Bike riders !!! Grrrr - things are getting worse up here

[edz]

And dont forget about the Birds on the roads  Reg, You know how they are, Bastards of things playing chicken like that in and out of the traffic .. total disregard for their own and others safety 

[Symon]

No stats........I just reckon there are more car accidents involving another car than than car and bike accidents..........based on what I have seen driving and riding around over the last 25 years.

So no tangible statistics then.  How about you have a look at something like this - http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/bad-cycle-of-errors-for-queensland-riders-with-many-flouting-road-rules/story-fnihsrf2-1226879366815?nk=ff942b4ea84401b01986c1a8da4f7444

As a pedestrian in Brisbane I have never had an experience where I was almost cleaned up by a motorist, however I have lost count of the number of near misses I've had with cyclists, especially ones that run red lights and play chicken with people crossing the road USING PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.  This 'holier than thou' attitude of cyclists is sickening.

The reality is there are just as many idiot cyclists out there as there are idiot motorists.  To make a sweeping statement that motorists are worse without any tangible evidence is doing nothing but fueling the debate and the 'he said, she said' rhetoric.

[Bullant4x4]

........

[disco2]

So no tangible statistics then.  How about you have a look at something like this - http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/bad-cycle-of-errors-for-queensland-riders-with-many-flouting-road-rules/story-fnihsrf2-1226879366815?nk=ff942b4ea84401b01986c1a8da4f7444

As a pedestrian in Brisbane I have never had an experience where I was almost cleaned up by a motorist, however I have lost count of the number of near misses I've had with cyclists, especially ones that run red lights and play chicken with people crossing the road USING PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.  This 'holier than thou' attitude of cyclists is sickening.

The reality is there are just as many idiot cyclists out there as there are idiot motorists.  To make a sweeping statement that motorists are worse without any tangible evidence is doing nothing but fueling the debate and the 'he said, she said' rhetoric.

The only way to get the Government to address this issue is to write to your local State Member of Parliament , plus the Minister for Transport.

IMHO if bicycle riders were easier to identify (Rego plates) and then reported to Police and fined, then some, if not the majority of their bad behaviour issues would be stopped and indeed lives saved.

Now before I get jumped on, the plates can be handed out for free, but be mandatory to display clearly. (If the Govt can waste huge sums of money on the G20) then getting prisoners to make plastic Rego plates for bike riders would help address 2 issues.

Kids, in the majority of cases cannot afford the cost of Rego plates, plus I'm sure that there are other legal ramifications if under 18's had to pay Rego fees.

If you don't want the plates part to be implemented, then just get everyone you know to write to the Transport minister PLUS your Local State Member of Parliament and complain about this silly law. Point out that it is crazy/dangerous for motorists to have to cross over double white lines just to comply with the 1 meter and 1.5 meter rule. Point out that bicycle riders are doing the wrong thing- give examples BUT be polite.

If the minister gets innundated enough, then he may carry out his threat to scrap this silly law after the 2 year trial period.

Sitting on your hands doing nothing gets us no where. I don't know about you, but on the Gold Coast, I see the stupid actions of bicycle riders every day. My local member of Parliament wrote back and in part of the reply stated, "Bicycle riders don't like to be identified". Well stuff 'em.

The power is in our hands.

Cheers

Richard   

[Topender]

First world problem?   

[jillybean]

The only way to get the Government to address this issue is to write to your local State Member of Parliament , plus the Minister for Transport.

IMHO if bicycle riders were easier to identify (Rego plates) and then reported to Police and fined, then some, if not the majority of their bad behaviour issues would be stopped and indeed lives saved.  You mean just like cars have a rego number to make them easy to identify?  How well has this worked to stop bad drivers and accidents?  When was the last time you phoned the police to report the rego of a car you saw running a red light, not stopping at a stop sign, almost cleaning up a pedestrian etc?

Now before I get jumped on, the plates can be handed out for free, but be mandatory to display clearly. (If the Govt can waste huge sums of money on the G20) then getting prisoners to make plastic Rego plates for bike riders would help address 2 issues.

