Too Many Cycles Lacking Efficient Safety Equipment

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27092, 28 May 1949, Page 9

Too Many Cycles Lacking Efficient Safety Equipment

WELLINGTON, May 27. “ It is no wonder that bicycle accidents have increased when one considers the appalling number of cycles without proper safety equipment,” said the Minister of Transport, Mr Hackett, when he was commenting on the results of the first week’s efforts in the Dominion-wide check on bicycles being conducted by the Transport Department. These figures show that of 3863 cycles checked so far 739 were without a red reflector, 375 were without a rear white patch, and 159 had no brake or had an inefficient brake. Altogether 142 cyclists were found riding at night with no front light, and 246 machines had noticeable structural defects. “Last year 27 cyclists were killed and 817 injured in traffic accidents,” continued Mr Hackett. “This is the highest since before the war, yet considering the figures from cycle checks it is not really surprising. In a prosperous country like New Zealand our road traffic is ever-increasing, yet many cyclists continue to ride without the minimum equipment required for safety. A red reflector or tail light, a white mudguard patch, an efficient brake and at night a front light are essentials required by law. I have instructed the Transport Department to continue its rigorous check and to take the necessary action against cyclists found riding machines that are ill-equipped. These cycle accidents must be reduced, and I (hope all cyclists will co-operate by putting their cycles in order.”