Well, that didn’t take long.
After only a few hours, the first of Sydney’s ramped-up fines for cyclists have been doled out. The Daily Telegraph captured the moment one of the city’s pedal-pushers was pulled over on Oxford Street for not wearing a helmet, and he was issued a $319 fine for the offence.
New cycling laws: Bike rider hit with new $319 fine for not wearing helmet https://t.co/gtA7o4Hsqb pic.twitter.com/23N3YlJ9u6
— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) March 1, 2016
If he had forgotten his crash-hat only yesterday, he would have been given an $71 punishment. Other pedal-pushing infringements have been increased too; running a red will now cost you $425, as will cruising through an active pedestrian crossing or “riding dangerously.”
Most notable is one of the new fines slated for introduction. All bike-riders are now required to carry photo I.D on their person, regardless if they’re on a tour or if they’re just nipping down to the shops. There’s a year-long grace period for riders to get the gist, but failing to do so will eventually cost $106.
Gripped by an obesity epidemic, & pollution induced climate change making ’15 the hottest on record, #NSW #cycling laws are way off target?
— David McG (@GdavidMcG) March 1, 2016
Duncan Gay you sanctimonious f*ukwit, New cycling laws come into play today including increased fines https://t.co/ZTQCmiIQqw #NannyState
— Chintan Dave (@chintandave11) February 29, 2016
@mikebairdMP NSW overtakes Victoria today as the worst place to ride a bike, in normal clothes, with highest bike helmet fines in the world.
— kathy francis (@kathyfrancis56) February 29, 2016
@nswpolice wasted no time punishing cyclists with their big fines. no leeway for a foreigner adjusting to our anti-cycling culture #nswpol
— Cycling Foodie (@CyclingFoodie) March 1, 2016
Congrats NSW. Front running for biggest nanny state! New #cycling laws: first bike riders hit with $319 fine #nswpol https://t.co/wf3LbeCY28
— Fleafeet (Katie C) (@fleafeet) March 1, 2016
I presume you don’t need to carry ID if you ride your bike through the casino in Sydney?
— coz (@traagsmahal) March 1, 2016
And you best believe Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews didn’t waste a bloody moment sticking the boot in to his eastern compatriots.
Lockout laws. Compulsory IDs for cyclists. Next they’ll be handing out floaties at Bondi Beach.
Posted by Daniel Andrews on Monday, 29 February 2016
Riders are pleased the raft of new punishments also includes provisions to slam drivers who veer too close to riders; they’re also liable for a $319 fine. On the whole though, the fines are seen as unbalanced at best, regressive at worst.
Source: The Daily Telegraph.
Photo: Brendon Thorne / Getty.
