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Media Release - IDENTIFICATION OF CYCLISTS

IDENTIFICATION OF CYCLISTS. While the majority of cyclists obey the law there is an element within the cycling fraternity that continually do not. They obstruct vehicles travelling on the road; while travelling in a group doing far less speed compared to other vehicles, they will not move into single file to allow vehicles to pass. Cyclists use the excuse that they are entitled to ride two abreast on the road, while failing to accept that they are unreasonably obstructing traffic, which is illegal. Despite it being legal for cyclists to travel two abreast and laws allowing other vehicle to cross double lines to pass when safe to do so, irresponsible and discourteous rider behaviour puts cyclists and other road users at risk.

14 January 2019

MEDIA RELEASE

The Tasmanian Motorcycle Council has called for

IDENTIFICATION OF CYCLISTS.

While the majority of cyclists obey the law there is an element within the cycling fraternity that continually do not.

They obstruct vehicles travelling on the road; while travelling in a group doing far less speed compared to other vehicles, they will not move into single file to allow vehicles to pass. Cyclists use the excuse that they are entitled to ride two abreast on the road, while failing to accept that they are unreasonably obstructing traffic, which is illegal. Despite it being legal for cyclists to travel two abreast and laws allowing other vehicle to cross double lines to pass when safe to do so, irresponsible and discourteous rider behaviour puts cyclists and other road users at risk.

The TMC has received many complaints from motorcyclists, car drivers, bus drivers and truck drivers about cyclists who behave irresponsibly.

The Tasmanian Motorcycle Council would like to see cyclists be identifiable so that the cyclists who break the law can be identified and proceeded against.

Traffic offences that are continually being broken are shown below. TMC believes this is caused by lack of education and enforcement.

 

Traffic Offences

           

Offence

Legislation

Fine

Code

Item

Penalty

Unit

Cyclist unreasonably obstructing the path of other driver/pedestrian

RR

125(1)

$81.50

B819

174

0.5

Cyclist ride without due care and attention

RR

367(1)

$122.25

BC11

441

0.75

Cycle without reasonable consideration for other road users

RR

367(2)

$81.50

BC12

442

0.5

Cyclist unreasonably obstructing the path of other driver/pedestrian

RR

125(1)

$81.50

B819

174

0.5

Cyclist not seated astride and facing forward

RR

245(a)

$81.50

BA97

330

0.5

Cyclist riding with no hands on handlebars

RR

245(b)

$81.50

BA97

330

0.5

Cyclist seated other than on seat

RR

245(c)

$81.50

BA98

331

0.5

Cyclist fail to ride in bicycle lane

RR

247(1)

$122.25

BB01

335

0.75

Cyclist cause traffic hazard (moving into path of driver/pedestrian

RR

253

$122.25

BB22

345

0.75

Ride bicycle with no warning device in working order

RR

258(b)

$81.50

BB38

356

0.5

 

The Tasmanian Motorcycle council would like the Road Safety Advisory Council look into cyclists being identifiable while riding.

Identification could be that cyclists over 18 years of age.

  • To wear a number for identification purposes.
  • Reflective numbering of the cycle’s helmet.

Identification could be funded through the road safety levy.

 

Regards

Paul Bullock

President

Tasmanian Motorcycle Council Inc

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