A grieving family in Wellington is left questioning the city’s road safety measures after a man tragically died at home in Karori before emergency services could reach him. While the official cause of death is still under investigation, the incident has reignited a heated debate about the impact of new cycleways and speed bumps on emergency response times.

Councillor Ray Chung, who personally knew the deceased, believes that precious minutes were lost as the fire truck carrying first responders slowed to navigate multiple raised crossings on the route. He argues that while these traffic calming measures were intended to improve safety, they may have had the opposite effect by delaying crucial assistance.

Chung has been vocal about his concerns regarding new roading initiatives, citing a recent incident where an ambulance was reportedly held up due to the Ngaio Gorge cycleway. He points out that fire trucks are forced to nearly stop at speed bumps, making it even harder to navigate narrower streets.

The incident has also renewed scrutiny of the ongoing cycleway debate in Wellington. The Karori resident’s neighbor, who witnessed the emergency response, expressed concern about the increased speed bumps and the impact they could have on future emergencies, especially given the suburb’s aging population and numerous care homes.

A 2021 report by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) revealed that Wellington has one of the country’s highest densities of speed bumps per capita. Additionally, a 2022 survey conducted by the Wellington Residents Association found that 65% of residents believe there are too many speed bumps in the city, with 40% reporting they have witnessed or experienced delays in emergency response due to speed bumps.

While Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) did not comment directly on the Karori incident, they have voiced concerns about certain aspects of Wellington’s cycleways hindering response times. Specifically, they highlighted the difficulty of cars pulling over to allow emergency vehicles to pass, especially on narrower roads.

The Wellington City Council, while declining to comment on the specific death, acknowledged that they have engaged in discussions with Fenz regarding roading changes. They also emphasized their commitment to road safety and working collaboratively with emergency services to address any concerns.

This tragic event highlights the need for a balanced approach to road safety. While traffic calming measures like speed bumps and cycleways are important, it’s equally crucial to ensure that emergency services can reach those in need as quickly as possible. As the debate continues, the Wellington community hopes for a resolution that prioritizes both safety and efficient emergency response.