New Qld Bike Laws

[Vernonv]

Although it doesn't stop people driving like idiots.

True, and it's unlikely to stop some cyclists from riding like idiots, however with the current situation, there is no way of identifying to the authorities who that idiot is likely to be.

So sure it won't stop all the idiots, but at least it might make some think twice, and the rest accountable.

[silentC]

Although if we can believe what rustynail says, in most cases the idiot cyclist will still be at the scene, spilling blood all over the duco

My only concern is what form this rego number plate is going to take. I certainly don't want something the size of a motor bike rego plate hanging off my bike. Maybe if it was mounted between the seat tube and the cross bar, but then you could only read it from the side. Maybe a sticker on the helmet...

I can just see it now. "Dorothy! Did you see that irresponsible cyclist? Get his number! We must report him to the authorities! Did you get it?" "No, where is he Jim?" "Oh, we passed him two blocks back. Hang on I'll do a U-turn".

[silentC]

Obviously this is from a source with a vested interest, but for what it's worth:

While bicycle users are sometimes guilty of offences such as riding without a helmet, riding on footpaths or running red lights, the damage to society of these infractions is minimal compared to the damage caused by motor vehicles. The yearly road death toll in Australia is around 1500 people p.a., however, fewer than 1 of these deaths are the result of a bicycle user inflicting injury on another road user. The negligible danger presented by bicycle users to other members of society raises the question of whether a bicycle registration program would simply consume resources that could be better applied elsewhere.

http://bicyclensw.org.au/advocacy/po.../registration/

[Vernonv]

I can just see it now. "Dorothy! Did you see that irresponsible cyclist? Get his number! ...

Nah, we'd have him/her and their license plate recorded on the GoPro.

[Vernonv]

Obviously this is from a source with a vested interest, but for what it's worth:

It isn't just about deaths ...

[silentC]

Actually, if you really wanted to place a cyclist at the scene of an accident, all you would need to do is search the Strava or Map My Ride databases for the GPS coordinates and time. They'll all be in there

[silentC]

It isn't just about deaths ...

Yeah I know, but I would have to say that the incidents of cyclists behaving badly would be a very small number, simply because there are relatively few of them and the capabilities of a cyclist to achieve dangerous speeds or inflict damage to other vehicles is limited. Not saying it doesn't happen though.

I'd say I'm not a advocate for it, but I wouldn't get upset if it was inflicted upon us. As long as the proper cost-benefit analysis has taken place and it is not just being done to appease other road users. Although as I say it would be worth a certain cost just to remove the objection, err reason...

Actually according to the ABC this morning, there is a new threat to cyclists on the south coast: kangaroos. In fact I know both the blokes who hit kangaroos, prompting the story. One is just back on his bike after a few weeks off it. The other I think got out of hospital recently.

Registration for kangaroos, I say!!

[rustynail]

Although if we can believe what rustynail says, in most cases the idiot cyclist will still be at the scene, spilling blood all over the duco

My only concern is what form this rego number plate is going to take. I certainly don't want something the size of a motor bike rego plate hanging off my bike. Maybe if it was mounted between the seat tube and the cross bar, but then you could only read it from the side. Maybe a sticker on the helmet...

I can just see it now. "Dorothy! Did you see that irresponsible cyclist? Get his number! We must report him to the authorities! Did you get it?" "No, where is he Jim?" "Oh, we passed him two blocks back. Hang on I'll do a U-turn".

It is not a matter of having to decide whether what I am saying is true or a lie (and thanks very much for the connotation towards the later,) The fact is that when a collision between a bike rider and a motor vehicle takes place, invariably the rider comes out second best. It took a fair bit of cleaning of my uncles car to remove the facial features from the back seat. My mate Steve left a pretty significant calling card on the pacific hwy after his mishap. And I got 9pints pumped into me after my little dance routine. Not.
Heres another little gem to consider. In every case I have mentioned, the driver has come to the assistance of the bog ignorant cyclist,,,,,Trip to the station 45klm. Trip to hospital about 38klm. The lady that visits Steve, goodness knows how many ks shes put up. Thats what I mean about being a nuisance. Not the fact of how much room you take up, the fact that you are prepared to go out there and inconvenience every body else, just because you can. And then you want to whinge about the size of a number plate...Please

[Vernonv]

Registration for kangaroos, I say!!

Nah, just give road users guns ... no more kangaroo problems.

[silentC]

And then you want to whinge about the size of a number plate

Yes the size of the number plate is a concern for a cyclist, but I don't expect you to understand. It's one of those mystical things like the lycra and the leg-shaving. You don't need to concern yourself over it, just accept that it's important to we temporary Australians.

Any connotations you read in what I posted are of your own making, not mine. I don't think you're lying, I don't really care if you are. Makes no difference to me. I was taking the p*ss out of you, simple as that.

But you've got me, yes the highlight of my day is to inconvenience a motorist. If I can do that at least once per ride, then I am happy. It's not easy but I'll make a special effort tomorrow knowing that it upsets you so much.

[AlexS]

I'm a little confused about this registration/insurance business. While I'm not especially against it, can someone please clarify whether you're saying a bike/cyclist should have comprehensive insurance to cover the damage they may do to your beemer. It seems like that's what's being demanded, but since cars are only required to have the compulsory 3rd party, why should bikes have anything more?

[rustynail]

Yes the size of the number plate is a concern for a cyclist, but I don't expect you to understand. It's one of those mystical things like the lycra and the leg-shaving. You don't need to concern yourself over it, just accept that it's important to we temporary Australians.

Any connotations you read in what I posted are of your own making, not mine. I don't think you're lying, I don't really care if you are. Makes no difference to me. I was taking the p*ss out of you, simple as that.

But you've got me, yes the highlight of my day is to inconvenience a motorist. If I can do that at least once per ride, then I am happy. It's not easy but I'll make a special effort tomorrow knowing that it upsets you so much.

What a charming fellow

[Vernonv]

I'm a little confused about this registration/insurance business. While I'm not especially against it, can someone please clarify whether you're saying a bike/cyclist should have comprehensive insurance to cover the damage they may do to your beemer. It seems like that's what's being demanded, but since cars are only required to have the compulsory 3rd party, why should bikes have anything more?

I think the rules should be the same as for other road users i.e. compulsory 3rd party, and then anything over and above is optional.

If a cyclist chooses not to have comprehensive insurance and damages another vehicle, then they will need to cover it out of their own pocket. At least if they are licensed (have a license plate), the other road users can identify them as they race off between cars and through red lights.

[silentC]

I doubt anyone has given it much thought Alex. It's just one of those pub debating points.

But yes it would make sense that it was limited to 3rd party personal for the little old lady you wipe out on the crossing. Equality, right?

But I gather it's more about a) identifying naughty cyclists and b) making them contribute to the cost of the roads. The insurance thing is just thrown in as a job lot.

[silentC]

What a charming fellow

I'm quite good company actually

No really, ask anyone. I have this same argument with my neighbour and he still invites me to dinner.