013

Cyclists call for inquiry into road safety

8:32 pm on 14 November 2013

Cycling advocates are pushing for a full public inquiry into the safety of cyclists on the roads.

Coroner Gordon Matenga wants the New Zealand Transport Agency to lead an expert panel to make recommendations.

It is the sole recommendation from his own review of 13 cycling deaths.

But Patrick Morgan, a spokesperson for Cycling Advocates Network, says there needs to be a high-level inquiry.

"The Transport Agency is one of the deliverers of transport policy, but it doesn't set policy - that's done by the ministry.

"We also think that we need a much broader range of expertise including people from the health sector, from local councils, from ACC and the recreation sector."

Mr Morgan says there is huge demand for protected cycling lanes, safer speeds and education for everyone on the road.