Cyclists.

**Pocket Rocket** · 25th January 2015, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

I'm a cyclist, as are my kids, what I read on this thread is not hating 'cyclists', even though the title implies it.

To be honest I'm stunned that the the title of the thread was not edited given the inflammatory nature.

Whilst the thread isn't necessarily all about hating or harming cyclists, given that there is so much hatred for cyclists in the community it doesn't help.

But I guess whether you see the connection between stuff like this and community attitudes as to what is acceptable behaviour depends on your experience.

My point of view is from having done my degree in Media Studies and truly understanding the impact of the media whether it be mainstream or social on people's attitudes.

At the time I was at uni the term 'road rage' was just starting to be used. The repeated use of that term seem to correspond with an increase of incidents. Same goes for 'glassing' in pubs. The more it's publicised the more it becomes seen as acceptable and the more it happens.

And the media and authorities know this is true. The only time they have a media silence on these things (at least in WA) is when someone jumps in front of a train because they know all too well that publicising it just increases the incidents.

The media has a hell of a lot to answer for in Australia. In the 90's I was writing essays on the influence the media had on creating the myth of a national identity (akubra hat, drizabone coat etc.. with no representations of anyone non-white except for 1 McDonald's commercial) which was excluding and mis-respresentative and now for some reason they have gone down the path of celebrating the bogan culture. Instead of showing the best aspects of Australian culture on Australia Day, the images of drunken hooliganism seem to dominate and every Australia Day in Perth at least we have the reports of how many people have been arrested at the fireworks.

And one of the saddest things with the advent of social media is that people say whatever **** comes to mind with no concern as to the consequences because they can't see the big picture.

So maybe before posting threads like ****ing Cyclists or ****ing anything for that matter people should stop and think about how that contributes to the national psyche and what sort of society you want to live in.

**bee utey** · 25th January 2015, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

That is truly stupid, and no doubt could be a criminal act. Beeutey, remembering I'm a cyclist, as are my kids, what I read on this thread is not hating 'cyclists', even though the title implies it.

Comments here are on SOME cyclist's behavior, and car drivers are mentioned too. I think you are taking it a bit too personal and perhaps trying to agitate?

Try reading some humour, like my post on conspiracy etc. over 5000 views

I'm actually not sure what you are worrying for, the post wasn't aimed at anyone here specifically, it was more of a general observation. What I'm actually saying is that rags like Rupert Murderduck's Advertiser are guilty of inciting hate speech by the way they publish pages of thicko anti cyclist comments on their sites. If cycling were a religion it would be in the courts by now.

People do stupid stunts like the one featured because they think society is behind their actions. Well, it's not. Most Australians are better than that.
Anyway I'm glad that AULRO is full of nice and sensible people like you who drive and ride safely.

**ramblingboy42** · 25th January 2015, 08:41 PM

proud Australians , we all are

we march our march , and drive our car......

**Debacle** · 25th January 2015, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

proud Australians , we all are

we march our march , and drive our car......

Maybe it's because of our convict streak.

Wilesy · 26th January 2015, 08:58 AM

You have to take into consideration all of the arguments here, it's easy to say if you are a cyclist that you have the right to drive on the road, well if you drive a car you don't unless you are licenced, registered and insured.

The argument that car drivers also break the law is ridiculous, as if a car driver breaks the law he is accountable and gets heavily fined for it and is identifiable.

One other thing which seems to be lost here in this argument is insurance. If a bike rider hits your car, or god forbid injures a pedestrian, no-one has any way of obtaining any information from the perpetrator if there is no licence plate or anything identifiable..and if he is caught, he states he has no money and doesn't pay and there is no repercussions and no insurance to protect the injured person or property.

Also saying that licencing a bike rider is impossible as how do you licence an 8 year old...

Simple, anyone over the age of 16 must have a licence, licence plate and insurance and is accountable for any laws he or she breaks, simple.

If riders and drivers have to share, make it a level playing field and make everyone who uses the road equally responsible and pay for the privilege.

Once that happens, I am sure that drivers will respect riders even if they do choose to dress the way they do....

**loneranger** · 26th January 2015, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Wilesy

The argument that car drivers also break the law is ridiculous, as if a car driver breaks the law he is accountable and gets heavily fined for it and is identifiable.

If that were the case there'd be a lot less driver's on the road because a lot more people wouldn't have licences due to getting caught. Either that or everyone would drive according to the law because the risk of getting caught would be too high.

One other thing which seems to be lost here in this argument is insurance. If a bike rider hits your car, or god forbid injures a pedestrian, no-one has any way of obtaining any information from the perpetrator if there is no licence plate or anything identifiable..and if he is caught, he states he has no money and doesn't pay and there is no repercussions and no insurance to protect the injured person or property.

As has been previously discussed a lot of cyclists already have cycle insurance.

Also saying that licencing a bike rider is impossible as how do you licence an 8 year old...

Simple, anyone over the age of 16 must have a licence, licence plate and insurance and is accountable for any laws he or she breaks, simple.

So now you have school children needing to carry identification to prove they are under 16. How much of our police budget do you want to allocate to checking who is over 16 and who is under.

If riders and drivers have to share, make it a level playing field and make everyone who uses the road equally responsible and pay for the privilege.

Once that happens, I am sure that drivers will respect riders even if they do choose to dress the way they do....

Can I have some of whatever it is you're on?

**Pocket Rocket** · 26th January 2015, 10:15 AM

Time to close the thread

This isn't showing AULRO in a good light.

As per my previous post, we can either be part of the problem or part of the solution.

**RHS58** · 26th January 2015, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by Pocket Rocket

Time to close the thread

This isn't showing AULRO in a good light.

As per my previous post, we can either be part of the problem or part of the solution.

Agree.
Around and around and around going nowhere.

Ranting on a forum will change nothing.

Wilesy · 26th January 2015, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by loneranger

If that were the case there'd be a lot less driver's on the road because a lot more people wouldn't have licences due to getting caught. Either that or everyone would drive according to the law because the risk of getting caught would be too high.

As has been previously discussed a lot of cyclists already have cycle insurance.

So now you have school children needing to carry identification to prove they are under 16. How much of our police budget do you want to allocate to checking who is over 16 and who is under.

Can I have some of whatever it is you're on?

Regardless, that's my view on the subject and in respect to insurance, if it isn't mandatory, very few will bother.
You don't have to be Einstein to identify a young child to a young adult, though if you do want what I am on, it's called, wait for it...

Common Sense

**Mick_Marsh** · 26th January 2015, 10:44 AM

Not a good look? More responsible cyclists:
No Cookies | dailytelegraph.com.au

And for those that think this problem is peculiar to Australia:
Arrogant, abusive and oh-so smug - why do so many cyclists think they're above the law? | Daily Mail Online

A few key words from that article, menace and impunity.

Oh, and loved this description "sanctimonious self-righteousness sealed in Spandex".

Thread: Cyclists.

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