Kids, in the majority of cases cannot afford the cost of Rego plates, plus I'm sure that there are other legal ramifications if under 18's had to pay Rego fees.

If you don't want the plates part to be implemented, then just get everyone you know to write to the Transport minister PLUS your Local State Member of Parliament and complain about this silly law. Point out that it is crazy/dangerous for motorists to have to cross over double white lines just to comply with the 1 meter and 1.5 meter rule. Point out that bicycle riders are doing the wrong thing- give examples BUT be polite. If it is dangerous to cross double white lines to comply with the rule when overtaking cyclists then YOU SHOULD NOT BE OVERTAKING!  The whole idea of this rule is to get drivers to understand that if you cannot safely give a cyclist a 1 or 1.5 metre clearance then YOU SHOULD NOT OVERTAKE.  I am sick of hearing drivers complain that giving a cyclist 1 metre clearance will put them in the line of oncoming traffic - how much clearer can it be!  If giving a cyclist 1 or 1.5 metre clearance puts you in a dangerous position THEN YOU SHOULD NOT BE OVERTAKING!!!

If the minister gets innundated enough, then he may carry out his threat to scrap this silly law after the 2 year trial period.

Sitting on your hands doing nothing gets us no where. I don't know about you, but on the Gold Coast, I see the stupid actions of bicycle riders every day. My local member of Parliament wrote back and in part of the reply stated, "Bicycle riders don't like to be identified". Well stuff 'em.

The power is in our hands.

Cheers

Richard

[richee]

Here here jillybean!

[edz]

No comments!

[Topender]

Most members of parliament aren't going to give two hoots if you write a sooky letter to them complaining.  The ones that think they know better are in for a rude shock and a short career.  The cycling community is growing by the day and believe it or like it or not we aren't going anywhere soon.   I agree that a few bad eggs spoil it for everyone, but blanket statements don't solve anything.  If I reported every car I saw breaking the law, I could make it a full time job. http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=39647.0;topicseen

Like I said cycling is only getting more popular by the second and a bit of courtesy helps both ways.  And people making threats and telling wonderful stories of what their "mates" have done on a public forum should also be aware that people have been charged in the past and will no doubt be in the future.   

Dave

[Topender]

No comments!

The girl in Black is a Cyclist (highly skilled and in for the long haul) and the lovely girl in Red isn't (she's off writing a letter to her local Member/Pole Turtle as we speak) 

[Jeepers Creepers]

different to the ping pong ball tricks I've seen. 

[disco2]

[If you don't want the plates part to be implemented, then just get everyone you know to write to the Transport minister PLUS your Local State Member of Parliament and complain about this silly law. Point out that it is crazy/dangerous for motorists to have to cross over double white lines just to comply with the 1 meter and 1.5 meter rule. Point out that bicycle riders are doing the wrong thing- give examples BUT be polite. If it is dangerous to cross double white lines to comply with the rule when overtaking cyclists then YOU SHOULD NOT BE OVERTAKING!  The whole idea of this rule is to get drivers to understand that if you cannot safely give a cyclist a 1 or 1.5 metre clearance then YOU SHOULD NOT OVERTAKE.  I am sick of hearing drivers complain that giving a cyclist 1 metre clearance will put them in the line of oncoming traffic - how much clearer can it be!  If giving a cyclist 1 or 1.5 metre clearance puts you in a dangerous position THEN YOU SHOULD NOT BE OVERTAKING!!!
[/quote][/u]

You would be amazed what can be achieved by writing to your local member Topender/Jillybean. Especially one who is there by a slim margin.

When writing you can use this as an example of bicyclists arrogance. Some of them expect motorists to amble along patiently behind them on busy roads whilst they leisurely ride 2 abreast at 5kmh.

As for the Police not taking action. Well listen up Sunshine, they (the Police) state that if you capture a stupid incident on your dash cam, give a copy to them . They will take action.

