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| Kids riding against the traffic, no helmets....Why? I don't believe I am a control freak. I just get agitated when I see people doing something that defies logic. I understand the reasoning people use for riding against the traffic. The argument just doesn't stand up to logical scrutiny. If they were doing it out of contempt for rules or to tempt fate or play chicken with a potentially high impact death, that would make sense... However I am quite sure most people do this because they think it gives them some mastery over the road and circumstances because they can see oncoming traffic, it makes no sense. |
The plan comes in three volumes, including baseline data, The Proposed purposes of the plan and it's implimentation.
Darwin is a really great place for cycling but infrastructure is inconsistent and there are major attitude problems on our roads and shared cycle paths. Anyone who rides a bike will know that cyclists do not fit neatly into a single demographic. Cyclists needs are quite diverse, similarly are our attitudes toward road use, other users and how we prefer to ride. I hope the study has been able to take into consideration some of this diversity.
I'm gonna head down to the library to get hold of a hard copy, if you're interested in how our municipality is attempting to address cyclists needs and plans to cater for us over the next 5 years then you can read it yourself HERE.
http://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/darwinbikeplan
4 comments:
Hi Peter,
Being cautious has its virtues.
One need not live in fear, but nothing bad about being prudent.
If kids are riding on a path, not a single track, but an urban path, I figure I wouldn't be too worried if they go without a helmet, but safer have the lid on, on the streets. Or, so is my theory for now.
Peace :)
hey Chandra,
Yeh the helmet debate is alive and kicking in Australia. Here in Darwin adults are not required to wear helmets when cycling on paths, but are supposed to wear them on the road. I think it's a reasonable enough law. There are many times when I don't wear a helmet and equally as many when I do. I'm glad to have the choice without being harassed. I posted this image because for some reason here in Darwin many people choose to ride on the public roads in the opposite direction to the traffic. It's a weird phenomenon which I think is based on the logic of pedestrians who tend to feel safer walking against the traffic. Pedestrians will often step off the road as cars approach but cyclists remain on the road often traveling at around or in excess of 20km. This is confusing to drivers and increases the speed of impact.
David,
I messed-up your name.
Apologies mate!
Peace :)
Hey no problem brother. Stay upright.
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