MENACE OF THE BICYCLE

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 August 1935, Page 12

MENACE OF THE BICYCLE

REGISTRATION URGED. If the Automobile Association is able to persuade the Government, the day is not far distant when bicycles will have to be registered. The matter was discussed at a meeting of the executive of the North Island Motor Union in Palmerston North. The Wellington Association advised that the position as far as bicycles were concerned, was acute in the capital city in that traffic inspectors and the police were practicaly helpless in the enforcement of the regulations. Traffic inspectors on duty on the Hutt Road were constantly taking names, but when they came to follow them up they invariably found that incorrect names and addresses had been given. In fact, the position had become so bad that inspectors realised it was useless following up those cases in which they took names and addresses. In one part of the city, inspectors recently took the names of approximately 180 cyclists whose machines did not comply with the regulations. Most of these were juniors and a large percentage college boys. Practically all the names were found to be fictitious.

Mr E. Palliser ("Wellington) said the charge for registration should be a nominal one, say 1/-. It was the only way to cope with the nuisance. Air A. Grayson (Auckland) said Auckland was equally concerned. The bicycle could not be impounded' nor could the rider be arrested. The local bodies were pushing very forcibly for registration. It was reported that Christchurch was also concerned because of the trouble experienced with cyclists. Mr N. H. Mackie (Manawatu) said a difficulty that would have to be met was the continued change of ownership of bicycles. Air Palliser: But you can easily trace the rider once the number of a machine is secured. It was decided to ask the South Island Motor Union to co-operate in securing legislation necessary for registration. The South Island Alotor Union wrote suggesting that the painting of mudguards of bicycles should be made cdmpulsory. It was decided to co-operate with the South Island in the matter of the white mudguards and also to ask them to co-operate with the North Island in an endeavour to get the red tail-light.

LEADING OF DOGS. Another matter concerning cyclists that came up for discussion was the practice of leading dogs while riding. The Wellington Association advised that in one particular instance on Paekakariki Hill, a serious accident was narrowly averted by the prompt action of the car driver. In this case the cyclist was leading two dogs over which he had lost all control. The practice should be prohibited by regulation. Mr Mackie (Majiawatu) said in some districts there were local body by-laws compelling owners of dogs to have them on a leash and any regulation would be a hardship. The Chairman: Would you prohibit the leading of a dog on a road two chains wide? What about a lady leading a doa across a street on foot? Mr W. A. Sutherland (Wellington): She has control of the dog when on foot. She would have no control if on a bicycle. Several delegates urged that all animals and not only dogs should be included. What control of a horse had a man on a bicycle? A motion to approach the Transport Department, in the matter was lost.