Cycle Registration Floated

[Daleo]

[Daleo]

[Daleo]

Some light reading for the bike haters.

http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/fitness/blogs/on-your-bike/duncan-gays-call-to-license-cyclists-is-not-the-answer-to-road-safety-issues-20140502-37mda.html#ixzz30XNJh9eO

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/as-duncan-gay-considers-cycling-licences-bike-lanes-shown-to-be-highly-effective-20140502-zr3ff.html

[XKLABA]

I have euro spec truck with disc brakes and abs and what not and even it wont stop on a dime at 100kmph, the difference is even a cautious grand parent isn't going to sit on 30kmh in a hundred zone and can be seen from a lot further away giving me longer to make the speed correction

that is also another one of those laws that leaves to many variables that aren't accounted for like arseholes pulling out in front of you but the law states your in the wrong when really you had no other option, same goes for pushy riders, its like i was told when I did my motor bike licence " the law isn't going to help you when your dead, so put your own safety first " so basically even if you have the right to do what you're doing think about all the farkin idiots on the road before you put yourself somewhere that puts you at risk

It's the speed difference and difficulty to see push bike riders that out them at most risk, don't get me wrong i don't think its just push bike riders, I have seen stupid come in all manner of road user, from pushy riders through to truck drivers and taxi drivers through to police cars, I'm just saying PUT YOUR OWN SAFETY FIRST, and if you think it is not entirely safe to ride on a certain road then don't

Why on earth would you ride a push bike 50km to work, surely there is something better you could be doing with that time, that said freeways are good for pushies cause there is plenty of room for them, we have the M7 here that has a bike lane that runs parallel to the freeway, one of my mates use to use it to get to work in the mournings, about 12-15kms from plumpton to Bella vista and all completely seperate from the main freeway

It comes back to what is said earlier, just cause you have the right doesn't make it right and of safe to do so, vehicles that can not do the speed limit ( driver aside ) should not be allowed on that road

Which brings my next point, road rage isn't a problem it is a product, the problem is the arrogant - ignorant - inconsiderate - incompetent drivers on the road, people don't get in their cars telling them selves they are going to lose their shit at some stranger, it comes from a series of incounters with said road users that bring someone to that point so if someone goes off at you or tries to run you off the road it is most likely from something you did

[XKLABA]

Another thing that should be taking into consideration is location of road use, where I come across bike riders is 99 times out of 100 some where that is not entirely safe for them to be, that said I never ever ever ever go into the major city like never ever ever, I flat out refuse to go there for any reason, the level of stupid and incompetent on the roads in that place is unbelievable and at least half of it should be push bike only or tram

[scotty nm35]

The speed difference is definitely not the issue, my motorised pushie does an easy 50-60kph and is a lot more dangerous on the road for many reasons, most being drivers just don't expect me to be travelling that fast.

I understand why road racers get killed regularly on training rides due to the much higher speeds they get to. A usual training ride would be easily 100-200km a day, you can't hate on them for not sitting on the couch instead, it takes constant dedication to get that good, and the road is the only place to train safely when you sit on 50kph averages.

I agree, freeways are the best method to ride long distance on a bike, but not to stop at every overpass like they usually design them. Bike paths can be easily setup beside the emergency lane with barriers, but they would need a tunnel under each off/on ramp. No big deal, it would probably be cheaper than those wire rope barriers they seem to be putting everywhere...

Anyway, sounds like some of you need to lose your licence for a few months, riding a pushie to work would let you see from the other side of the fence.

[Daleo]

I have euro spec truck with disc brakes and abs and what not and even it wont stop on a dime at 100kmph, the difference is even a cautious grand parent isn't going to sit on 30kmh in a hundred zone and can be seen from a lot further away giving me longer to make the speed correction

that is also another one of those laws that leaves to many variables that aren't accounted for like arseholes pulling out in front of you but the law states your in the wrong when really you had no other option, same goes for pushy riders, its like i was told when I did my motor bike licence " the law isn't going to help you when your dead, so put your own safety first " so basically even if you have the right to do what you're doing think about all the farkin idiots on the road before you put yourself somewhere that puts you at risk

It's the speed difference and difficulty to see push bike riders that out them at most risk, don't get me wrong i don't think its just push bike riders, I have seen stupid come in all manner of road user, from pushy riders through to truck drivers and taxi drivers through to police cars, I'm just saying PUT YOUR OWN SAFETY FIRST, and if you think it is not entirely safe to ride on a certain road then don't

