MOTORISTS AND CYCLISTS.

Evening Star, Issue 22515, 7 December 1936, Page 8

MOTORISTS AND CYCLISTS.

In the words of a motion passed by the South Island Motor Union at its quarterly meeting on Friday, it would appear to be “in the interests of all road users ” if the Government introduced registration of cyclists. Bicycles were invented before motor cars at a time when riders bad plenty of space in which to prove the mobility of their machines, and, although the methods of progression should have changed with the changing times, there is often a Jack of evidence of a desirable replacement of happy-go-lucky riding by the kind of riding which conforms with the “ safety-first ” outlook so necessary in these days of motordom. Naturally all cyclists cannot be accused of carelessness on the road. The average working man proceeding to and from work manipulates a wary pedal. The cycling outlaws may be numbered mainly among self-opinionated youths who see no reason why they should not indulge in the modified trick riding as exemplified in turning corners at a fast pace and in riding without visible control of the handle-bars. Then we have tho road pests who, seemingly because of their inability to resist dis-

cussing the affairs of the clay with their companions of the wheel, ride three or four abreast. It is mainly the latter type which is causing motorists concern. It is understood that the National Safety Council is introducing legislation to deal with tho chatty cyclist nuisance, but unfortunately no provision for actual registration is assured. We are of the opinion that no set of regulations aimed at the mitigation of the menace can be completely watertight until this further step is taken. It is essential to have some means of identification whereby offenders who fail to respond to the new rules can be apprehended. The mere knowledge that they can be traced should be sufficient to inculcate into riders the extra care that is needed. In some quarters it has been suggested that a fee should be paid for registrar tion. This, how r ever, is scarcely necessary for the attainment of the desired end, and might impose some slight hardship on those who purchase twowheeled machines purely for reasons of economy.

Another resolution of the Motor Union to which support can be given is that which was carried in the following terms: “ That each association give material assistance in tho inauguration of driving schools.' 1 It is well known that the measure of training now available is limited and that many young learners come safely through their neophyte period more by luck than good management. The modern highpowered car requires careful understanding and delicacy of control, while, on the theoretical side, there is a wide field for study in the motoring regulations. Motorists’ training schools arc operating with success in America. In fact, it is reported that provision is made for offending drivers to be sentenced to a period of training instead of being punished in a more orthodox manner. In whatever manner training schools are run, it would at least be imperative that every learner should be put through his or her paces at some institution established for the purpose. Human life is precious. No trouble or expense should be allowed to give rise to doubts as to the practicability of the scheme.