Cycling Advocates' Network of NZ spokesman Patrick Morgan doubts that people on bikes are twice as virtuous as they were two years ago. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Cycling Advocates' Network of NZ spokesman Patrick Morgan doubts that people on bikes are twice as virtuous as they were two years ago. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Cyclists have been fined half as often as they were two years ago for things like not wearing a helmet.
The police released information to the Herald that shows fines are down from $835,910 in 2014 to $447,635 this year - a 46 per cent drop.
The most common infringement was failure to wear a helmet. Just over 11,300 people were fined $613,470 in 2014, compared to 5544 people were fined $291,885 for the same reason last year.
Bike Auckland chair Barb Cuthbert is pleased with the numbers. She thought police may be becoming more lenient with their fines. Cuthbert admitted that although she always means to wear a helmet, she has forgotten on occasion.
The most notable recent change in cyclists is the gender balance is equalling out, Morgan said. His theory was that women are more risk averse and as more safe cycling infrastructure is created, they are joining the sport.
Morgan said mandatory helmet-wearing laws could discourage some from cycling by making it seem more dangerous than it really was, whereas cycling had "massive health benefits and anything reducing the number of people cycling is a bad idea".
"It appears that the more people cycling more often, the risk reduces for everyone, not just people on bikes. The crash rate goes down for pedestrians and cars as well."
Inspector Peter McKennie said a key reason fines have dropped is because more cyclists are using cycleways. Police officers can also use discretion when handing out fines.
"As these areas are dedicated to cyclists, there is less chance for infringements between cyclists and motorists. There is also a reduced risk of cyclists being hit by traffic on these paths."
McKennie urged motorists and cyclists to be considerate of one another when sharing the roads. For motorists, this included being patient with cyclists, ensuring enough room when overtaking and indicating clearly.
And it is helpful if cyclists follow the road rules, don't ride in wide groups if it slows other traffic, and use lights to ensure they can be seen.
Cyclists should also wear suitable clothing and a safety helmet, said McKennie.
Cuthbert thought police must be more concerned about bike thefts.
She said police had told her Auckland bike thefts have doubled in the past year. Cuthbert said the cyclist community was "a victim of our own success" as popularity increased and thieves cottoned on to the value of their bikes.
Police would not confirm the number of bike thefts.
Cuthbert heard of one man who had his $15,000 bike stolen from garage and an offender who had stolen $45,000 worth of bikes. She said the biking community is much more aware of security.
"We didn't used to lock our bikes. We do now.
"[Theft] is far more adverse on society as a whole than people not wearing a helmet."
Cuthbert urged people to buy solid bike locks that can't be cut quickly with bolt cutters.
She also urged people to record their bike's serial number, which is under the axle of the pedal shaft. If a bike is stolen and found, knowing the serial number can make it easier to get it back.
Fines 2015-2016 Bicycle helmet not securely fastened - 34 $1870 Cyclist failed to ensure person carried on cycle trailer wore helmet - 2 $110 Cyclist failed to stop for traffic signal displaying cycle symbol -3 $150 Failed to produce cycle helmet exemption for inspection - 2 $110 Failed to produce cycle helmet for inspection - 28 $1540 Failed to wear cycle helmet - 5544 $291,885 No light on cycle - 1090 $58575 No red reflector on cycle - 11 $550 No tail light on cycle - 910 $49,115 Operated bicycle without a brake on both wheels - 19 $2700 Rider used shared path without consideration 1 $100 Rode a cycle or moped more than two abreast - 2 $110 Rode cycle on lawn garden or footpath - 760 $39,820 Used a cycle on a motorway - 6 $1000