Why on earth would you ride a push bike 50km to work, surely there is something better you could be doing with that time, that said freeways are good for pushies cause there is plenty of room for them, we have the M7 here that has a bike lane that runs parallel to the freeway, one of my mates use to use it to get to work in the mournings, about 12-15kms from plumpton to Bella vista and all completely seperate from the main freeway

It comes back to what is said earlier, just cause you have the right doesn't make it right and of safe to do so, vehicles that can not do the speed limit ( driver aside ) should not be allowed on that road

Which brings my next point, road rage isn't a problem it is a product, the problem is the arrogant - ignorant - inconsiderate - incompetent drivers on the road, people don't get in their cars telling them selves they are going to lose their shit at some stranger, it comes from a series of incounters with said road users that bring someone to that point so if someone goes off at you or tries to run you off the road it is most likely from something you did

What right do you think you have to determine how other people decide to travel or spend their time?

Actually, just because they have the right; is EXACTLY why those vehicles are allowed to be there.

The speed limit is exactly bloody that; the MAXIMUM speed you are permitted to travel, not the bloody minimum.

As road users; we have a responsibility not only to ourselves, but for ALL other road users. Especially to those more vulnerable than ourselves.

You talk about road rage being caused by inconsiderate selfish people; yet your own disdain for cyclists and their lawful RIGHT TO BE ON THE ROAD is incredible.

It doesn't matter what your own personal OPINION is of cyclists and their right to use our roads; they are fully entitled to be there.

As a licensed driver, you MUST abide by the laws that allow them to be there.

Another thing that should be taking into consideration is location of road use, where I come across bike riders is 99 times out of 100 some where that is not entirely safe for them to be, that said I never ever ever ever go into the major city like never ever ever, I flat out refuse to go there for any reason, the level of stupid and incompetent on the roads in that place is unbelievable and at least half of it should be push bike only or tram

The only reason it becomes unsafe for riders to be on roads is because the drivers are driving TOO CLOSE to them.

It may be road design, but a lot of the time it is not. Riders are frequently hit whilst riding in the breakdown lane; whose fault is that?

They don't just magically go under the wheels of a car when they're riding along!

As I said yesterday; A study done by Adelaide University showed that in 80% of accidents where riders were killed; the licensed driver was AT FAULT.

80% is a massive over representation in any set of statistics.

Maybe we need to look at who is allowed on the road if 8 out of 10 riders killed on our roads is killed by a driver doing the wrong thing.

[533 RYC]

Mick, I agree with the main & secondary motive behind what you said:

1: PUT YOUR OWN SAFETY FIRST!

What is it worth?

2: Cyclists where they shouldn't be.

Riding the white line on Mulgoa Rd.

Most motorways/freeways, cyclists are banned, that's why there are warning signs. It's the differential in speed that is the factor. There aren't too many places in big cities where racers/recreational riders can train at the uninterrupted pace for the distance that they need to.

I don't know, there are many ways this can go. I've been on both sides of the spectrum in this argument, & I lean myself to each side. When I used to train on major & minor roads (some very dangerous to cyclists) at home in Canberra, I used to cringe & tense up at the sound of a truck or fast sounding car & wait for the shock wave of them going past as they pushed the air out of the way, BUT I KNEW REALISTICALLY I WAS SOMEWHERE I SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN.

[533 RYC]

What right do you think you have to determine how other people decide to travel or spend their time?

Actually, just because they have the right; is EXACTLY why those vehicles are allowed to be there.

The speed limit is exactly bloody that; the MAXIMUM speed you are permitted to travel, not the bloody minimum.

As road users; we have a responsibility not only to ourselves, but for ALL other road users. Especially to those more vulnerable than ourselves.

You talk about road rage being caused by inconsiderate selfish people; yet your own disdain for cyclists and their lawful RIGHT TO BE ON THE ROAD is incredible.

It doesn't matter what your own personal OPINION is of cyclists and their right to use our roads; they are fully entitled to be there.

As a licensed driver, you MUST abide by the laws that allow them to be there.

The only reason it becomes unsafe for riders to be on roads is because the drivers are driving TOO CLOSE to them.

It may be road design, but a lot of the time it is not. Riders are frequently hit whilst riding in the breakdown lane; whose fault is that?

They don't just magically go under the wheels of a car when they're riding along!

As I said yesterday; A study done by Adelaide University showed that in 80% of accidents where riders were killed; the licensed driver was AT FAULT.

80% is a massive over representation in any set of statistics.

Maybe we need to look at who is allowed on the road if 8 out of 10 riders killed on our roads is killed by a driver doing the wrong thing.

I agree Dale.

