Cycling Licence

Laterider1958 said:

A proactive approach would be the education of young children , focusing on the road rules for cyclists and practical riding sessions at a road safety centre. Get them young when they are ready to learn, and show them how to be responsible cyclists. They are the future road users. [img]cycling.net.ausmile.gifOpen ↗[/img]

the same could be said of motorists...

licence idea is rubbish.

matagi said:

Hmm, someone clearly has a death wish. 🙄

Big game tonight mate. I must admit, I'd like to see you get up over the Roos.
Geez I'm gett'n soft in my grumpy old age.

Archibald said:

the same could be said of motorists...

licence idea is rubbish.

Yea, we established that. But if you go to 'nerdag' and my solution back at post 6 & 7. We came up with the perfect solution. In fact the RTA have contacted us already. They are so impressed with our solution to the problem that they will be implementing it later this year with all royalties being split 50/50.
It certainly pays to take these threads seriously hey.

Just brilliant

but we should extend it.

Mothers pushing prams are a real pain, always bumping into others

licence them - penalty = Confiscate pram (and baby?)

Joggers listening to ipods who get in everyone's way.

licence - penalty = confiscate shoes

pedestrians (see above)

just brilliant because we don't have enough stupid bureaucracy already

SCotty

Licence who!? I am personally troubled by mothers walking or jogging with those dreadful 3-wheeled strollers along shared pedestrian/cycling paths (where I live, one each along the length of the Barwon River). They're often bopping along to an iPOD stuck in their ears with dog(s)(ss)(sss) wandering around like untethered depth charges. I think 3-wheeled strollers should be banned on bike/pedestrian paths (as witness the horrible drowning recently on the River Torrens bike path, Adelaide, when a stroller wandered from the path and plunged into the pea-green river!).

Russ Reynolds said:

Yea, we established that. But if you go to 'nerdag' and my solution back at post 6 & 7. We came up with the perfect solution. In fact the RTA have contacted us already. They are so impressed with our solution to the problem that they will be implementing it later this year with all royalties being split 50/50.
It certainly pays to take these threads seriously hey.

who says i didn't take it seriously?
i was referring to driver training - nothing to do with riders carrying their drivers licences.
the current driver training and licencing system is far too lenient. a driver's licence is a privilege not a right.
but good on the media for beating up the cars vs cyclists/trucks carryon we're currently seeing.
it's about responsible use of the roads by ALL road users.
there's a bigger picture here, think about it.

I think people should be more considerate and shed their selfish ways and to slow down (life's too short to always be in a rush).
I commute most days from the upper north shore in Sydney to the CBD. Most days I go down the Pacific Highway and do the same going home. Other times I head out along a longer route for the fun of it. I use the road most often and generally ride with the same attitude and (hopefully) courtesy as I would when driving. I stop at lights and I rarely cycle between a long line of stationary cars only to make them pass me again metres down the road. However, some days (particularly wet and/or very windy days I get off the road and onto the footpath. I value my safety first; particularly now that I have 7 month old twins. However I don't ride the footpaths through shopping disctricts. I will either get back onto the road or otherwise walk the bike. Also, many times I have come across pedestrians in which case I either give a very wide berth at a very slow pace and try to show my intention so as not to alarm them or otherwise I will pull over to the side if there is not much room and stop until they pass. As a result I have had many occassions where the pedestrian(s) have thanked me for my action. I find it takes little time off my commute home doing this. I know it's not right to be on the path but, as I said, I value my safety. I don't care what rights I believe I should have on the road; that's not going to stop some idiot motorist from taking me out. I have enough confidence to ride on highways and the like but I alter my ride according to the circumstances (weather, road conditions etc).
I don't think licencing is the key. I agree education would be better. However, I think it's going to be a hard struggle to change attitudes of non cyclists. Every bit helps though and I hope I am doing my part but being courteous.

Hi there 1idIOt,

I think the secret is to ride very defensively. Expect the unexpected and be a responsible cyclist. I use hand signals (even though many cyclists around my city don't seem too). At least in doing that I'm doing my level best to advertise my intentions and motorists won't have reason to complain about my riding. I do worry that I seem invisible to some drivers, despite wearing light coloured clothing.

