MOTOR-CYCLE’S VALUE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 100, 28 March 1939, Page 9

MOTOR-CYCLE’S VALUE

“LESS DANGEROUS THAN CAR.”

TRAFFIC MANAGER’S REPORT

In view of the proposed restrictions by the Transport Department on motorcycles, tho traffic-manager (Mr K. J. Smith) expressed the opinion, in his report to the Palmerston North City Council last night, that tho modern motor-cyclo was less dangerous to other road users than was the modern motor-car. Mr Smith added that in times of national emergency the motor-cycle could be an efficient means of transport, able to reach localities that could not bo served by other motor vehicles.

“Tho Defence Department has recognised this by establishing motorcycle corps, and in times of emergency this arm of tho service could only be supplemented irom members of motorcycle clubs or individuals capable ol handling tho machines,” Mr Smith contended. “If the use of motorcycles were prohibited altogether, accomplished riders would not be readily available when urgently needed. For these reasons I think the use of the motor-cycle should bo encouraged more than it is at present. Any road user passing a military cycle corps, or being overtaken by one, cannot but bo impressed by the sale and regular speed of the riders, and in no instance have I seen anything dangerous to other road users by the uso oi the motor-cycle when in lor mat ion and under careful control. “A visit to localities where billclimbing tests are conducted, or other routes selected lor road reliability trials is very convincing proof that the motor-cycle is a saie and efficient means of transport. Admittedly, on a good road there is a very definite urge to speed, and the speed should, in my opinion, be mechanically governed, and not left to tho judgment of individual riders,” Mr Smith added.

“Motor-cycle clubs are now doing good work in educating the members to a safer and a more courteous manner on the road, and in my opinion if this is continued and speed restricted there can he little cause for complaint as there has been in the past, and at the same time an efficient means of transport would be available if urgently required,” the officer concluded.

The council decided that a copy of tho report he submitted to the Commissioner of Transport.