"The sheer arrogance of some drivers" appals Wanganui Intermediate's Benjamin Brandon, who was knocked off his bike by a motorist last term.
"Motorists have two tonnes of car around them; cyclists have nothing," Benjamin said during his oral submission to the draft annual plan in the Wanganui District Council chambers yesterday.
Benjamin, Year 8, was hit by an oncoming car that turned in front of him without signalling.
"The man parked, got out and apologised," but it was a bystander who lent Benjamin her phone to call his Dad.
His helmet was smashed and his bike was buckled.
Benjamin also wants road workers to be mindful about where they place the road signs.
"They place them in the middle of the bike lane, causing us to swerve into traffic."
Another bad experience was when a motorist turned in front of him, beeped his horn, pointed his fingers and swore, despite Benjamin having the right of way.
Benjamin wants bike lanes to be widened, and the council to help encourage safe cycling.
Tom Cosford asked the council for more cycle lanes so more people could get out and ride their bikes and help the environment.
"And families could have weekend family bike rides together."