Night riding is a whole new kettle of fish. My lights are very bright (especially the wide red rear one) and I prefer to use the blinking settings for added impact. I have found that the headlight is not broad enough to indicate sticks, pot-holes and other hazards until you are almost upon them. Summer night riding would be wonderful if it could be done safely. (Once, while riding home at dusk, I came across a collapsed section of the bike lane large enough for my front wheel to go down - from a distance it just looked like a shadow or wet spot, it was only when I got closer that I realised what it was.)

I don't ride on paths not designated for cycling and use the bike lanes wherever possible. Have found that it is better to reroute my trip to avoid hazardous intersections even if it means a few more km's - after all I'm trying to keep fit (and staying alive is a high priority).

I do wonder about the wisdom of the road rule allowing kids to ride on the footpaths. Have seen some local young ones pelting along past many driveways, racing each other. They aren't looking for danger and I fear that a slow moving car reversing from a property will collect somebody oneday. I don't know if this has already happened somewhere. It just worries me when I drive. And, I don't know what the solution is to that one.

Hi Laterider

Laterider1958 said:

I think the secret is to ride very defensively. Expect the unexpected and be a responsible cyclist. I use hand signals (even though many cyclists around my city don't seem too). At least in doing that I'm doing my level best to advertise my intentions and motorists won't have reason to complain about my riding. I do worry that I seem invisible to some drivers, despite wearing light coloured clothing.

I believe I'm a reasonably defensive rider as well as motorist. I am always scanning ahead and trying (reasonably successfully) to read the intentions of others whether they be motorists, pedestrians or other cyclists. Although I spend more time on the road I will minimise the risk of injury where I deem necessary and by whatever means (hopefully without impacting on the safety, rights or comfort of others).

Quoted post said:

Night riding is a whole new kettle of fish.

Isn't it ever!! Once daylight savings has ended the number of lights I attach increases with the shortening hours. I can have up to three rear lights and two front lights. I may sometimes take along (and wear) a reflective armband along with light coloured or even flouro jerseys or vest. I have even had a helmet mounted light so that I could point it at drivers but this still fails to make them stop and they end up turning in front of me. Fortunately I am usually prepared for this situation already.

Quoted post said:

I don't ride on paths not designated for cycling and use the bike lanes wherever possible. Have found that it is better to reroute my trip to avoid hazardous intersections even if it means a few more km's - after all I'm trying to keep fit (and staying alive is a high priority).

My trip to work is all on road and it doesn't bother me. Unfortunately I don't like the straightest trip home. The highway constantly changes from three lanes to two several times along the way. Although I will ride it some days I find the motorists driving recklessly. Strangely, Fridays are good as most people (I assume) have stayed back in the city for drinks or whatever. Thursdays can be hectic with late night shoppers. Other days are varied. I have tried various routes (mostly onroad). I don't follow a specific route home now and use one of four ways (I like to mix it up anyway; gets boring otherwise).

Quoted post said:

I do wonder about the wisdom of the road rule allowing kids to ride on the footpaths. Have seen some local young ones pelting along past many driveways, racing each other.

I wouldn't subject kids to the same rules as adults when it comes to cycling. I think it would be a massacre. Could you imagine the same children who pelt along on paths on the roads?! Reports of accidents would dramatically increase I would think. I think kids also need to be educated. Unfortunately this comes back to my belief that it's not only the education a program or government body could provide but one which begins at home which teaches the respect of others, courtesy, common sense and all those wonderful things which seem to be an increasingly rare commodity.

It may sound odd, but I hadn't really considered putting more than one set of lights on my bike! What a good idea. I could have one shine directly in front of the wheel and another illuminating an area way ahead. I may try that next summer and see how it goes. Thanks.

As I don't ride a road bike, and therefore can't maintain a fast speed, I am reluctant to take on busy roads that don't have a bike lane. Once I rode on a sealed country road (at a low traffic time) which unfortunately didn't have a sealed verge, and was quite anxious (especially when I was tailgated by a female driver impatient to overtake me when there was a lone oncoming vehicle). The clearance from my back wheel and her bonnet was under 2 metres! I was on a slight downhill stretch and trying to ride flatout - it certainly put the wind up me and I refuse to use that road again. At the time I was only going along a 300m section so I could link up to seldom used road. I think you are very brave to take on a 3 lane highway![img]cycling.net.aueek.gifOpen ↗[/img]

Laterider1958 said:

I do wonder about the wisdom of the road rule allowing kids to ride on the footpaths. Have seen some local young ones pelting along past many driveways, racing each other. They aren't looking for danger and I fear that a slow moving car reversing from a property will collect somebody oneday. I don't know if this has already happened somewhere. It just worries me when I drive. And, I don't know what the solution is to that one.

