Cyclists beware: Blindzone demo awaits

After being canned last month due to bad weather, a Blindzone demonstration being hosted by Travel Safe and Share the Road will take place at Mount Maunganui on July 23.

e free event from 10am-2pm this Sunday at Tauranga Hockey Club carpark, Kawaka St, is for all the public – but is particularly aimed at cyclists. Share the Road campaign manager Richard Barter says the demonstration will allow cyclists to experience several blind spots rst-hand that prevent truck drivers from seeing people on bikes – because few people have any idea of what a driver can and can’t see from the seat of their truck.

“ is is a unique opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat of a big truck to learn just where you can and can't be seen on a bike. We mark out the blind zones with cones and tape and position vehicles and bicycles in the blind zone areas then ask participants to nd them when they are in the driver’s seat.

“In the past we’ve even put re engines in a blind zone and participants were quite shocked to realise a vehicle as big as a re engine can be invisible to a driver!”

Travel Safe team leader Sonia Lynds wants bike riders of all abilities to attend, saying it’s often more con dent and faster cyclists who are more reluctant to use the separated cycle paths. “Cycling is a fun, convenient, and healthy way to get around and is a great choice for the environment.

“We want to make sure bike riders have the right information so they can ride safely whether as a form of transport or recreationally.” e free Blindzone Demonstration is 10am2pm this Sunday, July 23, at Tauranga Hockey Club carpark.

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is exploring what changes need to be made to ensure the health of freshwater is protected and improved for future generations. We are holding events to discuss what the freshwater management issues are for the region and your area, and the draft options we are thinking about to manage them.

Get involved and have your say while the policy options are still draft

Upcoming events in your area:

Tauranga: Thursday 17 August, 10am-2pm: Location TBC

For a full list, go online: boprc.govt.nz/freshwater

Me mahi tahi tātou mō te oranga tonutanga o te wai māori

Let’s work together for the future of freshwater