A city councillor just objected to a protected bike lane for the funniest reason

In a twist that could only happen in the world of cycling politics, a city councillor in the New Zealand town of New Plymouth is making headlines for an eyebrow-raising reason — he’s worried about his beloved sports car. Murray Chong, owner of a Chevrolet Corvette just 160mm off the ground, has raised concerns that a proposed $14 million protected cycle lane might wreak havoc on his precious ride.

Chong’s main gripe? The 100mm-high concrete separation barriers, meant to keep cyclists safe, apparently pose a dire threat to the underbelly of his sleek sports car. In an extraordinary meeting, despite Chong’s objections, the council voted in favor of the cycle lane plan, sending shockwaves through the world of low-riding vehicle enthusiasts.

Photo: New Plymouth District Council

The former paramedic turned councillor argued that these barriers could slow down emergency service vehicles, forcing him to execute some kind of vehicular ballet to avoid damage. Yes, we’ve all heard the emergency vehicles excuse, which has been proven false in many incidences. But the whole sports car thing is a new twist.

Not surprisingly, according to a local news media article, Chong also voted against raised pedestrian crossings.

While the cycling community may raise an amused eyebrow at the councillor’s concerns, it’s not all fun and games. A petition against the project has garnered more than 7,000 signatures, and some business owners are up in arms over the potential loss of parking spaces — again a familiar refrain that actual data refutes.

Thankfully, the New Zealand town’s cycleway was approved.

“I’m really stoked that we got the numbers and we are setting the direction for government that this is where we want to take our roads,” said councillor Anneka Carlson, in the article. “It’s making our roads safer, but also more connected for all different modes of transport.”

But fear not, fellow cyclists, for the saga continues, and the fate of the protected bike lane hangs in the balance, along with the well-being of one councillor’s prized sports car.