As a parent of 13- and 11-year olds, I am really appreciate the rule allowing kids 12 and under to ride the footpath.

Under 12, kids have zero road sense. It is a point relentlessly emphasised in literature we receive from the RTA. The lack of consideration and common sense other posters complain about as kids flash past on the footpath characterises *all* their cycling activity. Can you imagine the consequences if we forced them into the same space as 1-2 tonne hunks of metal travelling at 40-60km/hr with inattentive drivers at the wheel?

My 11-yo hates riding on the road. He doesn't understand how cars behave, and finds the experience of riding with *any* traffic very intimidating. He won't do it unless I am with him and absolutely insist (which is only when circumstances make the footpath a greater safety risk than the road, such as the driveways mentioned above, and low branches).

For this I'm grateful.

Quoted post said:

It may sound odd, but I hadn't really considered putting more than one set of lights on my bike! What a good idea. I could have one shine directly in front of the wheel and another illuminating an area way ahead. I may try that next summer and see how it goes. Thanks.

Plenty of cyclists I see only have a single set of lights. However, I like to ensure that if one happened to stop working then I have another still visible. Also, I hope that multiple lights make me a little more visible to motorists. I'll usually have a combination of flashing and non-flashing lights. When using multiple lights though, be prepared for the 'Christmas tree' jibes.

Quoted post said:

I think you are very brave to take on a 3 lane highway![img]cycling.net.aueek.gifOpen ↗[/img]

It's not always so bad. During peak hours you can be moving apace with the traffic or sometimes faster. Also, cycling in the middle of the lane helps. It ensures motorists don't try squeezing past you. Doesn't always work though; there's always that one or two impatient types who will do so and sometimes even honk or abuse you. I just keep cycling and mentally entertain myself with thoughts of what I would do if I caught up with them.

my kids school refuse to let children ride to school unless they do a special bike 'license'.
They get a police officer to come in talk to them then teach them basic skills, make sure they can do [censored] and yyy etc
Then they get a license. They can only do this once they are 10 years old or older.
It works well!

wishes said:

my kids school refuse to let children ride to school unless they do a special bike 'license'.
They get a police officer to come in talk to them then teach them basic skills, make sure they can do [censored] and yyy etc
Then they get a license. They can only do this once they are 10 years old or older. It works well!

Sounds a bit like BikeEd, which I was involved in during the early 1980s promoting it through the (then) Bicycle Institute of Victoria (now Bicycle Victoria). Some idea of it can be gleaned from the Queensland Cycle Strategy: tinyurl.com37cmmqOpen ↗(abbreviated URL)

I think all children 8 to 13 should undergo school-based competency-based testing for on- and off-road (which means footpath) riding; previous posts have rightly highlighted the danger of reversing cars and even kids running out the driveway. I am not sure of the extent of BikeEd in schools now, though around where I live I often see groups of teacher-led children on bikes on 'skills development' (either BikeEd or something else), but that is in the relatively safe environment of a bike path with transit on busy suburban roads.

The teenage years are the 'red zone' when a lot of rules and sensible habits gleaned earlier are summarily tossed out in favour of peer pressure e.g failure to wear helmets, no lights at night or in the morning, lack of courtesy and tearing around on footpaths oblivious to the presence and requirements of others (pedestrians).

There is no easy solution with kids. Parents and schools are doing their best and right thing by starting bike/on-road education early and continuing it through the years.

Our small city has a road safety centre, which has been purpose built for educating young children on how to ride a bike safely. It was accessed by kindergartens and your primary schools. Unfortunately it closed down, I think due to insurance worries for the facility. Have heard a rumour that it may re-open, but the last time I rode past it had lots of weeds overtaking. It's a pity.

The grounds consist of a building where pre-riding instructions were given, tricycles and bicycles (child sized), sealed and marked roads with Stop and Give Way signs as well as flashing train lights (with the ding dongs). An adult would lead small groups of children around the circuit, taking different routes and demonstrating hand signals, keeping everybody to the left (or trying to) and observing the appropriate give way rules when encountering others at intersections. There were also pedestrians to complicate matters, so the riders had to learn what to do at pedestrian crossings. The kids had a great time and the experience was repeated once a term.

