Manly cyclists disobey tough new bike laws a day after they’re enforced
A THIRD of cyclists riding through Manly’s CBD were clocked breaking the law today by not wearing a helmet.
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A THIRD of cyclists riding through Manly’s CBD were clocked breaking the law yesterday morning by not wearing a helmet.
Just 24 hours after the State Government’s tough new cycling laws came into effect, a staggering 55 people were caught by the Manly Daily cycling on busy roads and shared paths with no helmet.
An hour-long survey was conducted on the corner of North Steyne and Raglan St to see how many locals were abiding by the new laws — which among other things will see cyclists fined $319 if caught with no helmet. The fine was previously $71.
While a significant number of cyclists were not wearing a helmet, there has been an increase in those listening, with two-thirds of people buckled in.
Manly Warringah Cycling Club president Jim Buda said he noticed an increase. “I actually saw 100 per cent compliance down there this morning where as a week ago there was 80 per cent noncompliance,” he said.
Mr Buda said he would be interested to see if regular riders had decided not to ride their bike because they did not want to wear a helmet.
While he said locals seemed to be taking note of the new laws, he felt that this may change over time.
“The fines have gone up and there’s a big crackdown but I would guess that it will probably swing the other way over time unless there’s a constant reminder.”
A number of local bike stores said they have noticed a small increase in helmet sales, but the biggest shock has been bike bell sales.
Customer Service manager at Manly Cycles Dave Farkas said it had surprised him. “Helmets have had a bit of an uptake but not as much as we thought. I think people are sort of playing it by ear with the laws,” he said.
Store manager of The Fixed Wheel in Manly Jarrah Funnell said they had been informing customers about the new laws.
WHAT WE SAW
Total cyclists:
165
Wearing a helmet:
110
No helmet:
55
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