Auckland Chamber of Commerce: 'Too many cycle deaths'

A bike painted white is parked opposite the section of road on Tamaki Drive where 27-year-old Jane Bishop died in 2010. Photo / Dean Purcell

Cycle deaths on Auckland's roads reinforce the need for faster action on critical transport projects, says the city's chamber of commerce.

An Auckland Transport survey showing cyclists were the majority of red light runners doesn't excuse the lack of action to hasten projects to protect them and other road users, especially large trucks, from each other, chamber chief Michael Barnett said.

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The death of cyclist 37-year-old John Tangiia at the foot of Parnell Rise last week reinforces the "undeniable fact'' that work on many of such projects should have been speeded up, Mr Barnett said.

"Part of Auckland being an international city is how efficiently and safely we move people, goods and services around the city.

"Over the past five years there have been too many cycle deaths, showing a need for a change of attitudes and behaviour by cyclists and other road users and reinforcing the case for faster progress to build a safe and efficient transport network - a network that is safe for cyclists and protects other road users.''

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Mr Barnett said the Grafton Gully corridor, where last week's incident occurred, was critical to Auckland's commerce.

"For 30 years Auckland has talked of a project to separate the 4000 freight vehicles that daily head to and from the Ports of Auckland and nearby businesses from other traffic.

"An investigation to look at route options has been underway for the past three years during which time we have not only had the latest death but other incidents reinforcing the urgency of the project.

"We can't just keep talking about solving our core transport projects - we need action,'' said Mr Barnett.

An Auckland Transport survey carried out at four intersections over 12 hours nine months ago recorded 360 red light breaches, with cyclists responsible for 60 per cent.

Watch a video diary form Herald reporter Martin Johnston after he strapped a camera to his helmet to compile a record of the obstacles cyclists face: