3 ms·

I am not so convinced. It's a Good Thing that this is becoming a problem - more cyclists, more dedicated lanes. This is all positive. The fact that we are now

I am not so convinced. It's a Good Thing that this is becoming a problem - more cyclists, more dedicated lanes. This is all positive. The fact that we are now seeing cycle traffic jams and cyclists who are a danger to other road users is also a positive - it means we are becoming a significant presence on roads. This also means we need to be treated like all other road users as well. And so fines are likely to modify behaviour. I would say that plates and fines would be part of a wider campaign to reduce the worst behaviour but I still argue it would be a huge positive to treat cycles like other dangerous fast moving transports.

jacquesm 7y ago
I drive regularly through Amsterdam, also during the rush hour, have never seen a 'cyclist traffic jam' nor cyclists being a danger to other road users to the extent that a hit-and-run would require a license plate. I've also biked in lots of other places besides here locally. License plates for vehicles serve the dual purpose of identification of the owner and taxation. And it makes some sense because the damage a vehicle can do is substantially higher than the damage that a cyclist can do. I draw the line at scooters, they are twice as fast as cyclists; weigh three to five times as much and are typically driven by people who really don't care who lives or dies on the road and are a major cause of injury and death for other unprotected users of the road, such as cyclists and pedestrians. Accidents between pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city are very rare and usually do not result in grave injury, on top of that the need to ID the rider is absent because likely the cyclist will fall to the ground in any accident where there is risk of injury to others. Finally, cyclists do not carry mandatory insurance, as is the case with scooters, e-bikes, mopeds, motorcycles and cars. The speeds and masses are higher that the legislator has recognized the potential for damage to property and other participants to an extent that normal liability insurance no longer is sufficient. License plates for cyclists is a solution in search of a problem.

jacquesm 7y ago

I drive regularly through Amsterdam, also during the rush hour, have never seen a 'cyclist traffic jam' nor cyclists being a danger to other road users to the extent that a hit-and-run would require a license plate. I've also biked in lots of other places besides here locally. License plates for vehicles serve the dual purpose of identification of the owner and taxation. And it makes some sense because the damage a vehicle can do is substantially higher than the damage that a cyclist can do. I draw the line at scooters, they are twice as fast as cyclists; weigh three to five times as much and are typically driven by people who really don't care who lives or dies on the road and are a major cause of injury and death for other unprotected users of the road, such as cyclists and pedestrians. Accidents between pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city are very rare and usually do not result in grave injury, on top of that the need to ID the rider is absent because likely the cyclist will fall to the ground in any accident where there is risk of injury to others. Finally, cyclists do not carry mandatory insurance, as is the case with scooters, e-bikes, mopeds, motorcycles and cars. The speeds and masses are higher that the legislator has recognized the potential for damage to property and other participants to an extent that normal liability insurance no longer is sufficient. License plates for cyclists is a solution in search of a problem.