New South Wales government ditches proposed ID law on cyclist

The New South Wales government has decided to ditch its initially proposed ID law. The law would require cyclists to carry identification and increase the amount of the fines. Roads minister Duncan Gay said that instead of carrying ID, the cyclists are now encouraged to carry emergency contact cards. He said that it is the right balance between safety and convenience.

Gay announced that emergency contact cards will be available at Cycling NSW and Bicycle NSW.

"New South Wales would have been the only place in the world where it would have been compulsory for bike riders to carry identification. It would have discriminated against one class of people," Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards said, reported the ABC.

According to Meagher, the surveys showed 95 percent of cyclists already carried identification when riding. He said that the policy is not needed because cyclists are already doing it.

"Why create a policy for something that already happens?" Meagher said.

Amy Gillett Foundation also disagreed to support compulsory carriage of ID but recommends cyclists to carry identification for safety measure.

If the law is implemented, cyclists without an ID must pay $106. However, the fine would cost $319 if they weren't wearing a helmet. It is the same amount for cyclists who hold onto a moving car. It would cost $425 for running a red light.

NSW director of the Centre for Road Safety Transport Bernard Carlton said that cyclists would only be asked to show identification if they are suspected breaking the rule. They are still obliged to carry ID for the first 12 months but a penalty is not included.

Gay said that the government does not want to raid the cyclist’s pockets and they only aim to save their lives. He also said that the sticking to the existing rules may save them from paying the fines.