Whilst it is legal to ride a bicycle in a lane, it should be illegal to ride two abreast (side by side), as it is for motorcycles. Not sure if it's law, but it should be. Everyone has the right to use the road, we all need to share it. To say it's the cars & trucks fault is not really fair. When you throw peak hour into the mix, frustration after a hard day & narrow streets, things happen, there is a lot going on. It happens every day between drivers, so at some stage, it's going to happen to a cyclist. NOBODY IS PERFECT!

Now, I know I'm lining myself up for the firing squad, but I believe every driver, regardless of age or driving experience should have to sit a refresher theory test every 5 years, at the time of licence renewal or when transferring from interstate. The amount of stupid, idiotic people, operating all forms of transport, don't seem to understand the rules.

Question: When did anyone on here, who has held a licence for 5 years or more, check with RMS whether there have been any rule changes?

I know I haven't...

I stand by this & I hope SOMEBODY pitches this to the NSW Government as the first SERIOUS means to IMPROVE SAFETY on our roads!

[XKLABA]

Same said maybe some of the bike riders should learn to drive a truck and have a look form our side, people think driving a truck is easy and that it will instantly do what ever the driver wants it to, and they would be dead wrong, i have driven a buggy tipper with super dog sonce i was 19 and they have a mind of their own and i can really only make suggestions as to what i want it to do, there is always two sides to everything with both sides thinking they are right

Even at 60kmph in a hundred zone by the time I see a pushy its most times already to late to slow down but if their is room then no problems I can just go around them but if it is peak hour then I am putting myself and other motorists lives at risk by trying to slow down so quickly

Obviously this is a no win topic so I'm just going to say this, in my experience a majority ( not all ) of push bike riders are like a majority of smokers in the fact they believe that because they have the right to do something then fark anyone else and how what they are doing will effect others, like smoking at the entrance of shopping centres restaurants and even hospitals is the same as pushy riders riding on roads like Heathcote, Mamre, Northern, Elizabeth drive etc, people from western sydney will know what I'm talking about

[Daleo]

Mick, I agree with the main & secondary motive behind what you said:

1: PUT YOUR OWN SAFETY FIRST!

What is it worth?

2: Cyclists where they shouldn't be.

Riding the white line on Mulgoa Rd.

Most motorways/freeways, cyclists are banned, that's why there are warning signs. It's the differential in speed that is the factor. There aren't too many places in big cities where racers/recreational riders can train at the uninterrupted pace for the distance that they need to.

I don't know, there are many ways this can go. I've been on both sides of the spectrum in this argument, & I lean myself to each side. When I used to train on major & minor roads (some very dangerous to cyclists) at home in Canberra, I used to cringe & tense up at the sound of a truck or fast sounding car & wait for the shock wave of them going past as they pushed the air out of the way, BUT I KNEW REALISTICALLY I WAS SOMEWHERE I SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN.

99% of riders do put their own safety first; and judging by the bile some people a spitting about hurting errant riders, it's a bloody good thing they do.

When I first started riding motorbikes, I was given a great piece of advice; "Ride as if everyone on the road is out to kill you; because most of them are".

It doesn't stop me from riding though.

Why is "Riding the white line on Mulgoa Rd" somewhere cyclists shouldn't be?

Mulgoa Rd is a straight, smooth, well lit, 60km/h DUAL CARRIAGEWAY with a centre island! It's exactly the kind of road cyclists should be using; in fact, it's one I use regularly.

It would be easy to see a rider as you are approaching from behind; as ANY CONSIDERATE driver would be indicating left, moving safely into the right hand lane, and according the rider the respect and safe passing distance they need by LEAVING HIS LANE to pass; rather than squeezing past within his lane, in direct contravention to the law.

"Where riders shouldn't be" sounds a lot to me like "Where it annoys me".

Now we're back at intolerance towards other road users.

[Daleo]

Same said maybe some of the bike riders should learn to drive a truck and have a look form our side, people think driving a truck is easy and that it will instantly do what ever the driver wants it to, and they would be dead wrong, i have driven a buggy tipper with super dog sonce i was 19 and they have a mind of their own and i can really only make suggestions as to what i want it to do, there is always two sides to everything with both sides thinking they are right

Dead right. Plenty of car drivers out there could benefit from this too.

[scotty nm35]

Dead right. Plenty of car drivers out there could benefit from this too.

Agreed, I would love to see how piss poor most (long distance) trucks handle and brake. There have been a few inquiries into certain truck companies lately for this very reason. My mates new Volvo on the other hand... Auto box, handles and brakes perfectly. He has no issue in city traffic with full loads, and is always considerate being a motorcyclist also.

