Smart hat could be the answer to cyclist registration, councillor says

A NEW bicycle helmet that incorporates a licence plate that can be seen by CCTV and road cameras could pave the way for cyclists to be registered.

A SYDNEY designer has patented a new licence plate helmet that could pave the way for cyclists to be registered.

The so-called smart helmet design incorporates a registration number that can be seen by existing CCTV and road cameras.

It also envisages indicators controlled by a Bluetooth system on the handlebars, as well as a photo sensor to turn on head and tail lights and a small warning speaker when the cyclist rides too close to pedestrians.

Cyclist screaming down the road at around 30-40 km/h when the traffic lights were red.

It is the work of designer Toby King who presented his concept to Mosman Council on Tuesday night hoping to win support for a submission to the State Government which is considering licencing options for cyclists.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay has asked his department for a list of recommendations.

Unlike other proposals, attaching a licence plate to compulsory headwear for NSW cyclists would overcome the requirement to licence every bicycle in the state.

Mr King told the meeting the helmet would benefit cyclists and road users.

“This is a concept for better road safety. It is not a product or a business, it is a concept design,” he said.

“There are not many features on the current helmets that makes them safe.”

Phil Griffiths says the helmets would simply add to the cost of cycling.

But Mr King acknowledged the proposal was controversial, saying he would prefer to keep his name out of the public eye in case of any backlash from cyclists against the idea of compulsory registration.

The concept has the backing of Mosman councillor Simon Menzies who said it would also provide a solution for commuter cyclists to be registered and able to showcase their registration number.

“People who use it as a mode of transport should be registered and insured,” Cr Menzies said.

“Every other road user pays for registration and it should not be any different.”

The pedestrian crossing at the Corner of Miller and Pacific Highway, North Sydney, where a pedestrian was injured by a cyclist.

Relationships between road users would improve if drivers thought cyclists would be held accountable for their actions, he said.

“It annoys drivers that cyclists can get away with breaking road rules.”

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But while council members agreed it was a good idea, they said it was not an appropriate forum for the discussion. Cr Menzies’ motion was amended to support concepts generally which aim to improve cyclist safety.

Cyclist group Bike North was not supportive.

Spokesman Phil Griffiths said a licence plate helmet would put people off from cycling and the negative costs would far outweigh any benefits.

“I think it is an unnecessary distraction on what is ­really important, which is providing for cyclists’ safety,” Mr Griffiths said.