The NZ Transport Agency will convene an expert panel to consider the evidence gathered by a coronial review of cycling safety in New Zealand, released today by Coroner Gordon Matenga.
The Transport Agency has written to Mr Matenga this afternoon to confirm that the agency has accepted his recommendation that it convene an expert panel drawn from stakeholders with expertise in cycling and road safety to consider the evidence gathered by the coronial review and other relevant issues, with the aim of improving safety for cyclists in New Zealand.
The terms of reference for the review and the composition of the panel will be determined in consultation with the National Road Safety Management Group (NRSMG), a cross sector group of agencies that share responsibility for, and interest in, improving road safety.
Transport Agency Director of Road Safety Ernst Zollner said the agency would aim to establish the panel by the end of the year, and the panel was likely to include representation from a wide range of groups with an interest in cycle safety.
Mr Zollner said the Transport Agency and other members of the NRSMG would continue to work with a broad range of groups and individuals to improve the safety of cyclists in New Zealand by investing in separated cycle paths, improving the safety of roads and roadsides, making intersections safer, reducing vehicle speeds in urban areas to reduce the risks that motor vehicles can pose to pedestrians and cyclists and promoting safe cycling through a range of education programmes.
Mr Zollner said the Transport Agency had considered and responded to the recommendations arising from previous coronial inquests considered by Mr Matenga's review, and the agency always provided expert advice to Coroners when that advice was sought during a hearing.
The Transport Agency will be meeting with the Chief Coroner later this month to ensure the Agency has the opportunity to contribute as effectively as possible to future coronial reviews.
For further information, refer to the Transport Agency's response(external link) to Coroner Gordon Matenga.
