Lets face - all of us that use the roads are an accident waiting to happen - some just have that accident a little quicker than others and the severity of the result is what causes the problems.Edited 29-Jan-24 13:29pm

The government and city councils here in New Zealand have wasted millions of dollars on cycle lanes, etc. that are barely ever used. I'd be lucky to count more than half a dozen people using the local bike lanes each week. The idiots have even recently put in a new pedestrian crossing which has separate walkers and cycle controls and crossing lanes - why?!?. 🙄

Some of my best friends ride bikes. That's all I want to say.

Peg if you lived were i live roads suck and people ride like they own the road and believe me they would move over ,and if any thing happens its your fault ,plus they would stop when it comes to a stop sign ,nothing is being done and you really get p you are on a bike obey the rules

top idea.

If any of those words are too tricky for you to fathom, speak to a Lexicologist. Edited 18-Jan-23 15:25pm

Correct. A pushbike never causes potholes, never parks in a handicapped parking space, doesn't burn petrol or diesel, hence doesn't burn the ozone layer, doesn't drive slow in the fast lane, & a plethora of other reasons. Physical activity increases a humans serotonin, let alone keeps them physically fit. Drivers of cars etc in Australia have not one iota more 'privilage' than cyclists. Fair dinkum, retract & delete your offensive Post. Wouldn't stand a chance in Court, even if you had the greatest Barrister ever.

If bullshit was tarseal we would have enough roads to satisfy everyone.

My husband and I over the course of starting out married and ultra poor, were walking, then could afford bus fair (but still had to walk to bus stop), then rode bikes and put them on the bus to go further and have a faster means of travel between buses, but my point is(now we are in a car), my point is that WE BELIEVE all people no matter who you are, if getting a drivers license, should be required to log a certain amount of hours being a pedestrian, bicyclist, bus rider, motorcyclist, scooter rider, skateboarder, ( you name it, if people use it to get around, it counts).... We believe before being issued a license, every person of every color, immigration status, economic status, age, sex, should have to spend X amount of hours using EVERY METHOD OF GETTING AROUND SO THEY KNOW FIRSTHAND WHAT IT'S LIKE TO SHARE THE ROAD WITH CARS AND CONSTANTLY BE BULLIED BY THEM AS IF THE ROADS WERE BUILT FOR THEIR PRIVILEGE AND USE ONLY, before they can be issued an official legal license to drive a motor vehicle(car, truck, any car of any kind or size) so they are more aware of the littler guys getting around and how a car versus most other forms of getting around is not going to turn out well for the "smaller" traveler if an accident occurs. If cars knew what it was like firsthand to walk or scoot or ride a bike, they'd take much more care and follow the laws so we wouldn't have nearly as many crashes between vehicles and smaller, slower forms of transportation. Now of course, it isn't always the vehicles at fault, but would you rather hit someone and be following the law or not hit them and let them break the law and you just be patient with their wrongdoing? Really. Which one matters most. We're talking about LIVES here. Yes, I realize I went off topic quite a bit, but I REALLY think it's a good idea to experience the road from every person's means of traveling? Edited 17-Jan-23 17:32pm

cool

I agree

I do not care if people want to ride bikes or not - but I do care that they can injure someone else on their bike and get away scot free. Thats the main reason for getting them to be registered - if it helps put some more asphalt on the road that is a secondary bonus.

Sorry but I don't agree. We should be incouraging people to rid bikes not deture them.

What a pain in the butt. During the lockdown they came out in droves. Riding on the footpath almost knocking you off your feet. They come right up behind you making no noise, they don't ring their bell or call out then they race past almost catching your shopping bag. They came from other places and parked up in our oval's carpark with the macrack on the back and invaded our estate. I asked my local council to make it a law that they ring their bell or call out as they pass but got no reply. They liked it here and have stayed, but not content with using the road or footpath they now want our bush tracks concreted over allowing them to go bush. Bush track, road or footpath they are a menace. And did you know if they knock you down and injure you, and some people have been seriously injured by bikes, they don't have any form of insurance so you're up for the medical costs yourself.

HAD TO USE A SECOND LANE TODAY BECAUSE OF THEM.

Possibly the most ridiculous post I have ever read...and there has been a few!!!

A numbered identification bib, are they a bunch of babies? Bikes don't contribute to air pollution. Do you expect kids riding bikes to school/parks or the elderly on their mobility scooters to pay taxes?

Really? Are you serious? I don't think bike riders should have to pay a tax to ride their bikes nor wear identification bibs. Bikes don't give off any fumes nor do they wear out the road like cars. What next - taxing people to use bike paths, including those walking on them? Having said that, we are all entitled to our own opinions.