My concerns re children riding on footpaths mainly referred to residential areas where the roads and footpaths are narrow, where space to avoid a collision is minimal. I feel no young child should be riding on a busy road, competing with heavy traffic, without close adult supervision and even then surely an alternative safer route could be used.

Laterider1958 said:

Hi there 1idIOt,

I do wonder about the wisdom of the road rule allowing kids to ride on the footpaths. Have seen some local young ones pelting along past many driveways, racing each other. They aren't looking for danger and I fear that a slow moving car reversing from a property will collect somebody oneday. I don't know if this has already happened somewhere. It just worries me when I drive. And, I don't know what the solution is to that one.

Hi Laterider 9158 6 months ago I was exiting Radio Spares carpark (Oakleigh) in my car. When a young boy was riding along a foot path, he hit my bumper bar and was not hurt but very shaken. I was more concern about the boy and his bike than my bumper bar. His father was 30 meters down the road. Luckly he was not hurt and his father apologized to me ... While I was just glad no body was hurt and bike and car were fine. I do not think there is a good solution for kids on bikes....Other than parents making sure they get a lot of riding first on bicycle paths with parents supervision. The earlier kids start the healthier the tend to be. Lets thank all our parents that spent time with us to learn to ride safely. Good luck to all road users young and old.

Cheers all
Proteus

I'm a little concerned about your passive use of language here.

The boy hit me.

You said he was a young biy and therefore perfectly entitled to be on the path.

If you were crossing the path in your car then, it is your responsibility to make sure the path is clear. Too many drivers simply charge out of driveways etc and don't bother to check the footpath.

I would suggest that you hit the boy (no matter how careful you were) as it is your responsibility to avoid collisions (and assusme te path is occupied).

Therefore I hope you said sorry to the boy.

Scotty

Proteus2000 said:

Hi Laterider 9158 6 months ago I was exiting Radio Spares carpark (Oakleigh) in my car. When a young boy was riding along a foot path, he hit my bumper bar and was not hurt but very shaken. I was more concern about the boy and his bike than my bumper bar. His father was 30 meters down the road. Luckly he was not hurt and his father apologized to me ... While I was just glad no body was hurt and bike and car were fine. I do not think there is a good solution for kids on bikes....Other than parents making sure they get a lot of riding first on bicycle paths with parents supervision. The earlier kids start the healthier the tend to be. Lets thank all our parents that spent time with us to learn to ride safely. Good luck to all road users young and old.

Cheers all
Proteus

scotty72 said:

I'm a little concerned about your passive use of language here.

The boy hit me.

You said he was a young biy and therefore perfectly entitled to be on the path.

If you were crossing the path in your car then, it is your responsibility to make sure the path is clear. Too many drivers simply charge out of driveways etc and don't bother to check the footpath.

I would suggest that you hit the boy (no matter how careful you were) as it is your responsibility to avoid collisions (and assusme te path is occupied).

Therefore I hope you said sorry to the boy.

Scotty

+1.

Bike license would be a very bad idea, better idea is for riders to ostracise bad cyclists .

My longtime cycling friend was joking with me the other day that we should find some other sport because this cycling is becoming far too popular here in Oz, consequently we are going to see more & more bad cyclists.

So next time you see a bad cyclist make sure you tell 'him' , if he gets criticism from a fellow cyclist maybe he will start listening, well maybe 🙂

caferacerwanabe said:

So next time you see a bad cyclist make sure you tell 'him' , if he gets criticism from a fellow cyclist maybe he will start listening, well maybe 🙂

Despite this, some riders will never learn nor comply. The last time I tried to give another rider some advice about using lights at night (it was about 7pm), I was told to "[censored] off and mind your own business, because its d!ckheads who ride to work like you that get hit".

He may have taken it better if I had been on a road bike (just like him - surely it means he's far more entitled to behave like a moron), but alas, I was on a roadified MTB commuter with flashing lights front and rear, so in his eyes, I wasn't riding a legitimate bicycle.

Anyway, my point is that sometimes, an idiot will always be an idiot, and its up to individual riders as well as the peak advocacy bodies to keep hitting the message home about safe riding.

n