The New South Wales government has said that it will not be bringing in mandatory photo ID for cyclists. The Guardian reports that the rule had been due to be introduced in March with $106 fines for those who failed to comply.
A petition against the measure launched by the Australian Cycle Alliance attracted over 10,000 signatories, and following consultation with cycling groups, roads minister Duncan Gay has announced the government will instead “encourage” cyclists to carry ID or “emergency contact cards.”
A recent Bicycle NSW survey revealed that 93 per cent of cyclists already carried ID.
In a statement, Gay said the compromise “struck the right balance between safety and convenience.”
The requirement for cyclists to carry photo ID was announced in December 2015 alongside a raft of changes to laws relating to cyclists.
While a minimum passing distance law was introduced, fines for a number of cycling infringements were increased significantly.
Cyclists in the state now face being fined $315 for failing to wear a helmet and $425 for running a red light.
The fines have brought in $1.33 million since they were introduced on March 1, leading Penny Sharpe, environment spokeswoman for Australia’s Labor party, to brand them “nothing more than a nice little cash cow for the government.”
Gay rejected that however, saying, “that is not why we increased fines for high-risk and downright stupid behaviour. These changes are about improving safety. I don’t want to see another dollar in fine revenue but I do hope to see a reduction in cyclist injuries.”
The conclusion of this is that no crime involving the death or serious injury of another should be punished. Driving is a priviledge not a right.
Ah yes, the wrong sort of people are breeding. Mmm. Some chaps in Germany had much the same belief a while back. Didn't end well, as far as I...
If his vision was impeded, then even more reason for ensuring that they took the correct course around the corner....
Fairings certainly won't help in that regard. Though I certainly wouldn't object to taking a few on a ride.
create virtual doctor bot
Bidon! And frankly if it's not "vinasse" laced with strychnine and/or amphetamines it's against the spirit of the original tour...
I hope the publicity either gets things going with the airlines or that someone lends Sian a bike.
I've got a gravel bike with GRX, that's 46/30 with an 11-34t cassette. I prefer the lower gears, even for on-road use. Top speed is limited to...
True - it's toad licking that you want to avoid
I never liked Trek frames before this, that hasn't changed, this thing is fugly. Theres never any style or good design with Trek imo, so bland, so...