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Motorists are urged to be extra vigilant when approaching cyclists on the roads, after a near miss between a group of about 20 Queenstown cyclists and a large truck-and-trailer at Arrowtown junction.
Senior Constable Chris Blackford, of Queenstown, gave the warning this week, when the incident on State Highway 6, in mid-November, was brought to his attention through the diversion process.
The offending Christchurch motorist "cut back in, causing the cyclist to swerve to the left to avoid being run over", he said.
A complaint was made to the police.
The motorist was charged with careless driving and required to give $750 to a charity as part of the process.
"There was potential for it to have a very nasty result, if it hadn't been for the quick thinking of the cyclists," Snr Const Blackford said.
"It's timely the public are reminded to exercise caution around cyclists, given some high-profile fatalities recently in both North and South islands. The last thing we want to see [is] any more fatalities involving cyclists."
Snr Const Blackford said cyclists had as much right to be on the road as anyone.
Their problem was their vulnerability, he said.
"Cyclists have a part to play in maximising their own security by not riding two abreast on busy roads and [by] wearing Day-Glo vests, which most of them do," he said.
"Motorists need to be aware cyclists don't have rear-view mirrors and should give cyclists a wide berth."
Snr Const Blackford noted the increasing popularity of cycling on roads in the Wakatipu.
If motorists could not safely overtake cyclists, they should be prepared to wait until the way was clear.
"Where there have been incidents of poor driving that have endangered cyclists, no quarter will be given," he said.
"Motorists can expect the full weight of the law to come down on them."
