Fix NZ roads for safer motorcycle riding
The issue
Two weeks ago, my life changed forever when I lost my little brother, Arron Gundersen, in a tragic motorcycle accident. Arron was just 50 years old, full of life, dreams, and ambitions. He was traveling at 80 km/h, within the speed limit, when he lost control and crashed. The culprit? Bleeding tar turned the road into an ice-like surface during light rain, making it impossible for him to maintain control of his bike. His partner surviving with severe shoulder injuries.
Arron's story is not an isolated case in New Zealand. Our roads should ensure safety, but instead, they pose significant risks to motorcyclists, cyclists, and even motorists. Bleeding tar, potholes, uneven surfaces and poor drainage are prevalent issues that compromise safety and lead to devastating accidents and loss of life.
In New Zealand, motorcycles account for just 3% of the vehicle fleet, yet motorcyclists represented 16% of road deaths in 2022 (source: NZ Transport Agency). This is not just a statistic. Each number has a name, a story, a family who faces unbearable loss.
The impact of unsafe roads is profound, affecting not just individuals and their families but also putting a strain on emergency services and healthcare systems. It’s time to take a stand and demand that our government prioritizes road safety, starting with addressing the hazards that specifically endanger motorcyclists.
We need immediate action:
1. **Comprehensive Road Inspections & Repairs:** Conduct regular inspections and ensure timely repair and maintenance of roads, especially targeting known accident-prone areas.
2. **Improved Surface Materials:** Shift from using materials prone to bleeding tar to alternatives that provide better grip and durability under diverse weather conditions.
3. **Public Awareness Campaigns:** Launch initiatives targeting both riders and drivers to educate them on sharing the road responsibly and understanding the risks specific to motorcycles.
We can't change what has happened to Arron, but we can prevent these tragedies from continuing. Join me in calling for immediate reforms to make New Zealand roads safe for motorcyclists. Sign this petition. Let Arron's legacy be a safer journey for others.
2,813
The issue
Two weeks ago, my life changed forever when I lost my little brother, Arron Gundersen, in a tragic motorcycle accident. Arron was just 50 years old, full of life, dreams, and ambitions. He was traveling at 80 km/h, within the speed limit, when he lost control and crashed. The culprit? Bleeding tar turned the road into an ice-like surface during light rain, making it impossible for him to maintain control of his bike. His partner surviving with severe shoulder injuries.
Arron's story is not an isolated case in New Zealand. Our roads should ensure safety, but instead, they pose significant risks to motorcyclists, cyclists, and even motorists. Bleeding tar, potholes, uneven surfaces and poor drainage are prevalent issues that compromise safety and lead to devastating accidents and loss of life.
In New Zealand, motorcycles account for just 3% of the vehicle fleet, yet motorcyclists represented 16% of road deaths in 2022 (source: NZ Transport Agency). This is not just a statistic. Each number has a name, a story, a family who faces unbearable loss.
The impact of unsafe roads is profound, affecting not just individuals and their families but also putting a strain on emergency services and healthcare systems. It’s time to take a stand and demand that our government prioritizes road safety, starting with addressing the hazards that specifically endanger motorcyclists.
We need immediate action:
1. **Comprehensive Road Inspections & Repairs:** Conduct regular inspections and ensure timely repair and maintenance of roads, especially targeting known accident-prone areas.
2. **Improved Surface Materials:** Shift from using materials prone to bleeding tar to alternatives that provide better grip and durability under diverse weather conditions.
3. **Public Awareness Campaigns:** Launch initiatives targeting both riders and drivers to educate them on sharing the road responsibly and understanding the risks specific to motorcycles.
We can't change what has happened to Arron, but we can prevent these tragedies from continuing. Join me in calling for immediate reforms to make New Zealand roads safe for motorcyclists. Sign this petition. Let Arron's legacy be a safer journey for others.
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Petition created on 3 October 2026