I could use a little feedback here

[bogan]

Only problem there. Requiring helmets to be worn while cycling has already been credited with more deaths per year, than the wearing of helmets actually saves, just purely by discouraging people from cycling and therefore being fit(ter) and healthy(er). Somehow I think making all the roadies chuck geeky mirrors and indicators on will just make that much worse.

Oh, and personally I wouldnt ride without a helmet anyway... I'm not that brave. And it's not exactly hard to lift one hand for a few moments to indicate intentions, I've never had issues with that. As for mirrors, all a cyclist has to do is take the stupid earphones out, listen more, and make regular headchecks to both sides and to the rear. Which also is not difficult!

Bikers complain about more legislation restricting their freedom to ride. So have some sympathy with cyclists, and perhaps if they got a little respect, then they might give a little. I know I try my best to.

Proven or speculated? My google turned up nothing on the subject...

Kind of different leagues regarding freedom isn't it, is a mirror really to much to ask for? What are they like 10 bucks? Another 20 for indicators, so the rider can be free to remain in range of what they generously call brakes while indicating.

Personally, I gave up exercising on a pedly because I thought the speeds (30+ kmhr) were too dangerous

[huff3r]

Proven or speculated? My google turned up nothing on the subject...

Kind of different leagues regarding freedom isn't it, is a mirror really to much to ask for? What are they like 10 bucks? Another 20 for indicators, so the rider can be free to remain in range of what they generously call brakes while indicating.

Personally, I gave up exercising on a pedly because I thought the speeds (30+ kmhr) were too dangerous

It was on the news the other day, don't remember much about it. No-one is talking about the cost of the mirrors or indicators, the truth is if you mandated them many people would stop cycling. I don't care whether you choose to believe it or not, but the humble bicycle is responsible for helping maintain the health of many, and should be encouraged. Honestly, the haters of cyclists are probably mostly the same people who hate motorcyclists, or anyone else who doesn't choose to do things their way.

[bogan]

It was on the news the other day, don't remember much about it. No-one is talking about the cost of the mirrors or indicators, the truth is if you mandated them many people would stop cycling. I don't care whether you choose to believe it or not, but the humble bicycle is responsible for helping maintain the health of many, and should be encouraged. Honestly, the haters of cyclists are probably mostly the same people who hate motorcyclists, or anyone else who doesn't choose to do things their way.

Ah yes, the NZ news is known as a beacon of journalistic integrity, who would never air controversial opinion pieces masked as fact just for mere ratings

If its not the money, then why would they stop cycling? Those things offer safety and convenience so I'm really struggling to see why people would give up cycling because of them.

If that were true it would be provable; don't get me wrong, I can see the logic, fitness is a good thing, but there are other ways to get fit, and there are ways to make getting fit while cycling safer and less obstructive to other road users which should be pursued.

I would say the haters of cyclists are mostly the people who get stuck behind them

[oneofsix]

Ah yes, the NZ news is known as a beacon of journalistic integrity, who would never air controversial opinion pieces masked as fact just for mere ratings

If its not the money, then why would they stop cycling? Those things offer safety and convenience so I'm really struggling to see why people would give up cycling because of them.

If that were true it would be provable; don't get me wrong, I can see the logic, fitness is a good thing, but there are other ways to get fit, and there are ways to make getting fit while cycling safer and less obstructive to other road users which should be pursued.

I would say the haters of cyclists are mostly the people who get stuck behind them

If mirrors and indicators were common it might make cycling safer and therefore encourage more people to give it a go. People didn't give up cycling because of the helmet laws, just like they didn't give up motorbikes. Some improvements can force people to give up but being more aware of what is behind you and being able to signal your intentions is more likely to attract people than discourage them. Funny how these MANILs will spend thousands on their bikes, hundreds on their pretty clothes with no armour or abrasion protection and then bitch about a few dollars on safety.

Reason people hate cyclists is the attitude thing, that they think they own the road and the footpaths, don't have to obey the simple rules, and they seem to think they are better than others because "they are saving the planet and exercising". Also this attitude that they are allowed to "practice" their sport on any road they feel like whenever they feel like and block all other traffic. The previous is a generalisation on the group and doesn't reflect on individuals.

[superjackal]

I went for a road ride with a friend after a long abesence from bicycles and about 18 months riding a motorcycle and I was shocked that I couldn't see, or hear, what the hell was on the road behind me. Bare minimum bicycles should have a rear view mirror so they can see what's coming up behind them. Seemed "naked", "exposed" and vulnerable not being able to see behind myself.

Amazing this hasn't been legislated yet. Just confirmed to me that bicycles are dangerous on roads.

