Road Rules
This is not your typical rant of a cyclist against senseless, inconsiderate drivers or a driver against arrogant, lycra-clad cyclists. But don’t worry, you’ll get your chance to rant at the end.
I find myself in a unique position. I cycled a lot – for many years while I was an Olympic rower then a few as a competitive cyclist. I ended up winning the 2009 Tour of New Zealand, then I became the National Time Trial Champion a year later.
But due to a head injury I sustained through a fall at a cycling race at last year’s Tour Down Under, I no longer cycle. And I had to surrender my car licence. I’ve recently been through the medical and practical driving test and have got it back after nine months of not driving.
Continue reading "Warney’s not the only one who needs a road refresher" »
How can you tell the difference between a newly-elected government and a party that’s been in power for nearly a decade?
A newly-elected government is happy to admit that things could be done better.
A classic case in point this week was the new Liberal Government in NSW switching off 38 speed cameras deemed to have no real safety benefit.
Continue reading "Anti-speeding schemes need some acceleration" »
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Sam Raine says:
It would definitely be good if the government took active steps in getting rid of what is not working and instead find better ways to stop the speeding problem. Having a cctv or speed camera at spots that are not even dangerous could lead to more serious repercussions, and I… Read more »
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LC says:
Acotrel, the government does not need to build anything for them, they have far better things to spend taxpayer money on. You’ve seen the cars these people drive. How much money do you think they put into them? They can get together with a few mates, pool thier money together,… Read more »
Speed cameras alone cannot account for dangerous conditions and drivers on our roads.
Victorian Police Minister Peter Ryan’s announcement of an inquiry into the accuracy and effectiveness of the state’s speed cameras comes in the wake of a culture of public skepticism about speed cameras in Victoria, and recent furore in NSW.
Victoria pays some of the highest speeding fines in the country. The Brumby government budgeted them to raise $476 million this financial year alone, so it is little wonder they have been pigeonholed by many as ‘revenue raisers’.
Continue reading "Smile, you’re on candid revenue-raising camera" »
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Sam Raine says:
I hate it when the government relies on such things for revenues instead of a form of proper regulation. Indeed, the speed cameras are causing more danger than safety, and an independent committee should review them. In this aspect, the speed cameras are not more useful than cctv kits in… Read more »
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DC says:
I always love seeing the comments under articles like this, and reading all the arguments from Government props defending the need for Extortion Cameras with blatantly obvious Propaganda. It makes me sick to be honest. So how much are they paying you guys anyway? Are you paid by speeding fine… Read more »
Across Australia today a familiar push and shove is taking place as cyclists vie for space with the ever increasing numbers of cars on our roads. It is a pattern that is repeated throughout our towns and cities; a symptom of our car loving culture and sense of road entitlement from drivers and cyclists alike.
Drivers resent the packs of Lycra warriors when they take up entire lanes and invent their own road rules, and cyclists understandably fear cars which are often wielded like 100 tonnes of road clearing debris.
Neither party is blameless in this dangerous game of chicken, but it is up to state governments to appreciate the differing needs of commuters and adjust their infrastructure accordingly.
Continue reading "Ensuring safe passage for our Lycra warriors" »
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Gavin says:
On the issue of riaetlve speeds of cyclists and motorists, when I was living in Salisbury (11km south of Brisbane CBD) and cycling to work in Fortitude Valley (next to Brisbane CBD) I would usually average about 28kmh and would exceed this speed on flat or downhill stretches, and would… Read more »
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Elphaba says:
@Shifter, nooooo! Black leather pants are completely different to lycra. They have an edge. They’re badass. Mmm, black leather pants… However, after further thinking about this, Lars used to wear spandex pants on stage in the 80s. Ewww… Looks like you win. Lars can wear lycra, but if I see… Read more »
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