If we had the population of Holland, we might be in a position to build all the cycle infrastructure that the Netherlands can build with its population of 16 million in a country the size of Canterbury.
We don't. Our roads and railways are vital transport and communication links for the movement of trade and business as well as for people's recreation. Many of the bridges where I live on a State Highway are one lane bridges that date from the 1950s. Courtesy prevails here and the system works well with a bit of patience. This is infinitely preferable than bankrupting ourselves replacing all these bridges and pouring a fortune into new infrastructure.
I think that most rural New Zealanders would be surprised by a couple exposing their young child to the incredible dangers of a bicycle tour on the main highways. It might have seemed a good idea back in Holland but New Zealand reality is different.
It isn't going to get any easier for them cycling in the South Island. The roads are even narrower than in the North Island. There is no shoulders on many of the roads. They are winding so it is hard to see bicycles from a distance. It can also be exceedingly windy with nor-west winds a real challenge.
There will soon also be a huge increase in road traffic with the holiday season especially of caravans, boats amd trailers that are very dangerous for cyclists and are being driven by less experienced drivers.
I wonder if it might be more sensible for them to enjoy one of the many wonderful walks that we have throughout the 1/3rd of New Zealand that is protected conservation land?
They can still make a stand for protecting the world environment (and congratulations to them for doing this) but they can do so without endangering themselves and their child?