[willytheekid]

If mirrors and indicators were common it might make cycling safer and therefore encourage more people to give it a go. People didn't give up cycling because of the helmet laws, just like they didn't give up motorbikes. Some improvements can force people to give up but being more aware of what is behind you and being able to signal your intentions is more likely to attract people than discourage them. Funny how these MANILs will spend thousands on their bikes, hundreds on their pretty clothes with no armour or abrasion protection and then bitch about a few dollars on safety.

Reason people hate cyclists is the attitude thing, that they think they own the road and the footpaths, don't have to obey the simple rules, and they seem to think they are better than others because "they are saving the planet and exercising". Also this attitude that they are allowed to "practice" their sport on any road they feel like whenever they feel like and block all other traffic. The previous is a generalisation on the group and doesn't reflect on individuals.

+1

We have HEAPS of cyclists at work, and you only have to go outside and look at there bikes to see a major problem with there choice of transport...most have bald tyres, only one working brake (if that!), no lights (and I thought that was law!), and most are held together with duct tape, wire and good luck!....yet they all walk in every morning clad head to toe with the flashest riding gear (spandex and flash "light weight helmets"...designed for looks and minimal wind resistance..not safety!)
Well...times have changed!, the roads are even busier, and the requirements for other road vehicles to meet certain safety and operational standards etc have raised consistantly over the years...peddle bikes?...nope!...not even a factor apparently.

Our very own KB Popo Rastuscat has even admitted that his bosses office wall is covered in complaints against motorcyclists on one half, and complaints against cyclistists on the other half...so when I asked, "why is it then that I have NEVER seen a popo check point targeting cyclists!....and yet I see dozens every year targeting motorcyclists!" (For "Safety" reasons...pffft!)
....his reply...."Its to hard to govern cyclists...they dont have plates, ownership papers or even carry ID"

So basically, even the popo don't give a shit about cyclists safety, or the manner in which they conduct themselves on NZ roads...cos its to hard!

Well tough shit!, times have changed, its about time cyclists got dragged into the 21st century, helmets, Plates, lights, mirrors, and indicators...just like every other road vehicle MUST have to ensure there own safety, the safety of other road users, and to ensure accountability for there own actions (Popo can write them a ticket, or follow up on complaints etc due to having a small number plate)

I do feel for cyclists , I see them everyday getting put in danger on there travels, they have every right to use the road, but the facts don't lie...they are dying on NZ roads at a fearful rate!...and its sadly, mostly due too there own ignorance of the facts, and a stupid belief that other road users should make allowances for there own poor choices and dangerous riding habits.

...Do we motorcyclists ride with no real safety gear, lights, mirrors, plates and a firm belief that all other road users must make allowances for us?....of course not!...so why should they?

Welcome to the 21st century!...your spandex won't save you

[Zedder]

It was on the news the other day, don't remember much about it. No-one is talking about the cost of the mirrors or indicators, the truth is if you mandated them many people would stop cycling. I don't care whether you choose to believe it or not, but the humble bicycle is responsible for helping maintain the health of many, and should be encouraged. Honestly, the haters of cyclists are probably mostly the same people who hate motorcyclists, or anyone else who doesn't choose to do things their way.

An article about helmet laws and reduction in cycling etc:http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1020.html

[Headbanger]

As a scooter rider I'm,,,,,.

Green rep for you, whoever you are....,

[neels]

People didn't give up cycling because of the helmet laws.

It would seem they did...http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post...yclist-numbers

We have HEAPS of cyclists at work, and you only have to go outside and look at there bikes to see a major problem with there choice of transport...most have bald tyres, only one working brake (if that!), no lights (and I thought that was law!),

If you knew the law, you'd know that bike tyres are not required to have tread (a large percentage of road tyres have no tread the day they're made), fixed gear or coaster brake bikes only require a front brake, lights are only required if riding at night.

Anyway, the main reason for car vs bike accidents is the same as for car vs motorbike accidents, smidsy, can't see how indicators, plates, mirrors is going to make a difference to that.

I'm assuming I'm not actually a cyclist anyway, it would seem from the comments I've read on the interwebs that cyclists wear lycra, when I ride my bike to work I wear trousers and a shirt so now I'm having a small identity crisis....

[huff3r]

I'm assuming I'm not actually a cyclist anyway, it would seem from the comments I've read on the interwebs that cyclists wear lycra, when I ride my bike to work I wear trousers and a shirt so now I'm having a small identity crisis....

Basically that means you don't fit into either group, and both motorists and cyclists hate you. Aren't you lucky?

[ducatilover]

That scooter will still be much better engineered than a Harley.

Probably better than an 883 in every way, including pulling sweet young cock.

[SMOKEU]

Probably better than an 883 in every way, including pulling sweet young cock.

Well we all know that the 883 is an unreliable, gutless pile of shit.

[ducatilover]

Well we all know that the 883 is an unreliable, gutless pile of shit.

The 883 is ridden mostly by butch crotch bleeders