I hate taxes for takes too much money away

Lulu agree with you since the user pays is the right way toshare tax collection for our roads

Sure, as a non car driving cyclist.. I.will pay your taxes, as soon as all you car drivers can convince me you know the road code and can drive courteously..

Too dangerous these days to ride a bike. No more taxes though. We will be taxed to breathe soon

Lulu What a great idea Lets take a look at it. There is a dedicated lane on most roads yet cyclists pay no vehicle registration interesting that road dept money is spent on useless bicycle lanes that should be reserved for car parking or making the road safer for paying users They hold up traffic They cause traffic congestion They are dangerous as they get in your blind spot when they're on the road. The crack the shits when you cut them off and that's only because you haven't seen them...again in your blind spot. They run red lights they get in front if you at the lights even when they know you will be taking off quicker again holding up road paying users. You wanna ride bike mate get a job in a jelly factory mate. Cyclists should be tagged with gps trackers. they should have a time in which they can ride...off peak hours only. Weekends..at the veladrome. Wanna stay healthy get an exercise bike. It's probably better for you anyway. No toxic vehicle emission fume inhalation. No risk of being mamed or fatally injured. Have a good day my cyclist buddies..

Just a thought, maybe they are car owners as well, hence already paying it.

If one has a drivers licence this should not be a requirement however this should be only for tricycles or electric battery operated motors running 30km.

I just wish some cyclists would stop riding on the line when there is plenty of space. I often even see this on highways, which makes no sense to me. I don't really think they cause much wear and tear on the roads though. Most of these people have cars and pay tax anyway.

Interesting prospect, I just wonder how long it takes the council or Government bodies to fix potholes in bike lanes?

I agree

My concern also is with safety. Where I live, there are so many drivers that don't know what a stop sign means or a red traffic signal that the intersections have turned into a slalom course. The bike riders are the worst. They look you straight in the eye and dare you to run them over. While I really feel like it sometimes, the local constabulary really, really frowns on it.

My concern is not taxes, but safety. A bicycle rider is always going be at a far greater risk of death or injury on the road than those in motorised vehicles. I would like to see more walkways/ cycleways, but there has to be more awareness of pedestrians who share these, as in cases of crashes there the pedestrian will most likely be injured. With the rise of those motorised scooters & bikes the risk to pedestrians is even greater. The cost of seperate pathways would be prohibitive & frankly I doubt people would restrict themselves to one type. I'm not sure what the answer is, other than everyone needing to be very conscious of their surroundings and other road & pathway users.

As a Road user I truly believe that anyone walking down the road should be paying for the wear and tear that they are making and the idiot things that tye do when they walk out in front of cars and so on. TAX the pedestrians off the streets.

why not charge pedestrians as well and everyone who doesnt pay their registration fees on time make them stay at home

A big can of worms was opened. What about insurance, f a bike hits a car and damages it, who pays?

I used to ride a bike for pleasure but then I had replacement surgery on both my knees & both hips. After that you are advised not to ride a bike. I don't think my knees would take that kind of exercise. Good fun when I could do it.

I pay taxes on my home and my vehicles already how much more do you want me to pay. If you do get stopped by the police where I live it is illegal not to have some sort of id on you . Also are they going to give me insurance if my bike has some sort of accident even if it is a single bike accident example bent frame or bent handle bar. What about if it gets stolen. Edited 15-Jan-23 13:00pm

YES

Yes

I ride a Bike occasionally, and in a way cars give me no rights like the books say they are supposed to, so Every car will just overtake me, or some times speed passed me which seems very dangerous with how close they might be. The government could never keep up with registration, for the number of bicycles that exist. Like said we do not damage the roads. so NO!If you really want to talk like that then you need to charge every cow, dog, and pair of shoes who ever used the road. Edited 15-Jan-23 12:41pm

I dont ride a bike but i agree with you we all have to pay taxes and be register

Long time since I rode a bike. The roads near me have become overcrowded to the max in the last 10 years. We have not been granted bike paths or any acknowledgment on roads so don't feel we should have to pay a registration fee but an identifying tag would be a good idea in case of accidents.

Well yes I think they should pay some thing and have some sort of identification tag. Living in the country side we hardly see motor bikes let alone push bikes but there are some keen people around. In the cities this is a very popular way of getting around as fuel is so expensive. Means less people in cars which is a good thing and a majority of riders do obey the rules but it always takes the minority to spoil it for every one else. Also then with identification tags we would then know who the offenders were so to me that makes some sense.Edited 15-Jan-23 12:06pm

I have been to Amsterdam, now that is bike rage at its best

I used to love riding my bike, but I broke my leg a while ago, so I haven't ridden it in a couple of years. When I did ride, it was only on designated bike paths, never on regular roads, so the issue of road taxes does not apply to me.

