No helmet legal for Unicycle rider?

John Tserkezis wrote:
> CrazyCam wrote:
>
>> Today, in Hornsby, I saw a bloke riding along on a unicycle.
>> I have to admit to being very impressed.
>> Anyhow, I noticed he didn't have a helmet on, but, when I thought
>> about it, I expect that it is perfectly legal.
>
> In NSW, a unicycle is bundled in the same class as 'bicycles', and thus
> observe the same rights and restrictions as bicycles.
>
> A helmet is legally required, but it's one of those very rarely if at
> all enforced things.


It may well be bundled in with bikes in the minds of the cops, but I'd
bet thruppence that the folk writing the rules didn't even think of
unicycles, and, consequently, it isn't.

The folk that write rules ain't exactly smart, otherwise they'd have
real jobs.

regards,
CrazyCam
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

CrazyCam wrote:

> It may well be bundled in with bikes in the minds of the cops, but I'd
> bet thruppence that the folk writing the rules didn't even think of
> unicycles, and, consequently, it isn't.

Ah, but it is.
In the Australian Road Rules, in part, under "dictionary" (where the
definitions are) Page 393:
<http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/rulesregulations/downloads/pts1-21.pdf>

<quote>
"bicycle" means a vehicle with 1 or more wheels that is built to be propelled
by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not it has an
auxiliary motor), and:

(a) includes a pedicab, penny-farthing, scooter, tricycle and unicycle; but

(b) does not include a wheelchair, wheeled recreational device, wheeled toy,
or any vehicle with an auxiliary motor capable of generating a power output
over 200 watts (whether or not the motor is operating).
</quote>

> The folk that write rules ain't exactly smart, otherwise they'd have
> real jobs.

Well, yes, but that's an entirely different story.
--
Linux Registered User # 302622
<http://counter.li.org>
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

John Tserkezis wrote:
> CrazyCam wrote:
>
>> It may well be bundled in with bikes in the minds of the cops, but I'd
>> bet thruppence that the folk writing the rules didn't even think of
>> unicycles, and, consequently, it isn't.
>
> Ah, but it is.
> In the Australian Road Rules, in part, under "dictionary" (where the
> definitions are) Page 393:
> <http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/rulesregulations/downloads/pts1-21.pdf>
>
> <quote>
> "bicycle" means a vehicle with 1 or more wheels that is built to be
> propelled by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not
> it has an auxiliary motor), and:
>
> (a) includes a pedicab, penny-farthing, scooter, tricycle and unicycle;
> but

So a rocket powered bicycle with no pedals is not a bicycle, but with
pedals it is. I think this _is_ a bicycle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9V6VpoED4A

Nev..
'07 XB12X
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

In article <47a182ca$0$22095$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>,
jt DeleteThis @techniciansyndrome.org.invalid says...
> "bicycle" means a vehicle with 1 or more wheels that is built to be propelled
> by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not it has an
> auxiliary motor), and:
>
So a shaft drive bicycle isn't really a bicycle then.
--
t

A sufficiently advanced incompetance is indestinguishable from malice
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

Tim Moran is of the opinion:
> In article <47a182ca$0$22095$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>,
> jt DeleteThis @techniciansyndrome.org.invalid says...
>> "bicycle" means a vehicle with 1 or more wheels that is built to be propelled
>> by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not it has an
>> auxiliary motor), and:
>>
> So a shaft drive bicycle isn't really a bicycle then.

No, because you can't wheelie it.

- Matt
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

Tim Moran wrote:
> In article <47a182ca$0$22095$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>,
> jt.DeleteThis@techniciansyndrome.org.invalid says...
>> "bicycle" means a vehicle with 1 or more wheels that is built to be propelled
>> by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not it has an
>> auxiliary motor), and:
>>
> So a shaft drive bicycle isn't really a bicycle then.

Shaft would qualify as being driven by gears.
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

John Tserkezis wrote:

>> I think this _is_ a bicycle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9V6VpoED4A
>
> Was that speed right? 200 and something? You'd be hard pressed to find
> a bike computer capable of that.

They're capable of measuring much faster than that. I had this one on
my Honda over 400kph. http://www.thisstupidurl.com/sigma1.jpg

Nev..
'07 XB12X
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

CrazyCam wrote:
> John Tserkezis wrote:

>> In NSW, a unicycle is bundled in the same class as 'bicycles', and
>> thus observe the same rights and restrictions as bicycles.
>>
>> A helmet is legally required, but it's one of those very rarely if
>> at all enforced things.

> It may well be bundled in with bikes in the minds of the cops, but I'd
> bet thruppence that the folk writing the rules didn't even think of
> unicycles, and, consequently, it isn't.
>
> The folk that write rules ain't exactly smart, otherwise they'd have
> real jobs.