[oldmate]

Is this thread still going 

[monbeg]

According to a police traffic sergeant, most of the people who offend on bikes are on bikes because they have lost their right to drive as a result of the very same behavior that they now exhibit on the only mode of transport now available to them.

[muzza01]

Is this thread still going 

Just. I might help it along 

You can't help but cross the double lines sometimes. I live near the Gillies Range and have to travel part way down and up everyday. This is one road where cyclists should never be allowed to travel on. The Gillies range is double lines all the way except a couple of overtaking lanes. There are no bike lanes on this road, it has over 250 tight bends in only a 20 km stretch all this with a very steep climb of about 800 meters.

Weekend cyclists consider riding up the range a challenge so it can be popular at times. Sometimes they selfishly ride two abreast on this skinny road and I would like to emphasise how dangerous it is to cross the double lines as one side of the road is against a rock face the other has a ridiculously steep dropoff.

[grafy82]

[If you don't want the plates part to be implemented, then just get everyone you know to write to the Transport minister PLUS your Local State Member of Parliament and complain about this silly law. Point out that it is crazy/dangerous for motorists to have to cross over double white lines just to comply with the 1 meter and 1.5 meter rule. Point out that bicycle riders are doing the wrong thing- give examples BUT be polite. If it is dangerous to cross double white lines to comply with the rule when overtaking cyclists then YOU SHOULD NOT BE OVERTAKING!  The whole idea of this rule is to get drivers to understand that if you cannot safely give a cyclist a 1 or 1.5 metre clearance then YOU SHOULD NOT OVERTAKE.  I am sick of hearing drivers complain that giving a cyclist 1 metre clearance will put them in the line of oncoming traffic - how much clearer can it be!  If giving a cyclist 1 or 1.5 metre clearance puts you in a dangerous position THEN YOU SHOULD NOT BE OVERTAKING!!!
[/u]

You would be amazed what can be achieved by writing to your local member Topender/Jillybean. Especially one who is there by a slim margin.

When writing you can use this as an example of bicyclists arrogance. Some of them expect motorists to amble along patiently behind them on busy roads whilst they leisurely ride 2 abreast at 5kmh.

As for the Police not taking action. Well listen up Sunshine, they (the Police) state that if you capture a stupid incident on your dash cam, give a copy to them . They will take action.

X2
I cant remember the exact figures but its surprising what writing to members can achieve. And remember, they only care about votes, so for example if the member receives a petition he classes that as 1 vote per signature. If someone writes to him he classes that as being worth 1000 votes, etc, etc. Its only because we don't speak up that we get the politicians we have and their decisions to boot. But that's for another thread 

Is this thread still going 

Muzza started it 

[time]

[quote  Weekend cyclists consider riding up the range a challenge so it can be popular at times. Sometimes they selfishly ride two abreast on this skinny road and I would like to emphasise how dangerous it is to cross the double lines as one side of the road is against a rock face the other has a ridiculously steep dropoff.
[/quote]

If I drove my car at 5 kph blocking all traffic I sure I would be booked for hindering (or some such), apply the same rule to any other mode of transport that does the same and I will be happy.

PS my 3 ton urban assault vehicle doesn't care if you are in the right or wrong if you come off a footpath straight in front of me don't be surprised if you end up examining my sump plug !

[grafy82]

Just. I might help it along 

You can't help but cross the double lines sometimes. I live near the Gillies Range and have to travel part way down and up everyday. This is one road where cyclists should never be allowed to travel on. The Gillies range is double lines all the way except a couple of overtaking lanes. There are no bike lanes on this road, it has over 250 tight bends in only a 20 km stretch all this with a very steep climb of about 800 meters.

Weekend cyclists consider riding up the range a challenge so it can be popular at times. Sometimes they selfishly ride two abreast on this skinny road and I would like to emphasise how dangerous it is to cross the double lines as one side of the road is against a rock face the other has a ridiculously steep dropoff.

You're dead right Muzza, especially on roads like that. As I said earlier, you would think self preservation would kick in but I think some cyclists are to busy demanding that they have a right to do whatever they want to care too much about others. It's the old me, me, me, the world owes me something attitude that'll get you in trouble, riding or driving.

