11042 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

So the solution might actually be to license cyclists.

Stirling’s biggest complaint was that the cyclist was unidentifiable and there is zero chance for any recourse in the event of broken laws or even a collision, unless police happen to be within earshot of an incident.

[lanforod]

If there was a collision, wouldn't the cyclist also take a tumble? I'd say that's almost certain, unless its a pretty glancing hit. It's not like a car where they can just drive off.

[Nparker]

So the solution might actually be to license cyclists...

[Mike K.]

If there was a collision, wouldn't the cyclist also take a tumble? I'd say that's almost certain, unless its a pretty glancing hit. It's not like a car where they can just drive off.

With a pedestrian? Not necessarily. And if they’re at fault they might not want to stick around if they do take a tumble.

[lanforod]

I get that, but other than the helmet, they may get hurt as bad or worse than the pedestrian. Further to fall, plus momentum...

[rmpeers]

So the solution might actually be to license cyclists.

Stirling’s biggest complaint was that the cyclist was unidentifiable and there is zero chance for any recourse in the event of broken laws or even a collision, unless police happen to be within earshot of an incident.

Would also lend cyclists more status as road users. If we are indeed contemplating a massive increase in cycling use, why wouldn't this be part of the equation?

[Mike K.]

I get that, but other than the helmet, they may get hurt as bad or worse than the pedestrian. Further to fall, plus momentum...

Yet even with those risks, very risky behaviour still continues and puts innocent people in harms way.

What makes an average cyclist overly safety conscious is a serious incident. But since serious incidents are very rare compared to the degree of risk taking without penalty, the next step is to pursue bigger penalties and implement legislation-based safeguards (like licensing and correspondent fines).

[lanforod]

Would also lend cyclists more status as road users. If we are indeed contemplating a massive increase in cycling use, why wouldn't this be part of the equation?

 

I can think of two strong arguments against licensing cyclists: it creates an additional barrier to getting that increase in cycling and it's cost prohibitive to administer (or cost is downloaded, increasing the barrier even more).

[Nparker]

So why did my dog have to be licensed?

[lanforod]

So why did my dog have to be licensed?

 

A couple of good reasons for that - to ensure that dogs are vaccinated properly (eg. rabies), and to identify the owner when a dog goes missing.

[Mike K.]

And your cat.

You also need a license to operate a powerboat. To fish. To hunt. You need a license to operate a business. And you can’t buy a firearm without a license.

Licensing is everywhere. It’s omnipresent and dictates so much of what we do or wish to pursue.

So the only barrier relating to licensing and cycling is political, and mostly comes from a position pushed by lobbyists who want zero barriers related to cycling (even helmet laws are now viewed as an impediment and should be curtailed, in their eyes).

[Mike K.]

A couple of good reasons for that - to ensure that dogs are vaccinated properly (eg. rabies), and to identify the owner when a dog goes missing.

But ensuring a cyclist understands the rules of the road and is identified in the event of an incident is too much to ask for?

[rjag]

A couple of good reasons for that - to ensure that dogs are vaccinated properly (eg. rabies), and to identify the owner when a dog goes missing.

 

There is zero correlation between a dog license and their medical health. The reason for dog licenses is to cover the costs of animal control for all domestic and feral animals ie cats as well as dogs and deer, bunnies etc

[sebberry]

So the only barrier relating to licensing and cycling is political, and mostly comes from a position pushed by lobbyists who want zero barriers related to cycling (even helmet laws are now viewed as an impediment and should be curtailed, in their eyes).

 

It'd be so easy to manage this.  ICBC already licenses motorcycles, how hard can it be to issue plates for bicycles?  I think the cost to administer this would be minimal over and above administering the existing two-wheeled licensing scheme.

 

Anyway - graduate the licensing scheme - no plate required for 16 year olds and under or when riding on roads outside the downtown core where cyclist/pedestrian interactions are less common.  

 

$25/yr for a plate can't be that much of a hassle.  Renew online, get a sticker in the mail. 

 

I suppose plate theft would be a serious concern though.

[Mike K.]

I think it would be more important to license the cyclist rather than the actual bicycle, so your helmet has your license adhered to it.

Done and done.

Don’t have a helmet? You get a ticket for not only not wearing it, but not displaying the license.

[aastra]

Riding a bike will be licensed and then eventually walking will also be licensed. Ask the system for solutions and the system will give you solutions. It's the one thing you can always count on the system to do.

[aastra]

 

Licensing is everywhere. It’s omnipresent and dictates so much of what we do or wish to pursue.

 

Licensing is cool. Just imagine how much better this board would be if people needed a license to get on the internet, or a license to view certain websites.

[jonny]

What about roller blading roller skating and skateboarding and scootering and kayaking and canoing and swimming and going for a jog?

[aastra]

Dude, what about flying a kite, or looking at other people?

[DustMagnet]

Sounds like this is all figured out.

 

Once the registration numbers are on the helmets then cyclists will be no more likely to break any traffic laws than motorists do now.

 

And their status will increase!  More so than is already enshrined in the MVA I presume.  Are we talking an upgrade in the law, such as codified minimum passing distances with appropriate fines?  Or just a new-found respect from motorists - now that cyclists sport ID numbers on their heads their existing rights to the road are now understood and willingly observed?

 

That's not a bad trade-off for a couple of stickers on the noggin.

Edited by DustMagnet, 23 May 2019 - 12:38 PM.