Safety On Roads: Cycles And Motor-Cycles

Northern Advocate, 11 May 1939, Page 2

Safety On Roads: Cycles And Motor-Cycles

At the instigation of the Commissioner of Transport, local bodies are to carry out a more intensive campaign for road safety as affecting cyclists and motor-cyclists. Endorsed by a number of meetings of motor-cyclists, the New Zealand Road Safety Council has adopted a policy of control for motor-cyclists for■ immediate action, states a letter from the Commissioner received by the Whangarei Borough Council. 40 m.p.b. Restrictions. The policy recommends that in cases of pillion-riding the maximum speed should be 40 m.p.h. Learners should bo issued with special “L” licenses .and registration plates to be used during a probationary period, during which time they should also be restricted to a speed limit of 40‘m.p.h.

Offenders for speeding, reckless and careless riding and similar offences could be relegated to the “L” license

for a period. Tyres, silencers and the total elimination of the cut-out is to be included in the warrant of‘fitness tests. Stricter tests for the issue of licenses are also recommended. These recommendations are to be given effect to as soon as possible by local bodies in built-up areas. Cyclists’ Responsibilities. "Statistics indicate that the number of accidents to cyclists is still too high, and that with the approach of the winter months it may be expected to increase,” the Commissioner's letterstated in reference to cyclists. It was important that all cycles should be fully equipped in accordance with the transport regulations, including adequate lighting, a rear reflector and a white surface of at least 12 square inches .at the rear of each machine.

Free Exchange Urged ■

[Per Press Association. Copyright.] WANGANUI. This Day. Tho Dominion president oi' the Farmers’ Union, Mr W. W. Mulholiand, speaking at Wanganui last night, emphasised the serious position of the farming industry, particularly that of the sheepfsrmer, and said that if inflated costs continued without an adjustment of prices the end would be disaster.

. Present prices, said Mr Mulholland, were not what could be termed bad, yet the farmer was in a desperate position. This was due to the failure of the Government to implement fully the whole of the policy which it placed before the electors. Mr Mulholland advocated the freeing of exchange as a relief measure.