Bicycle Network calls for speeding cyclists to be treated the same as motorists

Speeding cyclists who were nabbed during a police crackdown at Southbank have avoided paying more than $26,000 in fines.

During the blitz, police charged 45 cyclists and scooter riders for travelling over 23km/h in the 10km/h zone, a charge which can carry a fine of up to $1652.

But the 16 Bicycle Network members among those charged have escaped the hefty fines, with the network helping them to apply to court to be dealt with by diversion.

Punishments given to the Bicycle Network members range from a good behaviour bond and a training course at the rider’s own cost, to no penalty at all.

Craig Richards from Bicycle Network Victoria says the punishment for speeding cyclists is not proportionate, with cyclists facing fines of up to $1650, compared to a flat $325 fee for motorists caught 10km over the limit.

“What we’re saying here is if a person riding on a bike is doing the wrong thing and is riding too fast, then they should just be treated the same as a person in a vehicle, which is there’s a flat fee, it comes in the mail,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the overhaul of cyclists fines the Bicycle Network wants to see