Make cyclists register their cycles and pay ACC

[Tezz]

I wonder if the Government has even considered making cyclists register their cycles as a more equitable way of funding ACC. Thousands of cyclists use our roads on a daily basis, and the numbers are increasing rapidly, but they pay nothing. They do, however, cause accidents, get hit by cars and claim ACC, and consistently break road rules without any punishment.

The Government could charge them a nominal fee of say $50 per year to register their cycles. This would raise ACC revenue, make them abide by the road rules, and even create a little extra work for the post office.

[BMW]

Agreed, why should we pay for them!

[Taz]

The government doesn't need your help to come up with more stupid ways to tax us all. We already have enough taxes.

[Usarka]

Cool, vehicle registration for 5 year olds.

How about trikes? Get them as a toddler.

[Rosie]

The government doesn't need your help to come up with more stupid ways to tax us all. We already have enough taxes.

+1 and pointing the finger and blaming other 'dangerous' road users is the kind of thinking that has lead to motorbikes being singled out for massive levy increases.

Others' blaming and finger pointing may have got us into this mess, but I don't think us doing the same to another group is going to get us out of it.

[Tezz]

Anthrax, in that respect I couldn't agree more. If it were up to me, I would do away with all government health systems including ACC. I would prefer private insurance. But that just isn't going to happen in this socialist country, so let's make everyone contribute, not just a few.

[James Deuce]

Cool, vehicle registration for 5 year olds.

How about trikes? Get them as a toddler.

That's a non-issue. You get your kids taken off you if you let a 10 year old ride to school.

[Tezz]

Usarka, I don't want a nanny state any more than you do. Either we get rid of ACC altogether or make it more equitable, it's that simple.

[rok-the-boat]

Sorry - I disagree. Wouldn't surprise me if the govt. came up with their idea INTENDING that we propose to hit bicycles. Bicycles should be free - it is our goddam right to ride a bicycle and the govts responsibility to fix us when we fall - we pay high taxes right!

Late edit: It's also our goddam right to ride motorcycles!

[vindy500]

That's a non-issue. You get your kids taken off you if you let a 10 year old ride to school.

what?????????????

[Tezz]

Sorry - Bicycles should be free - it is our goddam right to ride a bicycle and the govts responsibility to fix us when we fall - we pay high taxes right!

And this is the very problem. Since when has anything been a right? And since when has it been the Governments responsibility to fix people? If you use the road, you have to pay? Nothing is free! Trucks, cars, buses, and motorcylists pay, so why should cyclists get a free ride? As far as the Government being responsible for fixing us? I certainly don't want them in my life, fixing me, I prefer private insurance and no tax. We have been far too dependent on Governments for far too long.

[Beemer]

The government doesn't need your help to come up with more stupid ways to tax us all. We already have enough taxes.

A cyclist perhaps?

[Beemer]

And this is the very problem. Since when has anything been a right? And since when has it been the Governments responsibility to fix people? If you use the road, you have to pay? Nothing is free! Trucks, cars, buses, and motorcylists pay, so why should cyclists get a free ride? As far as the Government being responsible for fixing us? I certainly don't want them in my life, fixing me, I prefer private insurance and no tax. We have been far too dependent on Governments for far too long.

I think it should go a step further and all sports people should pay their way as well. Why should all of us who don't play rugby, go skiing, take part in adventure sports, etc pay for those who do and get injured? I'd be interested to know how much ACC pays for rugby injuries.

I drive several cars and I own a bike and I'm self-employed - so I pay more than once anyway. I'd be keen for a more equitable system whereby those INDIVIDUALS who cost ACC more pay more in levies - sort of like a no-claims bonus.

[Squiggles]

This sort of change is legislation... Doubt it'll happen in anytime soon (and its a minefield anyway). Although pointing out where alot of $$ go does somewhat attack the "drivers subsidise riders" angle they've taken.

[Tezz]

Just read this from the new site "Bikers Against ACC"

Motorcyclists are a minority group which are being unfairly targeted

In 2008 there were 1475 motorcycle accidents and 50 deaths, and motorcyclists paid approximately $12.3 million in levies.

In 2008 there were 1170 bicycle accidents and 36 deaths - cyclists paid no ACC levies.

This must be a human rights issue around a minority group, motorcyclists bearing a disproportionate financial penalty.