THE CYCLE MENACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22141, 21 June 1935, Page 12

THE CYCLE MENACE

TRAFFIC DIFFICULTIES PROBLEM IN THE SUBURBS CONFERENCE TO BE CALLED A suggestion that a conference of local bodies in the southern suburbs be helrl to discuss the problem of cycle traffic on the Great South Road between Penrose and the districts south of Otahub u was adopted by the Otahuhu Borough Council last night. The suggestion was advanced by the traffic inspector, Mr. A. Breed, in a report on complaints of cyclists riding without lights and more than two abreast on the main road. He said that last year he had prosecuted 44 cyclists for riding without lights. "This number would undoubtedly * have been greater, but in many instances offending cyclists had given false names and addresses," stated the report. This was one of the greatest difficulties confronting traffic inspectors, and the practice of giving false names was quite common in and around Auckland. Mr. Breed stated that he did not consider the mounting of a red reflector and the white painting of the rear mudguard sufficient indication to motorists of the presence of a cyclist ahead, I especially when a motorist was simnl- | taneously 'met by another car with 1 strong headlights. "The reflector and ; white marking are then practically use- ! less unless the overtaking motorist | exercises caution ,by slowing down." j In this connection magistrates had frej quently mentioned that it was the duty ! of motorists to drive within the range j of their vision at a speed consistent \ with the braking power of their ! vehicles. "Blind driving" was an im- | portant factor in relation to cycle traffic | on the roads. I "Even with the utmost diligence on ! the part of inspectors, the problem of ! compelling cyclists to comply with | reasonable regulations will remain un- | til there is some tightening of the j regulations," continued the report. It i was suggested that a conference be l held so that representatives of the local j bodies and their inspectors could discuss the advisability of legislation to embrace various suggestions, including the registration of all cycles, and the giving of powers to constables and inspectors, when not satisfied with information as to identity, to take possession of a cycle until the offender's identity is established. "Until regulations on lines similar to those suggested "are brought into operation the dangers will not abate, and officials will be hampered in their efforts to control the position," concluded the report. On the motion of the Mayor, Mr. C. R. Petrie, it was decided to in rite members and traffic inspectors of the One Tree Hill and Onehunga Borough Councils, Manukau County Council, Mount Wellington Road Roard and the Papatoetoe, Mainurewa and Papakura Town Boards to meet the Otahuhu Council on July 3.