I received the email below from Bicycle Network yesterday. They are changing the rules for cycling, in particular rules about ID. You can carry your NSW driving licence, but if you don't drive, or you are from outside the state, you need to buy an official I'd.
It also means I would have to stuff my wallet in my Lycra shorts!
Is this the cycling gestapo just getting their (Lycra) knickers in a twist over nothing that car drivers already do, or is it the progressive erosion of the freedom and benefits of cycling?
Simon
Quote email:-
Turn the tide on rider ID
Having overcome the shock of yesterday's announcement that adults will need to carry a government issued photo ID card when riding a bike in NSW, it's time to turn the outrage into action.
By making the announcement just before Christmas the government was probably hoping the news would slip through while we were all busy shopping and roasting turkeys.
Let's show them that bike riders actually matter. See the comments we made yesterday about why it matters.
The announcement was truly a shocker. It included:
All adult bike riders must carry an official government photo ID card
A 500% increase in fines for bike riders, while at the same time lowering the fine for drivers driving too close to a bike rider
The cost of the card for people without a NSW drivers licence is $51. If you lose it you are up for $24 for a replacement. If you change address you have to notify authorities within 14 days or face fines up to $2200.
But the good news is that these oppressive regulations won’t hit until 1 March 2016. They can be challenged in Parliament and in the Courts. And in the court of public opinion.
If enough bike riders show their displeasure, we may just stop this discrimination and draconian restriction to freedom.
We know the new government doesn't care about bike riders. But we do know two things it does care about: votes and money. We need to show the government that its voting citizens are unhappy and that those outside NSW will spend their tourist dollars elsewhere.
So here's what you can do:
If you live in NSW, ring your local member of parliament and make an appointment to see them to discuss these laws
Wherever you live write to Premier Baird and let him know that this is wrong
If you live outside NSW, write to Premier Baird and Tourism Minister Stuart Ayers and tell them you won't be coming to visit NSW if these anti-bike laws are not changed
Also, spread the word. Ask your friends in NSW who ride to act. Ask your friends overseas to write.
This will get things started. We all know by working together bike riders are an unstoppable force.
Of course, there will be more to do but for the moment, let's get cracking on showing the decision makers that bike riders are worth caring about.
Best wishes,
Craig Richards
Cheif Executive Office, Bicycle Network
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