[Oldandslow]

Is this thread still going 

It's just getting warmed up.

I rode bikes to work for years but always on the cycleway when there was one and obeyed the road rules when on the road. It should be made law to use a cycleway where one is provided, safer for the cyclist and drivers.

Unfortunately there is a wanker minority that use bikes. They are easy to pick out riding three and four abreast, riding to the front at the lights and then holding everyone up when the lights change. They give the considerate cyclist's a bad rap and they do it with immunity. There is no requirement to carry ID when cycling so most times the cops will turn a blind eye to indiscretions. They know from experience that they are unlikely to get a correct name when they question a cyclist that has done the wrong thing.

I pay through the nose to drive my car on the roads and have to abide by the laws or accept the consequences yet cyclists use the roads for free and can do what they like. Any person that thinks this is fare is out of touch with the thinking of the general public. At the very least it should be mandatory that the police can identify cyclists either by some form of licence or registration of their bike.

[JD-120]

I pay through the nose to drive my car on the roads and have to abide by the laws or accept the consequences yet cyclists use the roads for free and can do what they like.

YEAH, and those pedestrians, walking on the side walk, they should pay too!!!

And my kids, riding their bikes outside my house on the road for exercise instead on being on the xbox or tv, sign me up, where can I pay?

[grafy82]

Whilst I don't know what the answer to fix this crap is, I do not agree with making cyclists pay rego. We already pay way too much for everything else for bugger all return and the only ones you will hurt will be the kids and general recreational riders (e.g. Mum, dad and the kids going for a ride to the park) and people with disabilities who can only ride to get themselves around. We already have too many fatties getting around without potentially crushing another fun outdoor exercise activity by charging people for it. I love riding when I can and I'm not into the tour-de-fake, full lycra style game, but I always remember and teach my kids that no matter who is doing the right thing, it's little ole me versus a minimum tonne of car. I know what I choose, keep myself alive.

[Bullant4x4]

.....

[monbeg]

I pay through the nose to drive my car on the roads and have to abide by the laws or accept the consequences yet cyclists use the roads for free and can do what they like.

I am not taking any sides in this discussion but I feel that it is necessary to highlight some completely incorrect statements such as the one I have quoted above.

I am not sure how much thought you have put into this comment but if you seem to be of the completely misguided belief that your vehicle fees pay for the roads.

THAT IS NOT THE CASE !

Roads are funded from general revenue which every taxpayer contributes to, cyclists too.

Regarding a previous comment about riding two abreast, that is the law, they are legally allowed to, it pisses me off sometimes too but I am aware of some of the legalities of the road rules.

Vehicles are permitted on all roads (except some freeways) and here are the definitions of what a vehicle is (including some other worthwhile reading that some may need)...
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_reg/arr210/s15.html

[Oldandslow]

I am not taking any sides in this discussion but I feel that it is necessary to highlight some completely incorrect statements such as the one I have quoted above.

I am not sure how much thought you have put into this comment but if you seem to be of the completely misguided belief that your vehicle fees pay for the roads.

THAT IS NOT THE CASE !

Roads are funded from general revenue which every taxpayer contributes to, cyclists too.

I never said the money I pay to drive my car on the roads actually goes to pay for the roads.




Regarding a previous comment about riding two abreast, that is the law, they are legally allowed to, it pisses me off sometimes too but I am aware of some of the legalities of the road rules.

Vehicles are permitted on all roads (except some freeways) and here are the definitions of what a vehicle is (including some other worthwhile reading that some may need)...
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_reg/arr210/s15.html

[monbeg]

Some additional light reading before we all provide fodder for the same sort of negative commentary that cyclists attract...

http://www.bicycleinfo.nsw.gov.au/get_riding/nsw_road_rules.html

http://www.amygillett.org.au/qld-cycle-specific-road-rules/

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/transport-travel-and-motoring/cycling/cyclist-road-rules-and-safety