The safety of our participants, both horse and human, is in the forefront of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s community focus, and the industry is putting their full support behind the Horse Riders Petition for Vulnerable Road User Status.
Introduced by the New Zealand Equestrian Advocacy Network (NZEAN) on behalf of the equestrian community, the Vulnerable Road User Campaign aims to shed light on the vulnerability of horse riders on Kiwi roads, alongside the likes of pedestrians and cyclists.
“Decision makers must view equestrian needs as equally as important as other user groups like cyclists and pedestrians,” Vulnerable Road User Campaign spokesperson Julia McLean said.
“We have received advice from a transportation and engineering firm specialising in transportation policy and legislation before lodging this petition. Parliamentary Services then carries out its own fact checking exercise.”
This action follows in the footsteps of the Victorian Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee and the UK Highway Code, particularly the latter which classifies horse riders and cyclists as the most vulnerable road users, ahead of pedestrians.
NZTR chief executive Bruce Sharrock has noted enhanced safety measures, increased awareness and education, legal protections and encouragement of equestrian activities as key benefits from the petition.
“Horse riding is not only a popular recreational activity but also a significant aspect of our country’s cultural heritage and rural lifestyle,” Sharrock said.
“As an organisation dedicated to promoting the sport and ensuring the safety of all involved, we understand the unique challenges horse riders face when sharing roads with motor vehicles.
“Recognising horse riders as Vulnerable Road Users would bring numerous benefits to the equestrian community.
“NZTR firmly believes that the formal recognition of horse riders as Vulnerable Road Users is a crucial step toward ensuring their safety and promoting the equestrian way of life.
“We urge the Government and relevant authorities to consider this recommendation seriously and to take the necessary actions to implement it.”
Dana Kirkpatrick, MP for East Coast, and Grant McCallum, MP for Northland, have both indicated support when the petition is received at Parliament on the 15th of October.
Before this date, the equestrian community can put forward their support by signing the petition, while a Change.org petition has also been established internationally, where like-minded individuals from UK, Australia, Ireland, Canada and America have come together on the matter.
https://petitions.parliament.nz/7903bbe1-bef3-4a14-3e6e-08dca632fe79