Motorists and cyclists join together on Auckland roads this summer to promote a high profile 'Share the Road' campaign that encourages safer road user behaviour between cyclists and motorists.

The RoadSafe Auckland campaign is welcomed by the Automobile Association and Cycle Action Auckland as it balances two key safety messages "Be Safe Be Seen" aimed at cyclists, and "Give Bikes 1.5m" aimed at motorists.

Simon Lambourne, Auckland transport spokesperson for the Automobile Association says, "The campaign provides an excellent reminder to motorists to take care around cyclists on the road.
Looking out for cyclists and giving cyclists more room while overtaking are two simple measures that motorists can do to help improve road safety for cyclists and themselves." Barbara Cuthbert, Cycle Action Auckland spokesperson says, "It is great to see more cyclists on the roads as cycling is fun, efficient, good for you and frees up congested streets. But safety is a concern, so we hope that this campaign helps raise motorist awareness while also reinforcing the importance for cyclists to ensure they are visible to motorists."

Primarily funded by the NZTA and managed by ARTA, the campaign is being promoted using motorway off-ramp billboards, bus back billboards, promotional web banner advertising, and an online competition.

You can enter the Share the Road Competition to win an iPod Nano by visiting the RoadSafe Auckland website www.roadsafeauckland.org.nz. Entries close on 31st March 2010.

"We look forward to more cyclists using the road network, particularly where safe infrastructure has been put in place, and we encourage all cyclists to have a safe bike and helmet, gain cycling skills and to plan their cycle routes carefully", says ARTA Walking and Cycling Coordinator Brian Horspool.