Postby The Womble » Sat Aug 21, 2010 10:26 am
I think Padrone and Sky Moves Sideways have been put off this now that theres only one focal point. Maybe the best thing the mods could have done here.
I still think its daft to claim that helmets are preventing people from taking up cycling because of the danger that it implies, when cycling is inherantly risky whils ten random people can have 2 different interpretations of the road rules. This includes drivers and cyclists.
Surely we need to address the issues rather than the perceptions surrounding safe cycling. Take this as an example:
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
The petition of citizens of Queensland draws to the attention of the House deficiencies in the current overtaking laws in that motorists may come dangerously close to a cyclist while overtaking and at considerable speed, posing an undeniable risk and yet breach no law.Your petitioners therefore request the House to enact legislation to modify existing regulations requiring that a motorist maintain a minimum safe distance of one metre between their vehicle and a cyclist whilst overtaking. Such a measure will strengthen current laws with respect to cyclists. This proposal, by providing clear boundaries, will better serve the interests of motorists and cyclists alike.Furthermore, this proposal would also reflect the fact that it is not necessary for a motorist to collide with a cyclist in order to endanger either life or health; an anomaly that must be addressed if the government is to reduce congestion and promote cycling as a viable alternative means of transportation.I acknowledge the importance sustainable green initiatives, and due to ever increasing environmental awareness, more Queenslanders are now seeing cycling as a positive way of reducing their carbon footprint and minimizing congestion. We question how long such enthusiasm will last while the current ambiguous legislation remains unchanged. A minimum distance of one metre has the potential to maintain this momentum, as well as contributing towards the Governments Q2 initiatives, helping more Queenslanders to "get their 30 each day".
Ive spoken with 3 cops, customers who most likely are drivers who dont cycle, and there is a very real confusion out there. One of the cops was on cyle patrol in the CBD too BTW.
This can be applied to every state and territory in Oz with drivers and cyclists becoming increasingly frustrated with each other, and some want to take away one i the few peices of saftey available to us?
How about more definitive road rules, possible optional bike rego ( yes another mine field) with rider training courses that are government subsidised, compulsory defensive driver taining as a partnof the licensing process?...
Dont start with helmets for gods sake