In the Norwegian Road Administration’s campaign, various groups of road users are in couple therapy. Among other things, drivers and cyclists must work on the relationship and communicate better. In one of the videos, the cyclist says “cause” and takes the blame for possible traffic accidents. Excerpt from the National Road Administration’s campaign, where road users are encouraged to think about their role in traffic. City Council for Environment and Transport in Oslo Municipality, Sirin Hellvin Stav (MDG) reacts that it is the cyclist who is to blame for the campaign. – All groups of road users must show consideration for each other, but I react to someone asking cyclists and pedestrians to be careful. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has failed to provide facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the cities. City council for the environment and transport in Oslo municipality, Sirin Hellvin Stav (MDG) reacts to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s campaign. She believes that the Norwegian Road Administration is abdicating its responsibility to ask cyclists and motorists to talk to each other. – A lot of money is being spent on motorways that we don’t want, and at the same time the National Roads Administration is spending large sums on this campaign instead of making it safe to cycle, says Stav. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration will spend a total of 11 million on the campaign, which will be rolled out sporadically throughout the year. – Everyone has a responsibility, but especially those who pose the greatest threat. Therefore, the focus should just as much be that motorists must be more careful, she believes. What have you as city council done to improve this? – WE have invested massively since we came to power in 2015, and we have built 150 km of cycle paths. The number of cyclists has therefore increased by 50%. Everyone must take responsibility Elin Fykerud Johannessen, project manager for the Samspill campaign in the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, says they are satisfied with the campaign and that they are reaching their message. – We build infrastructure, and provide facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. Regardless of that, all road users must take responsibility, which is our intention with the campaign. Johannessen is not in agreement with the Mdg city council and believes that there is no need to separate cycle paths from motor roads. – The vulnerable road users are more exposed to injury, but we believe that everyone has a shared responsibility. With a good traffic culture, we play each other well. We shouldn’t get divorced, she thinks. Divorce? Waseem Raja is a taxi driver and says that because of cyclists he has his eyes open 24 hours a day. As a taxi driver, Waseem Raja has to be alert around the clock. – Even if we honk at them and say “what are you doing?” then they don’t listen, and just drive on. How would you describe your relationship with cyclists? – They must follow better, and not drive in the middle of the road. Andreas is a cyclist and does not believe in couple therapy between cyclists and motorists. Andreas does not believe in coexistence between cyclists and road users. – The relationship between us is absolutely miserable, that’s one reason why I ride in a bright yellow t-shirt and have three horns and a camera on the handlebars. Carl Tufte cycles 7,000 km a year. He believes that both cyclists and motorists have potential for improvement, but that cyclists are the worst. Carl Tufte has extensive experience as a cyclist. – Cyclists waver, stand firm on their rights, and are very selfish. And often worse in traffic than motorists. Everyone is pissed off. Eline Oftedal, secretary general of the National Association of Cyclists, thinks the campaign is good, but that couples therapy is not a long-term solution. Eline Oftedal, in the Cyklistenes nationalsforening, believes that both couples therapy and divorce are the solution. – Couples therapy is needed, but a divorce is also needed. We do not want motorists and cyclists to share the road. We know who will be hurt if this becomes an “abusive relationship”. It is a sport in this industry based on benefits, says Oftedal. – Everyone is mad at each other. The cyclist complains about the motorist, and the motorist complains about the cyclist, says Oftedal.
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reacts to the state’s road service campaign cyclists – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
