Motorcycle Dangers On Northern Roads

Northern Advocate, 14 March 1939, Page 6

Motorcycle Dangers On Northern Roads

’’Motor-cyclists don’t consider the speed at which they travel,” said Mr T. H. Hayes, chairman of the Whangaroa County Council, yesterday.

A letter was received at the council meeting from the Commissioner of Transport, asking for the council’s views on the restriction of motorcycle traffic. It was a matter of ensuring that all motor-cyclists were fully qualified to ride their machines, said Mr E. B. Weber. “Letting Them Roar.” The majority of fatal accidents were caused by young .irresponsibles who “let their machines roar.” Lack of consideration for other road users was shown by a percentage of both motor-cyclists and motorists. It would not be fair to impose severe restriction on people who had gone to the expense of purchasing motor-cycles, said Cr. E. F, Connolly. The Department of Transport looked to local authorities, who could be expected to be more familiar with local conditions, to give them a lead, said Cr. Weber.

“Inspectors should exercise more control,” said the chairman, Mr T. H. Hayes. “Personally, I should like to see motor-cycles removed from the roads, but this is a free country.” More courtesy was extended to other road-users by car drivers than by motor-cyclists, said Cr. Weber. Motorist Pays.

“But in case of accidents the motorist has to pay,” added the chairman. On the motion of Cr. Weber it was agreed to reply, recommending that any special control for motor-cycles should be in the form of speed restrictions, machines to be governed down to a maximum of 45 m.p.h.