In WA unicycles are classed as toys, with skateboards and such, and are not
allowed on roads.

Theo
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

Peter Cremasco wrote:
> Tim Moran wrote:
>> In article <47a182ca$0$22095$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>,
>> jt DeleteThis @techniciansyndrome.org.invalid says...
>>> "bicycle" means a vehicle with 1 or more wheels that is built to be
>>> propelled by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or
>>> not it has an auxiliary motor), and:
>>>
>> So a shaft drive bicycle isn't really a bicycle then.
>
> Shaft would qualify as being driven by gears.

Not all push bike shaft drive bikes have motorcycle style shaft drives
with a centre hub gear system.. some have dual shafts from the crank
directly to the sides of the rear hub.


G-S
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

Matt Palmer wrote:

> Tim Moran is of the opinion:
>> In article <47a182ca$0$22095$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>,
>> jt.TakeThisOut@techniciansyndrome.org.invalid says...
>>> "bicycle" means a vehicle with 1 or more wheels that is built to be propelled
>>> by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not it has an
>>> auxiliary motor), and:
>>>
>> So a shaft drive bicycle isn't really a bicycle then.
>
> No, because you can't wheelie it.

What about countersteering?

--
Toosmoky
Work to ride, Ride to Work...
http://users.tpg.com.au/smokey61
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

Theo Bekkers wrote:

> In WA unicycles are classed as toys, with skateboards and such, and are not
> allowed on roads.

I was in Perth for a couple of weeks, a few months ago, and since I was
going to get some riding in, I thought I'd read up on their road rules.

Two that come to mind:

Reflectors are required by law to be installed in several locations around
the bike, including spokes. Now really, that increases your dorkiness factor
by 16 points alone.
On that note, reflectors are required by law to be fit to both sides of your
pedals. Since many/most cleats are small and as such do not have provision
for reflectors, this effectively outlaws most of them.
This was especially important to me, since I ONLY ever ride on cleats.

Another was the height of the handlebars cannot be some centimetres above
the seat. Effecively outlawing 'Dragster' style bikes.




Nice to know that we're not the only ones with nutcases in charge.
--
Linux Registered User # 302622
<http://counter.li.org>
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

John Tserkezis wrote:
> Theo Bekkers wrote:
>
>> In WA unicycles are classed as toys, with skateboards and such, and
>> are not allowed on roads.
>
> I was in Perth for a couple of weeks, a few months ago, and since I
> was going to get some riding in, I thought I'd read up on their road
> rules.
> Two that come to mind:
>
> Reflectors are required by law to be installed in several locations
> around the bike, including spokes. Now really, that increases your
> dorkiness factor by 16 points alone.
> On that note, reflectors are required by law to be fit to both sides
> of your pedals. Since many/most cleats are small and as such do not
> have provision for reflectors, this effectively outlaws most of them.
> This was especially important to me, since I ONLY ever ride on
> cleats.

> Another was the height of the handlebars cannot be some centimetres
> above the seat. Effecively outlawing 'Dragster' style bikes.

I think you'll find those laws are pretty much standard around Oz, and
pretty much ignored.
It does, however, allow me an easy comback from those that claim that only
motorists break the law, and all cyclists are good lawabiding citizens.

Theo
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider? 

Theo Bekkers wrote:

> I think you'll find those laws are pretty much standard around Oz, and
> pretty much ignored.

The reflector laws perhaps, even allowing for little variances, but the
handlebar thing? No way, that's a very specific stupid.

My objection is if there is a law that's never otherwise enforced, then why
not get rid of it? It's only possible use is to fine miscreants when there's
nothing else that they've done wrong.

Fine you say, but it also works for power hungry cops who have nothing
better to do than piss people off.

Whoops, what am I standing on? Ah yes, my soapbox again.

> It does, however, allow me an easy comback from those that claim that only
> motorists break the law, and all cyclists are good lawabiding citizens.

Everybody breaks the law. And I mean that in a very literal way. You can't
go through a day in your life without at the very least rubbing shoulders with
some type of law.
The whole reason society functions at all is because some of these laws are
not enforced.

What they DO do however, is make sure only the ones who CAN get away with
it, DO get away with it. Commercial outfits, who have to comply, DO comply
because they don't really have a choice. Paper trails, witnesses and thus
liability tend to get in the way.


And this applies in WA:

At the end of the day, there is no such thing as the timeless classic (well,
some people think so) as the dragster bike. If you can't sell it, it won't
exist in any real capacity. - And again, some suit, who's wearing their ties
too tight cutting off oxygen to their remaining four brain cells has drafted a
law, all the while making it look like they're making society run smoothly.

My big fat hairy arse.

Damn soap box, it's back again.
--
Linux Registered User # 302622
<http://counter.li.org>
 >> Stay informed about: No helmet legal for Unicycle rider?