Kiwification

Josh Campbell is a teacher in Christchurch who cycles to work. Fed up with co-workers’ dismissal of his “near-misses” in traffic, he attached a video camera to his handlebars, and compiled a 3-minute video of his harrowing rides to work.

The three-minute compilation video features a host of near-misses involving cars cutting across his path, and cars and buses pulling out or stopping abruptly in front of him.

With a bit of fast-forwarding, and some pumping music, the video could become quite the mini-thriller. It’s clear in the video that drivers took no notice of Josh - evidently they didn’t see him, or didn’t care. Apparently, mothers (with distracting kids?) in SUVs are the worst culprits:

“I try not to go anywhere near a school at about 3pm. SUVs are particularly nasty because of their size. It is quite nerve-wracking — they are so big.”

How to cycle safely in New Zealand

Land Transport New Zealand has a page detailing safety rules and tips for cyclists. Here are a few of the more obvious ones:

• There are often dedicated cycle / pedestrian tracks alongside roads. Use them.
• Always wear a helmet. It’s the law. (About three-quarters of all cycling deaths are caused by head injuries)
• Wear “high-visibility” clothing. Invest in a reflective vest if you cycle in busy streets.

(Original story found on stuff.co.nz)