New rules for Tamaki Dr after cyclists hurt

Cyclists on Auckland's busy but dangerous Tamaki Drive have got their way with Auckland City Council on some safety improvements after four cyclists were injured, one seriously, after they were knocked down in September.

In the wake of the incident cyclists demanded safety improvements on one of the city's busiest and most dangerous roads.

Tamaki Drive runs about 10km along Auckland's waterfront.

In court earlier this week a young woman motorist pleaded guilty to four charges of dangerous driving.

Jennifer Speakman, 20, was remanded at large for sentencing on February 17.

Her lawyer told the court Speakman was sorry she failed to see the cyclists.

Police alleged she knocked down and injured four cyclists among a group of 20 on Tamaki Drive on Auckland's waterfront on September 26.

The badly hurt cyclist, Greg Paterson, received head, neck and chest injuries and was in a critical condition for several days after the incident.

Auckland City Council said today it was acting on a series of road safety options recommended by the Tamaki Dr road safety working party.

A warning sign would be erected at the intersection of Ngapipi Rd and Tamaki Dr. It could be activated by cyclists to warn cars they were there.

Cyclists were also being encouraged to report road hazards such as broken glass and temporary signs would go up reminding people it was a shared road. The police would also be encouraged to concentrate on "red light runners" - both cycles and cars.

- NZPA