Silly

The Herald reports:

The National Party is proposing to fine cyclists who do not use separated cycleways.

Transport spokesman Chris Bishop wants to make it mandatory for cyclists to use dedicated lanes if they are there.

“Many cyclists do use the cycle path if it’s separated from the road but some don’t and what we’re saying is if it is there, you have to use it,” he said.

“That’s the law in the Netherlands and that’s the law in other countries and we think it’s a good step forward for New Zealand.”

I think this is a one size fits all policy that overreaches.

Yes if there is a separate cycle path, it is safer for everyone if cyclists use it.

But sometimes there may be valid reasons for a cyclist to want to be on the road. They may be training and wanting to cycle faster than you could on a cycleway. The cycleway may be congested etc.

The question I would ask is if there is any data showing a significant problem of cyclists not using a dedicated cycleway when one exists?