What annoys me is that they seem to change their mind on which rules to obey - if the traffic light is red you need to stop, not go through the pedestrian crossing - you are NOT a pedestrian!!

A lot of responses are strong on 'rights' and 'taxes', is there no room in our hearts anymore for simple 'choice' and moderation?

They also shouldn't be riding on footpaths if there are other people walking. They don't make a sound and it's possible to be hit by them. May not damage the bike but, if they hit an elderly person or someone who isn't aware, that person could fall and hit their head or worse. I also agree that they should have to pay road tax (although much less than cars or motorcycles) and also show some sort of identification.

With all the hoohaa cyclists make about their right to use the road they are extraordinarily silent when it comes to paying a road user charge of some form. I believe all bikes should be registered and have to pay an annual road user charge

idiots on bikes, electric bikes and electric scooters ALL OUGHT TO SHOW IDENTIFYING NUMBERS because they are bloody careless when 'riding' on footpaths, my guide dog has been hit or scared by morons who get too close when passing us on the footpath, IT'S BLOODY SCAREY.

bikes don't cause any damage to the roads but the riders do - I nearly collected one at night going around a roundabout and he came riding through with no lights

I agree, they should share in payment of road taxes and wear identification. Bike riders act very entitled and everyone else should get out of the way. I think they are crazy to be on main roads, maybe they like carbon dioxide fumes

Cyclists riding on roads should have to pay registration for their bikes & have number plates. They should also have to wear high vis helmets and jackets of some kind.

All road users should pay to use them. OK, so the wear and tear on roads caused by cyclist is tint compared to Trucks, Lorries and those massive 4WDs people who live in suburbia, never take them anywhere near country roads or off road insist on tearing up our roads but they still use them. The principle of Let the User Pay should apply. Cyclists should also be required to register and Insure. In accidents Insurance companies in almost all cases hold the innocent drivers liable to a certain percent. Cyclists are not perfect, they do not obey the rules of the road at all times and have been responsible for accidents between themselves and Other Road Users BUT it is the Other Road Users whose Insurance Policy is used to make claims the cyclist bears no cost whatsoever and they can even claim against the other's insurance if their bicycle gets damaged. How unfair is that? If I am driving my car and have an accident I claim against my insurance which I have paid for. Why should cyclists not be required to have insurance. What it boils down to is that they think they have some sort of Rights which allow them to use other people's insurance to benefit themselves.

get real

would we have to pay taxes on our kids

Can't see that happening

I live in a very rural area where that isn't a problem. Bikes are only used to exercise and fun. There are enough side roads that they aren't a problem. As far as road taxes, cyclists don't do anything other than use the road. They don't cause any wear and tear that contributes to repair costs. Registration seems like just another way for the government to get money. We should encourage people to use bikes instead of cars to save the environment!

I don’t think they should

Tes l ame

When I was a youngster, a long time ago, we had to register our bicycles and attach a small registration plate. That requirement was also for the purpose of tracking the bicycle if stolen, but of course not really conclusive since the registration plate could be removed.

I think there should be some identifiable plate number on the bicycle as there are some who think they own the road. Majority do the right thing and lets face there are some drivers who shouldn't be on the roads too as they are damn right dangerous.

The bikes should have to be registered and display plates front and rear and they should have to pay ACC in NZ. Out here you get them riding 2 or 3 a breast up steep hills and holding traffic up for miles and drivers take risk to get past them. In some places like Holland where it is al flat it is not so bad.

If you saw some documentaries of China dating to 40 years back. Also some other Asian countries. You would see cities full of poor people on bicycles. Are we heading that way?

I think cycling is really the way to get around without paying taxes or gas expense if you live in towns or cities

Riding bicycles on the sidewalk is dangerous; a speeding cyclist running into an adult, let alone an elderly person or child can cause serious injury, even death. The only solution I can see is for them to use the road or bike paths where available. Vehicle registration fees, fuel tax and income tax pay for road maintenance, so if cyclists pay any of these, in effect, they already are paying towards the upkeep of roads but they are not doing damage like cars and trucks do.

I totally agree with this. Also to ride on the road you should have a bike licence. They want it all and don't want to pay anything or want to obey the road code. They want 1.5 meters if you are passing them, but when undertaking a vehicle they don't give 1.5 meters. They don't use the correct lane ( going starlight in a left hand turn lane saying it safter for them) I witnessed a accident when a cyclist did this and was trying to blame the driver, The police arrived at the accident the cyclist was found to be at fault. They run red lights don't stop for pedestrians on pedestrian crossings, just to name a few things they do. So by having a form of identification, they can be reported like they do for other road users. Also the bike need to be up to a WOF (warrant of Fitness standard) to be on the road.

Bikes on roads or footpaths should be identifiable.

