Fair Warning to Cyclists

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6105, 22 September 1947, Page 4

Fair Warning to Cyclists

INSPECTOR TO MAKE CHECK.

DETAILS OF REQUIREMENTS.

It is intended in the near future to conduct a check on bicycles as it is apparent that many cyclists are using machines that do ;, not comply with the requirements of the traffic regulations." This was the fair warning given by Inspector.C. I. Fletcher in his report of the September meeting of the borough council. v Some of the requirements of a bicycle were enumerated by the Inspector. Every cycle requires to be fitted with a'bell and to be equipped with one effective brake operating on the rear wheel. A white patch of not less than 12 square inches is required to be painted on the back mudguard, this being necessary for daylight iUse.

In addition, if the cycle is used during the hours of darkness, it must have attached to the front a headlight facing in. a forward direction, which is capable of throwing a light of sufficient brilliance to be visible for a distance of 300 feet, and also must have attached to the rear a red light or red reflector. Persons who use a torch in place of a head-light on a cycle are not complying with the regulations.

"Motorists will agree that unlighted cycles are a constant worry to the night driver, besides being a great danger to themselves," said Inspector Fletcher. "Cyclists who do not agree with this statement should try riding in the front seat of a car on a wet night and see for themselves how difficult it'is for a motorist, to observe a cyclist, especially when there is oncoming traffic." In his general report the Inspector stated that the State highway through the borough had been patrolled regularly during the month, and in addition, all the busier roads had been visited frequently. Particular attention had been given to the loading of heavy trucks using the high level bridge, care, being taken that loading did not exceed the classification road limit of 4 tons and. 3 h tons. There had been a decided increase in week-end traffic on the State highway xgoing through the business area, commented the Inspector. The general observance of the speed regulations was being well maintained.

During the month \ 29* new applicants for licenses were tested and of these eight failed to pass the required fest. The majority of the latter had an inadequate knowledge of the traffic regulations. ''•■ Four licenses were extended to cover other classes, of motor vehicles and one driver over 70 . years was tested.

A check made on licenses, and warrants of fitness showed that although seven weeks had passed since the renewal date, five motorists : in Cambridge were found to be without driving licenses.