DANGER MONTHS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 111, 13 May 1939, Page 11

DANGER MONTHS

STRICTER CONTROL

WALKERS AND CYCLISTS

Mayi June, and July are the danger months for cyclists and pedestrians, and steps are being taken by the Transport Department for the strict enforcement of safety regulations, and particularly of the rules regarding lights on cycles, red reflectors, and the white rear mudguard. Statistics of accidents to cyclists during the winter months of last year are as follows: — Seriously Slightly Killed, injured, injured. April 4 38 66 May 9 3" Tl June 4 33 61 Jufy 2 26 / 44 Totals -. 19 134 242 The totals of casualties in which cyclists were victims in the year ended March 31 of this year were:— Killed, 32; seriously injured, 342; slightly injured, 614—nearly 1000 accidents in all. INSPECTORS TO TAKE ACTION. In an effort to cut down the figures this year, all traffic inspectors have been instructed to take action against offenders. A national drive is being made, and a number of prosecutions are already being brought. Most important of the regulations, it is considered, are those requiring bicycles to carry good lights, reflectors, and white rear mudguard. Reflectors marketed in New Zealand are tested by the Department, the approved types being those which throw a reflection, not merely in a single beam straight behind the bicycle, but through a wide arc. Tail-lights for cyclists are strongly advocated, but the carrying of tail-lights has not been made compulsory because of the cost, estimated at £15,000 to the cycling community. A tail-light, however, is a well-war-ranted investment. Another regulation, which will be enforced stringently, is that which states that not more than two cyclists shall ride, abreast. Cases of three and four cyclists riding abreast are stated to be increasingly frequent. This is an offence, however, and those committing it will be prosecuted. MORE CYCLES THAN CARS. It is impossible \o tell with accuracy the numbers of cyclists on the roads; but it is estimated that the Dominion total cannot be less than a quarter of a million, and probably is nearer to 400,000. It is believed by the authorities that there are more cyclists on the roads than motor-cars, and there are 300,000 cars. Christchurch alone has a cycling population variously estimated as from 40,000 to 70,000. Wellington is one of the cities least favoured by cyclists, because of its hills and winds; but even in Wellington there is a considerable number. Most of the cyclists go daily to and from work on' their machines, and as, in winter, at least the homeward journey, and in many cases both journeys, are made in darkness, the majority of cyclists, are on the road when the risk of accidents is greatest. A very large proportion of cyclists consists of children who travel to and from school in this way, and, on account of their youth and lesser stability and experience, they pay the heaviest toll in casualties. Many officials believe that the problem of control of cyclists will never be solved till compulsory registration | and numbering of bicycles is brought in throughout the Dominion. One of the worst difficulties experienced by traffic officers is that many cyclists give false names and addresses when stopped for a traffic breach of regulations and this is a thing that can only be stopped by registration. j