"Pedestrian has life-threatening injuries after being struck in motorbike hit-and-run at Coorparoo"

You can't even cross the road safely in this town without risking your life. The rider will probably argue that pedestrians shouldn't be on the road at all... ever...

"A passer-by who called triple zero and witnesses were unable to identify the rider, who fell from his motorcycle before running away."

Never fear, the motorcycle had registration plates so he'll be easy to catch and pay for his crimes - because we all know that registering vehicles prevents such law-breaking.

"Police are yet to ascertain who was riding the motorcycle – which displayed fake registration plates – when it struck the man..."

There are often calls to register bicycles (usually by narrow-minded petrol-heads). This example clearly shows that registering bicycles will prevent such heinous crimes and more; such as riding without a helmet, not completely stopping at a stop sign and similar criminal behaviour.

Fortunately, some of the country's independent *cough* bicycle 'advocates' don't think this is a good idea.

"...registration would discourage people from cycling."

It is a pity they don't have a sensible position on the biggest discourager of cycling in this country.

Update (1 November, 2010)

It appears this pour soul has died.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Lambs to the Slaughter

Pedestrians crossing at this zebra crossing in Manly have to be aware that they cross at their own risk. Gone are the days when it was the responsibility of motor vehicle drivers to take due care near such crossings - perhaps the road rules need updating too?

To emphasise this point, the local council has made a special sign to warn pedestrians that their safety is their responsibility and theirs alone.

(Don't blame anyone - particularly council - if you're run over)

This street is in a 50km/h zone, which is absurd given the amount of pedestrian & bicycle traffic here, particularly on weekends - it should be 30km/h. What is wrong with installing speed bumps before the crossing or raising the road at crossings for pedestrians & bicycles like other civilised countries?

The number of bogans that hoon along here is frightening.