BY BRUCE McDOUGALL
June 22, 2005
THEY'VE become one of the biggest scourges of city streets %u2013 idiots on two wheels who daily place themselves and others in mortal danger.
Bending the rules with no regard for other road users, they run red lights, ride on the footpath and blatantly refuse to wear a helmet.
In some of the worst cases, caught on camera by The Daily Telegraph, they even ride the streets while speaking or text messaging on a mobile phone.
Finding new and creative ways of breaking the road code has been turned into an art form by a growing band of two-wheel maniacs.
Professional couriers, long among the greatest offenders, have been joined in their law-breaking ways by a range of other cyclists of all ages.
It took us just three hours yesterday to compile a series of more than a dozen photographs showing cyclists endangering themselves and others.
When The Daily Telegraph showed the photos to Roads Minister Michael Costa yesterday, he said the examples concerned him %u2013 and flagged a blitz on dangerous cyclists.
"As a regular road user I have experienced inappropriate behaviour by cyclists," Mr Costa said.
"The Daily Telegraph's photos highlight some of the issues that need more attention.
"This includes not obeying traffic signals, not wearing helmets and riding on footpaths.
"All cyclists have a responsibility to obey the road rules like every other road user. Safety and courtesy are the priority.
"That's why I have asked the RTA to see whether more needs to be done, including education similar to other road users and effective enforcement of the road rules."
Sydney's cycling population is booming. Statistics show more bicycles than cars are sold throughout Australia.
While a war on errant cyclists is looming, Bicycle NSW chief executive officer Alex Unwin said some cyclists may be forced to break the rules in the interests of their own safety.
"On a bike on the road if you have an altercation with a car you'll come off second best," Mr Unwin said.
"So generally cyclists are sensitive to their safety and focused on ensuring they don't get knocked over.
"Sometimes the smartest thing is to hop on to the footpath so they don't get squashed by a truck."
Those who transgressed were a minority, he said.
Fears arose that cycling issues would be downgraded when the RTA's bicycles and pedestrians general manager was moved recently.
But a spokeswoman said yesterday the role had been folded into another senior position %u2013 traffic management general manager.
Cyclists spoken to by The Daily Telegraph yesterday said their numbers were growing rapidly in most suburbs. "Many want the benefits of cycling %u2013 it's healthy, easy to park, low impact on the environment and simply fun," one said.
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