Charges laid after cycle incident

Police have charged a 41-year-old Outram woman with unlawfully taking a bicycle, dangerous driving, and assault with a weapon after an altercation with two cyclists at the weekend.

Senior Sergeant Darryl Lennane, of Mosgiel, said the woman was charged yesterday and would appear in the Dunedin District Court on Friday.

Police were still seeking one other person - the woman's 17-year-old daughter - in relation to the incident, and it was likely she would also be charged.

Snr Sgt Lennane said the teen had not made herself available for police interviews.

New Zealand cycling representative Logan Edgar (19) and Otago team-mate Shane Melrose (30) say they were assaulted while riding on Loan Metal Rd towards Outram on Saturday.

The altercation ended with one of the women allegedly pulling a $12,000 road bike partially into a car and taking off with the bike dragging behind.

Cycling advocates have called for calm after the latest skirmish between drivers and cyclists.

Cycling Advocates Network spokesman Patrick Morgan said cycling was a great way to get around, and an activity enjoyed by more than a million New Zealanders.

"While riding two abreast is legal, cyclists need to show courtesy to other road users. This means riding in single file on busy roads.

"Our advice for drivers is to show similar courtesy.

"Wait until it is safe to pass, and give cyclists plenty of room."

john.lewis@odt.co.nz