MOTOR-CYCLISTS WARNED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23233, 30 December 1938, Page 8

MOTOR-CYCLISTS WARNED

Motor-cyclists have been officially j warned that they may expect serious restrictions if the accident rate established during the Christmas season is not reduced. In making this statement the Commissioner of .Transport referred directly to recorded statistics. He cannot, therefore, be accused of prejudice, the retort that is sometimes made when there is reference to the possible dangers of motor-cycling. 31 r. Laurcnson says it rests with the motor-cyclists themselves to reduce the high accident rate, thus placing the responsibility where it belongs, with the rider and not the machine. Champions of the power-driven cycle, defending it against allegations of liability to accident, have quoted instanced of people who have ridden for years without the slightest mishap. Such facts make it all the worse that the number of accidents in proportion to cycles on the road is so much higher than for any other type of motor vehicle. Obviously if the same average of care and responsibility were shown by cyclists as by other drivers, the safety factor would be increased. It is not that all motor-cyclists are reckless or irresponsible, but those who do recognise their duty to themselves and other users of the road already suffer in reputation, and may presently have to face new restrictions for the sins of the careless and thoughtless. A demonstration was staged some weeks ago to prove the reliability and safety of the motor-cycle. That it has these qualities when properly handled can be granted, but the Christmas record shows that unless some cyclists discipline themselves, all ale likely to be disciplined.