Media Release
From: New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA)Hospital admission volumes and rates are rising with underlying variation in patient demography, place and severity of injury. Current policy direction to grow cycling participation based on the health, environmental and economic benefits is ahead of the implementation of safer cycling infrastructure, creating a timing lag.
Health, environmental and economic benefits of increased cycling participation are acknowledged – nevertheless there is a tension requiring greater acknowledgement—in that the promotion of cycling is generally ahead of safety improvement initiatives. From our perspective this timing lag has consequences, for all cyclists injured and for health system costs. Due consideration of these consequences is needed if the full range of cycling benefits are to be realised.
