SAFE AND EFFICIENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 74, 29 March 1939, Page 7

SAFE AND EFFICIENT

MOTOR-CYCLE DEFENDED

TRAFFIC INSPECTOR'S VIEWS

(Special to the "Evening Post.")

PALMERSTON N., This Day,

While various county councils consider the motor-cycle a menace on the road, it is interesting to hear the views of the traffic inspector of the Palmerston North City Council (Mr. H. J. Smith).

Reporting on the proposed restrictions on the use of motor-cycles he told the council that he considered they were less dangerous to road users than the modern car. In times of national emergency the motor-cycle would be an efficient means of transport, being able to reach localities that could not be served by any other type of motor vehicle. The Defence Department had recognised this by establishing motorcycle corps, and in times of emergency this arm of the service could only be supplemented from members of motorcycle clubs or individuals capable of handling the machines. If the use of motor-cycles was restricted, accomplished riders would not be readily available. For that reason he thought the use of the machines should be encouraged more than at present. Any road user passing a military cycle corps or being overtaken by one, could not fail to be impressed by the safe and regular speed of the riders. A visit to places where hill-climbing tests were conducted or reliability trials held was convincing proof that the motor-cycle was safe and efficient as a means of transport. Admittedly on good roads there, was an urge to speed, but the machines could be mechanically governed and not left to the judgment of the individual rider. Motorcycle clubs were now doing good work by educating members in safe riding and showing courtesy on the road, and if that was continued and speed restricted there could be little cause for complaint.

The City Council decided to forward the inspector's report to the Commissioner of Transport, who is seeking public opinion on the subject.