A five-minute 3-D clip, which gives viewers a chance to see the potential hazards facing cyclists and motorists alike, was yesterday launched in Dunedin.
Given the recent spate of cycling deaths, the release of the DVD was "timely", road policing national manager Superintendent Paula Rose said.
"If it prevents one crash, it will be worth it."
The idea for the DVD came from Sergeant Jan Craig, after she read about funding available for road safety initiatives.
Her idea of creating a 3-D cycle-safety DVD was made possible with a $75,000 grant.
The DVD was produced by Dunedin-based company Taylormade Media.
Supt Rose, an avid cyclist, said she regularly saw bad behaviour from cyclists and motorists.
It was apparent people needed to learn how to better share the road.
"Initiatives like this will certainly help improve road safety, prevent crashes and save lives."
The DVD, filmed around Dunedin and which features sobering crash statistics, is likely to be distributed nationally and made available for driver training, to cycling organisations and for school educational programmes.
Sgt Craig, a family violence intervention co-ordinator, recognised the importance of road safety after witnessing first-hand lives being ruined as a result of a momentary lack of judgement on the country's roads.
"It just takes a second to change someone's life forever."
The DVD was to have featured one of her friends, but a replacement had to be found after she was injured in an accident with a motorist in Forbury Rd, Dunedin.
The DVD features potential hazards such as motorists tail-gating, opening car doors and overtaking cyclists.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Alison Shanks said cyclists were protected only by lycra and a helmet and the launch of the DVD was welcome.
While New Zealand motorists had a reputation as being "impatient", cyclists should also obey traffic rules.
The recent cycling fatalities made her "feel sick to the stomach" and education was the key to prevent future incidents, she said.
