Bicycle Registration Article in The Age

Update: Someone has noted in the comments that Flip is female. It was probably Flip herself. Apologies to Flip for this unfortunate mixup. This is why I'm not a journalist. I also removed some harsh wording that was, frankly, a inappropriate.

In today's age, Flip Shelton talks about cyclists on Melbourne's roads:

AS A cyclist, I say bike registration is a must — but not so narrow-minded car drivers can ensure that the few cyclists who flout the law can be held accountable.

OK, so he she doesn't exactly get most people on his her side by calling them narrow minded. I'm so ambivalent about this article that I just had to put out there for discussion.

On the one hand, he she makes a good point the drivers do not understand what it is like to riding a bicycle or a scooter with cars. He She argues that since she occasionally rides a scooter, she has a better appreciation for those on the road riding scooters.

This seems like common sense, but consider this. After riding my scooter for a couple of months, I was nearly hit by car on King Street who, without indicating, switched into my lane, forcing me to swerve and stop short. I fell and received some nasty scrapes and bruises. A few scars remain, reminding me to always listen to my mother. Who was the driver that hit me? A very apologetic motorcycle rider who happened to driving a car that day.

So strike one against Ms. Shelton. Let's not go and base public policy on your singular experience.

Ms Shelton recommends that all road users gain experience cycling, driving and riding a scooter. But come on! This is surely too narrow. Has he ever considered the plight of a tram user who alights on Swanston Street at 9am to be nearly hit by a minivan driving by Chinese tourists (also me). And what about those pedestrians that have to dodge cyclists on the footpath who try to squeeze in between families with little kids as they are walking down Lygon Street near the busy pizzerias (also me, minus the kids).

Strike 2 for not being ambitious enough.

And finally, as the above exert says, Flip wants me to pay her for assuming the risk of riding a bicycle. She thinks we should be thankful that she is decongesting our roads. How noble! What about those who chose to live close to where they work? Should we receive government incentives? (In fact, the converse is true; new homes, usually in the outer suburbs receive the highest grant from the government). What about public transport users? To think we actually pay to use the tram! I've got it all wrong: the ticket machine should be paying me for staying off the road!

Strike 3 for being so self righteous.

Let's have a little compassion, sure. You ride on the road and not on the footpath and I promise to try very hard not to hit you. For the most part, I'll take the tram, relieving congestion on the road for cyclists and cars alike. And I'll continue to pay for it and not feel too bad about it. I'll occasionally assume a higher risk than you by riding a scooter, but I won't expect a cent from you. And yes, I have paid a premium to live close to the city too. I enjoy my walks to the supermarket.