Drivers given stern warning - article

Read and discuss this article. How can you support the Let's Go project. Can you walk or bike some or all of the way to school?  Remind drivers to keep clear of cycle lanes.

Drivers given stern warning

YVETTE BATTEN - NORTH TARANAKI MIDWEEK

As the warmer summer months approach and people dust off their bikes, the police are reminding people in motorised vehicles to keep clear of cycle lanes.
"The big drive by the government, as well as by the council, is to get more people on bikes," said Sergeant George White.
"The council and the government is spending an awful lot of money trying to make the roads safer, or the pathways safer, for cyclists and other alternative forms of transport."
Cycle lanes are clearly marked and vehicles should not cross into them unless there is a hazard or blockage in the road or they are pulling into a driveway or carpark.
On arterial routes there are green patches on the roads near intersections designed to remind drivers to watch for cyclists.
Near some intersections there is a gap between green patches, which indicates where drivers should cross the cycle lane.
Driving in a cycle lane also becomes a problem when the traffic is backed up at the lights and a car from a nearby offshoot road is allowed through.
The car being allowed through may not see other cars travelling up the cycle lane.
"The car that is at fault is the car driving in the cycle lane," Mr White said.
It can cost drivers, depending on damage and the situation, $150 for unauthorised use of a special vehicle lane and a careless use charge, which results in a court appearance.
"We're already issuing tickets for it," Mr White said.