What the bell? New fines for cyclists a bloody joke

TODAY the NSW government introduced heavy new fines for bike riders. As a cyclist, I can’t help but laugh at the stupid changes.

Bike riders and the new laws, motorist are suposed to give bike riders 1 meter plus under new laws . Bike riders have new fines to one is riding with out a helmet . pic John Grainger

OPINION

FOR as long as I can remember, I have been using a bicycle as my main source of transport.

I love the feeling of doing something good for the environment and vastly improving my health and fitness levels at the same time.

However, more than anything I love how much money I save using pedal power.

Well, that was until New South Wales premier Mike Baird decided popping me $106 dollars for not having a bell on my bike was a good idea.

This is just one of the many ridiculous new fines introduced today by the NSW Government, which appear to be a blatant attempt at revenue raising.

Sorry, I shouldn’t be so cynical.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay said the new laws were not targeting cyclists; they were targeting “risky behaviour”.

Sh*t, I know not having a bell or horn on my bicycle is putting endless lives at risk.

Without a bell, how would I ever be able to warn other pedestrians and road users that I am nearby?

I should be ashamed at myself for acting with such reckless abandon. Please forgive me, Mr Gay.

Oh wait, that’s right. I have this thing called a voice. You know that sound produced in a person’s larynx and uttered through the mouth, as speech or song. Yeah, that thing.

NSW Police are making the world a better place catching this ruthless criminal riding with no bike helmet.

Anyway, I am just sounding bitter.

Surely there is a need to raise the fine for not wearing a helmet from $71 to $319, in order to match the penalty given to motorcyclists breaking the same law.

It makes complete sense because we all know I am able to maintain the speed limits, while riding in the middle of heavy traffic.

Oh, that’s right. It’s virtually impossible for me to match the power and speeds of a motorbike, even in the safe confines of a bicycle lane.

Based on this justification, I am guessing there are some people in the NSW government that must have some powerful legs.

Maybe they should sign up for the Commonwealth Games instead of worrying about making these changes to reduce “risky behaviours”.

The next increase will see the fine for running a red light jumping from $71 to $425, so that it is equivalent to the penalty given to car drivers for the same offence.

Seems fair, given a bicycle causes as much damage to the road infrastructure and emits as much pollution as a two-tonne vehicle.

Plus, there is also the small fact that at many intersections bicycles are unable to trigger the traffic signal.

It’s fine though, we will just sit there until a car comes up, so we can safely ride on. Don’t want to be partaking in “risky behaviour”.

You boys were riding dangerously. Do you know what that means? No? Neither do we.

There are also the dubious fines for “riding dangerously” which have increased from $71 to $425.

What I want to know is precisely what constitutes “riding dangerously”.

If I am facing fines of $425, it would be nice to know exactly what actions I need to avoid.

In hoping to clear things up, I headed to the NSW Road Safety website for more information.

Unfortunately, there are no specifics listed.

I guess I just have to rely on the individual interpretations of police for what they define as riding dangerously. Seems really fair and totally justifiable. Oh, wait.

This isn’t even to mention the heavy police presence expected to crack down on these laws.

Don’t worry about solving crimes that are a real risk to community, you just put our tax payer money to good use and get dozens of police on the streets solving big issues, like people riding without bells.

Why not let people take the risk themselves instead of babying them?

And if you do need to fine people, surely there is no need to go to these extents.

You should be implementing measures to get people to use alternate modes of transport, not making them scared to even leave the house.

Wake up to yourself, NSW Government and get with the times.

Continue the discussion on Twitter @mattydunn11