So perhaps monthly independant roadworthy tests for trucks are imperative to the safety of all road users, seeing most have a half a million K's or more on them. Money better spent than rego for pushies, that's for sure.

[533 RYC]

99% of riders do put their own safety first; and judging by the bile some people a spitting about hurting errant riders, it's a bloody good thing they do.

When I first started riding motorbikes, I was given a great piece of advice; "Ride as if everyone on the road is out to kill you; because most of them are".

It doesn't stop me from riding though.

Why is "Riding the white line on Mulgoa Rd" somewhere cyclists shouldn't be?

Mulgoa Rd is a straight, smooth, well lit, 60km/h DUAL CARRIAGEWAY with a centre island! It's exactly the kind of road cyclists should be using; in fact, it's one I use regularly.

It would be easy to see a rider as you are approaching from behind; as ANY CONSIDERATE driver would be indicating left, moving safely into the right hand lane, and according the rider the respect and safe passing distance they need by LEAVING HIS LANE to pass; rather than squeezing past within his lane, in direct contravention to the law.

"Where riders shouldn't be" sounds a lot to me like "Where it annoys me".

Now we're back at intolerance towards other road users.

Sorry Dale, I should have been more specific. I was thinking about the south part, past the Glenmore Parkway. It can be twisty & abit hair raising for a cyclist, with garbage trucks & Hr's with a trailers rumbling past doing 100. I was using that scenario as an example for Sydney siders who might know it vs many much hairier roads in Canberra I used to train on.

[r32-25t]

Agreed, I would love to see how piss poor most (long distance) trucks handle and brake. There have been a few inquiries into certain truck companies lately for this very reason. My mates new Volvo on the other hand... Auto box, handles and brakes perfectly. He has no issue in city traffic with full loads, and is always considerate being a motorcyclist also.

So perhaps monthly independant roadworthy tests for trucks are imperative to the safety of all road users, seeing most have a half a million K's or more on them. Money better spent than rego for pushies, that's for sure.

Nsw actually have yearly inspections on all vehicles and trucks are inspected by the RMS (rta) them selves unlike other states

[MBS206]

Nsw actually have yearly inspections on all vehicles and trucks are inspected by the RMS (rta) them selves unlike other states

trucks aren't inspected by RMS for their pink slips, they go to a heavy vehicle inspector, which can be just a mechanic with the license.

a local mechanic to us does a lot of the semis in Wollongong.

RMS does inspections for things like defect clearing.

[r32-25t]

Depends where you are, my mates truck goes to the rms truck inspection station in wetherill park every year and if they fail it he then goes to a heavy vehicle inspection station to have the reinspection done

[XKLABA]

The laws just changed, this is the first year I didn't have to take my truck over the pits, just a HVIS

Single axels do HVIS all bigger vehicles go to HSIV for the first 5 years then they go over the RMS pits

I am always very cautious and curtious to bike riders and am trying to comment in a generalised way and all I trying to say is take some responsibility for your own safety and choose roads that are safe for both you and other motorists, curtiousy goes both way though and if you choose to ride on roads that hinder other motorists then don't complain when they react in a negative manner

Just cause I don't understand why you would want ride 50kms to and from work each day is in no way me telling you what you can and can not do

Depends what part of Mulgoa rd your on, north of the M4 yeah sure south of the M4 to Walliaca fark that you are playing with your life

[Daleo]

Sorry Dale, I should have been more specific. I was thinking about the south part, past the Glenmore Parkway. It can be twisty & abit hair raising for a cyclist, with garbage trucks & Hr's with a trailers rumbling past doing 100. I was using that scenario as an example for Sydney siders who might know it vs many much hairier roads in Canberra I used to train on.

Yeah, gotcha; that section is very different. This is where the infrastructure is the issue; rather than just taking the easy option & deeming the road too dangerous for cyclists.

Imagine if the road was wide enough for a full sized breakdown lane; or even a dedicated bike lane?

The question then becomes "who pays?".

Perhaps our legislators and heaven forbid; the general public SHOULD be asking is; "Why should cyclists pay with their bodies, and lives?"

There is far more than just a financial benefit to making cycling safer, and blaming the victims & putting obstacles in the way of cycling is not the answer.

This year, in NSW there has been a 100% increase in rider fatalities; given 80% of accidents where riders seriously or fatally injured have been found to be caused by drivers, something HAS to change.

Why are we demanding the victims are the ones who need to change?

[TREGTR]

Maybe they just need to invent the OMFG-about-to-die airbags for bikes. They would look like those balls ppl go inside down NZ hills on.

Slight confession...if invented, I may feel the urge to try Top Gear soccer lol