GREG CLAUSEN

A public forum on power-assisted pedal cycles (PAPCs) will be held tomorrow (Wednesday 24 June). The purpose of the forum is to provide input into a submission in response to a discussion paper regarding proposed national regulations for PAPCs.

There is an element of intrigue connected with the process regarding this regulatory review. Hardly anyone is aware that it is taking place. The essence of the intrigue (I believe) is that no-one can figure out how to manage the explosion in motor-assisted bicycles (MABs) and other motorised devices on roads and paths. So the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) in conjunction with the Australian Bicycle Council propose a new regulatory framework which will exclude them once and for all.

So, the RTA has come up with a proposal to strengthen national regulations governing PAPCs which the bicycle industry is happy with. If you check out Bicycle Victoria and Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) websites, you’ll see what I mean. Funny thing is that the proposed PAPC regulations do nothing whatsoever to encourage people onto pedals in Hobart because of hills and long travel distances. Furthermore, Hobart has minimal public transport. The bicycle infrastructure and public transport options in Hobart and regional Australia are completely different to the major cities and call for something different to that being proposed.

There is a degree of secrecy about the consultation process. For example, you won’t find the discussion paper, for which the RTA has sought responses by 30 June 2009, on the RTA website unless you know what you are looking for. The invitation for public comment just happens to be on the CPF website. Whether that is by accident or intention, I don’t know.

Sure, MABs would be a nuisance if they were to remain unregulated and tend to attract guys who regularly visit the courts for traffic offences. But on the other hand, they just happen to be very low carbon and very economical personal transport. I used an MAB myself for 2 years and commuted 9,000 kms on less than about 80 litres of fuel (around 120 kms/litre) using the MAB as a hybrid pedal/motor-assisted powered bicycle.

The Ministry of Transportation Ontario, Canada has a much more systematic and enlightened approach to personal transport options. Find the page “New and Alternative Vehicles” and you will see what I mean.

Check out the website www.hybriped.com for more info.

Cheers
Greg Clausen
www.hybriped.com