Saturday, 27 March 2010

Compulsory Flags ?










Moz said...

There is a pretty uniform resistance to the flag idea in Oz, because most cyclists see it as a step towards everyone having to have one. There's just been an election in South Australia so we're not even sure that the new government is going to try to change the law. As well, it seems likely to require a national law change and that's even harder to get.

If they did bring it in I'd be inclined to go with a Bob Stuart style solid "flag" and if necessary argue it in court.

townmouse said...

Around here (rural Scotland), the recumbent riders I know say they have to take their flags past to go past a horse on a narrow road, as the flags drive the horses a bit bonkers. So, not a great safety measure, then.

A flag might make you a bit more visible threading through heavy traffic, I suppose.

henryinamsterdam said...

Perhaps all recumbent riders should be required to wear tall, conical yellow hats. ;-)

Anonymous said...

The flag proposal is ridiculous and would be barely visible from the rear as you suggest.

You are also right about not dividing cyclists based on the type of bike they ride - it is probably unhelpful.

However, from personal experience the vast majority of cyclists are weekend 'racers' who don't care for special infrastructure or slow bikes and they make up a large part of bicycle advocacy groups.

I have found weekday commuting cyclists to be much nicer, more varied and tolerant group - but they are a minority of people who classify themselves as 'cyclists' here. There are even fewer recumbant riders.

What to do!!??

If and when I get a recumbant it may well be another fine I will have to pay from time to time - along with my helmet fine... of $100.

Paul Martin
Brisbane, Australia