I've just recently begun cycling on CHCH raods again after(approx) a 10 year break. This has been a rude awakening for my body but not only that; I've had several near misses involving cars.
As an example; today I was happily cruising at 35kmhr along a long,straight, stretch of road only to be confronted suddenly by the side of a station wagon that had been driven at ever decreasing speed as it crossed the centre line to drive into an entrance in front of me(travelling in the opposite direction as luck would have it).
I can't imagine how anyone could miss a bright blue helmet let alone the bright yellow bike I ride.
Fortunately I was able to brake in time to avert an accident but this wouldn't have been necessary if the driver of the aforementioned S/Wagon had been a more considerate and safe driver. Now I did need to change my shorts upon arriving home after this incident but only for the normal reasons and not due to manifestations of sudden fear affecting bodily functions.
My experience as a cyclist has taught me to be more aware of the speeds cyclists are capable of and where they are on the road in relation to cars.
So I'm guessing non-cyclist drivers need to make even more effort to be observant and so save us cyclists any more stress than we're already putting our bodies through(healthy stresses hopefully!).
It only takes one moment of inattention to cause many moments of anguish.
So it puts the onus on us to take "one moment" to rethink our driving habits, improve them to include being very aware of other road users(motor vehicles/cyclists) and their inherent traits and adjusting our driving habits accordingly.
It's a jungle out there so let's look after each other.
Regards,
Greg

All I`ll say is Welcome to Christchurch lol

Not everyone are ex-cyclists and to be honest I wouldnt cycle on many of the main roads in Christchurch.

For me its a Health & Safety thing and sure its great to ask drivers to be aware etc etc but after youve been side swiped and taken to hospital its a bit late then ae