READERS DISCUSS: Should cyclists require a licence or ID

NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay raised compulsory identification for bike riders at a roundtable conference on cycling safety in Sydney last week.

Mr Gay has said he was "increasingly persuaded" NSW needed to introduce a licensing system for all cyclists over the age of 18 - an unprecedented move anywhere in the world.

A softer approach requiring riders to carry existing photo ID such as an 18-plus card or a driver's licence was also discussed.

The Bulletin asked readers for their thoughts. Here are some of their responses:

Toni English - Sorry but in Rton I find that it is generally the comuter that is riding on the wrong side of the road, has no lights on the bike in the dark, rides on the footpath and generally don't stop for red lights, stop signs etc. I have personally never had a problem with the lycra wearing cyclist. They are allowed to ride 2 abreast but does every car driver know that? Why can't cycling rules just be added to the drivers test so that everyone is aware of the rules and everyone stays safe.

Susan Cunningham - I'd be happy to be licenced. But then I would also expect the full weight of the law against idiot car drivers too. I don't ride on roads because it's too dangerous. (I also know some bike riders are idiots.) Would be better if we had commuter bike paths that did not mix with roads, eg along our northside creeks, that would get commuter bikers off the roads and hence fewer commuters in cars on the roads.

Chantal Booth - I think that IF they want the same rights on the same road as vehicles then yes to the 'professional' or 'amateur' riders....not kids or ordinary ride to workers. SO many times I have had to pull over for cyclists in the middle of the road instead of on the side (no I don't want them to ride in the gravel). You come over a blind ridge or around a corner or onto a narrow bridge and HEY PRESTO you got 3 or 4 riders riding abreast!! It isn't fun. If they don't actually carry a licence, perhaps they should have to study up on road rules and pass tests at least.

Azara Goodson - So as a cyclist i have a few cycling licences to race, which cover insurance etc in training but not for being run over by cars or having stuff throw at me every day not to mention abuse
with road its cycling australia $250 a year
with MTB its a MTBA $250 /year
BMX $200/year
Triathlon australia (i dont do)
And cyclocross (i dont do but its about same cost)
Note there is a big discount for having multiple licences but woohoo its still a cost to just race train etc

If a state road cycling licence was as cheap as my car licence id be happy but we all know the school based program that is meant to promote safe prodictable cycling is more than enough to cover it
But as almost all bike riders drive cars trucks busses they have enough to put a sticker on a card that has no effect on riding driving or giving space its only a test kids will take before getting a learners

Phil Twiner - I can't believe that there are people so selfish about their driving that they want bike riders to be licenced and registered. Cyclists are a rarity on our roads in Rockhampton, and it's great to see people who do cycle for half an hour, rather than drive for 10 minutes to their destination. The congestion (and air pollution) by cars is irritating enough. I can't see why a disincentive like tax for cyclists should be imposed.