I agree there should be some form of registration on cycles for identification purposes

If bikes cause minimal damage to roads and people on impact, and we're told that we have an energy crisis looming, shouldn't we encourage more people to use bikes? Road taxes should be paid by heavier vehicles that actually cause damage to the road over time (cars, trucks, buses). Otherwise if you follow this logic, pedestrians walking in a park should be charged too because they're almost just as damaging to pavement as bikes, which makes sense right because they're around the same weight (as bikes usually don't weigh as much as a human and there are some heavy humans who probably weigh more than a biker and bike).

It is my opinion that those men out there on those bikes should not be allowed to wear Lycra shorts as it makes me feel ill. And stop being entitled, and angry, and abusive while you’re at it. I’m really sick of the arrogance. It’s only the men within a certain demographic that seem to be bicycle road warriors.

I totally agree.

Totally agree. Get annoyed when sometimes they want to use the roads but do not follow the rules, other times they want to be a pedestrian. If you use the roads, pay your fair share.

I agree. Also, anyone using an e scooter or walking should also pay. Why shouldn't anyone using our roads pay for their upkeep?

how silly bicycles are only small they course no damage to the roads,where as vehicles can course damage to the roads over time .

Bicyclists need to follow the rules of the road, stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding, watching for cars etc.

IT WOULD BE A GOOD THING TO DO BUT WE HAVE A RIGHT TO GET BICKLANES ALSO

IF they fix the edges of the lanes next to the kerbs. In Adelaide where there is trees the roots have broken or cracked the road surfaces, some them are really dangerous.

I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY ABOU THIS

Oh, and how about following the rules of the road.

How about being a bit more patient with bikers and giving them room and have respect for them, I walk my dogs on the street and some people have a problem with that. They don't have respect for walkers either. Does that mean, I need to pay more taxes to walk on the side of the road.

I have never thought of this but instead of wearing the bib register the bike. They all need to, and have to wear helmets maybe register the helmets as well.it could make finding the bikes a bit easier if they are lost by theft.

good thing about it is it's just your opinion, and a lousy idea ;-))

I do not drive (do not see well enough to drive a car) or ride a bicycle (vision issues affected my sense of balance when it comes to riding a bicycle) - not my issue!Edited 15-Jan-23 03:16am

NO WAY WHY NOT TALK ABOUT THE GAMES AND THIS SITE

My concern is people using the footpath and they expect me to move out of the way which I do. Some are courteous and others are rude. They ring the bell behind me and expect me to move out of the way. Mostly I do but sometimes I just keep walking along the footpath.

I love cycling. Since I do not drive I run all my errand by bike. I get my exercise at the same time. Unfortunily where I live our winters are long.

Cyclists shouI'd pay for a permit,I did back when I was younger when you bought a bicycle you had to buy a permit also. Over the weekend we had a big snowstorm and I walked on the bike path because of course they had cleaned them of course but not the sidewalks for pedestrians so yes they should pay their share of road tax and for one hour all I saw on the bike path was pedestrians not one cyclist passed us.Fair is fair we should all pay for services we use,do not only target drivers and pedestrians.

We've been encouraged to ride bicycles instead of driving cars because it's better for our health, reduces pollution, traffic and parking congestion. To charge cyclists with a road tax would be very DIScouraging and counter-productive.

Many bike riders use the road wisely but some are plain dangerous. Now we have motorised bicycles that go at a high speed many with young kids on them and lets not forget the motorised scooters and skateboards etc. They are dangerous and do not follow any road law and usually are either in the middle of the road or on the footpath or walking paths. I think these motorised vehicles (usually 2 wheeled variety) should pay some sort of fee although not as much as a car does. We now have all these red and green bikes just dumped everywhere once people are finished with them. There should be a large deposit to ensure they return them to a specific place not just on someone's front yard etc. where they often sit for days or even weeks till collected.

Why don't we test this out. See how many will pay for a license number for the bike. But i say no as we pay in Australia to much taxs

and pedestrians too...we could tax animals even...dogs using the footpaths...what about wheelchairs and motorised buggies?...kids triikes too...think of all the revenue!!!...we could make lots of money and crush everyone under our will....fantastic...we could tattoo numbers on people's heads....and if they didn't pay their taxes we could gather them all up and keep them in camps..... God I love discussion pages! Edited 15-Jan-23 00:27am

It would help if people would obey the laws don't think you are special you do have to stop ,you should be treated just like a car ,and also stay in the bike lane in single file a lot don't because they want to talk to their friend and not pay attention

Yes. What I have said, too.

If they ride on the highway, it creates a danger for them and motorists. There needs to be some requirement to keep people safe. In the rural areas, there may be no shoulder and curving roads with only 2 lanes of traffic.

I can only agree with you.