Should Bikes Have Number Plates?

For the vast majority of road users, a licence and some sort of registration plate such as a number plate is a legal requirement to be able to drive on the road. But there is one group of road users who do not have to have any form of licensing, identification or even a formal qualification to use the public highways. That group is cyclists.

First taste of freedom

Most of us first learn to ride a bicycle at a very early age. It is often our first real taste of both freedom and responsibility. While cycling proficiency tests are now down to a matter of choice for individual schools, there is no other form of mandatory testing to ensure that someone is safe and proficient in the use of a bicycle and is familiar with the basic laws of the road. Cycling is one of the only forms of transport where you can literally go into a shop, buy a vehicle and ride out a few minutes later with no formal training, no licence requirements and no registration plate. The law only requires vehicles powered by combustion engines to carry number plates.

With millions of cyclists on the roads, that translates to millions of people who are completely unregistered, uninsured and, in the event of an accident, theoretically untraceable. This has been a bone of contention for years. How many times have you, as a motorist, shaken an angry fist at a cyclist and asked yourself why cyclists don’t have number plates so you can report them?

The arguments against number plates on bicycles are that it challenges the idea that you need a licence to travel under your own power. If we follow that line of reasoning, then wouldn’t pedestrians also require a ‘licence’ so that they do not wander into traffic or cross the road at non-designated areas? And how exactly would you police that? Driving a vehicle such as a car or motorcycle requires far more skill than riding a bicycle and there is undoubtedly a greater risk factor purely because of the greater mass involved. So consequently, motorists and motorcyclists undergo strict testing and licence controls so that they are identifiable in the event of an accident and deemed as competent enough to use a public road. And this is where the argument for number plates on bicycles comes in.

A degree of accountability

It’s very difficult to identify a cyclist in a road traffic situation. With no easily recognisable number plate, a cyclist can simply disappear into the traffic and you as a driver are left shaking your fist again. Even if you did want to report them for running a red light, for example, how would you go about it? Unless there is a police officer at the scene, the chances that an errant cyclist guilty of dangerous road-craft will go unpunished. But a number plate, even if that was a personalised number plate of some kind, would give both you as the witness (or victim) and the authorities the ability to trace the cyclist and hold them to account.

But once again, we’re back to that knotty problem of a person’s basic human right to travel under their own power. A bicycle is not a motorised vehicle. It does not have to pass an MOT and the rider does not have to have insurance to ride one. Perhaps this is the first area that could be addressed.

A basic form of insurance would at least give someone involved in an incident with a cyclist some form of redress. If a cyclist runs into your car and puts a dent in the wing, there is nothing you can do to claim any form of compensation back. With insurance, you could at least carry out that traditional roadside pastime and ‘exchange details’. It would also benefit the cyclist as well, giving them a degree of protection in the event of an accident.

But if you can’t identify the other party in the first place, what chance do you as a motorist have of finding recourse? Theoretically, none whatsoever. And as our roads become more crowded, it is this that is being put forward as one of the main arguments for number plates on bicycles. It would add accountability where there is currently none. Being identifiable by a number plate may make cyclists more inclined to pay closer attention to the rules of the road, as well as affording them a greater level of protection.

The question is – where would you fit them?

Hire the best Austin mobile windshield replacement company for quickest service

Car driving in and around Austin has become way more hassle free due to the wonderful services offered by Austin mobile windshield replacement companies. Car windshields are the most vulnerable part of your vehicle. Though they are built to guarantee the safety of your life as you drive the car even a minor accident or jarring movement of the car can shatter your auto glass. A cracked or chipped off windshield should be treated then and there. Several Austin based companies provide mobile windshield repair in Austin TX and promise to reach right away wherever you are to mend your car windshield.
Windshields are broken due to various reasons. In Austin, which is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas, constructions are going on every where these days. Driving cars safely in the city thus has become a huge concern for most of us who travel regularly to and from Austin. The one part of our vehicle which faces the maximum threat from the flying debris and gravels is the car windshield. While on the move, if your car windshield is hit by a flying chip of rock and gets damaged you can call the reputed Austin companies who offer quickest mobile windshield repair in Austin TX.
Whether it is a small crack, a ‘star break’ or a ‘bulls eye’ rock chip on your windshield, if neglected, it can turn into an irreparable damage. Cracks spread very quickly on the windshield especially in the extreme heat of Austin. If such occurrence takes place you have to replace the broken windshield entirely. The cost of car windshield replacement is extremely high. Moreover, if you are repairing the damaged windshield rather than replacing it, the insurance company will also readily pay the bills. So, whenever your auto glass receives slightest damage you should call the professionals to mend it properly. By availing the Mobile windshield repair in Austin TX you can avoid such consequences.
Though Austin mobile windshield replacement services are available at reasonable prices, the cost of mobile windshield crack repair is much less. You can logon to the websites of the reliable mobile windshield chip repair companies and can get the quote for windshield repair. As you match the prices offered by various companies you can easily select the most affordable company for mobile windshield repair in Austin TX.
While appointing the most affordable Austin mobile windshield replacement company you must check the quality of repair job provided by the company. A good quality repair not only assures your safety but also allows you to use the same windshield glass without replacing it for months. Auto glass repairing technology has come a long way and most of the reputable companies offering mobile windshield repair in Austin TX use these advanced windshield repair techniques and high quality solutions for mending the rock chip or the cracks on the auto glass.
The highly recommended Austin mobile windshield replacement companies have extensive experience in the field. They appoint the best qualified mechanical persons and provide their clients with outstanding customer services. to get your cracked or broken windshield fixed on the spot within 24 hours you must hire the best provider of mobile windshield repair in Austin TX.  Austin Mobile Glass (512) 983-4527 , 13200 US-183, Austin Tx 78750 and Austin Mobile Glass (512) 983-3278 , 1310 South 1st St , Austin Tx 78704.

Seized Car Auctions or Where to Find a Cheap Used Car for Sale

Many people ask me every day: “Where can I buy a cheap car?” or “Where did you buy your car?” or sometimes even “How much does your car cost?” The answer shocks them. I have bought my new car for only 2000$. In this article I will tell you what is the easiest way to find a cheap used or even a new car and how to buy it. I will also share my experience with you.

Ok, so we all know that you can find a used car reading a local newspaper. As for me, it is the worst thing to do. First of all, have you ever thought where do all these guys get their cars? Of course from the government auctions! Then they resell these cars and earn many money. PS. I am one of these guys.

So, the best way to buy a cheap car is the government car auctions or seized car auctions as they are often called. You can find a cheap used car for sale there at a very low price. Sometimes up to 90% off the book value. The reason is very simple – these cars are confiscated from people, who did not pay on their taxes or bank loans. Sometimes these cars are even repossessed from the criminals. The government sells these cars for a very low price to free up storage space.

However you should pay a small price to take part in these auctions because they have to cover the expenses incurred in holding the auction.

Well, that is about all I got for now. If you want to know more about these auctions, you should visit the website below, which I use to buy cars and sell them later. I hope this article sheds some light for you on buying cheap cars, thank you for reading.

Government car auction

The underground sport of street racing is becoming remarkably massive in popularity. Unfortunately, when it comes down to it, the expenses required to get started with street racing can also be quite massive themselves. Newbies to the sport can help alleviate some of the financial pain by choosing the right car to race in the first place. Here are a few pointers.
Start With The Right Car.
It’s no surprise that many street racers get started by modding the daily driver they already own. This is just fine. In fact, unless you have the big bucks to spend on a ride that’s already been tuned and tweaked with the finest performance equipment, it is highly recommended to start with a solid car that hasn’t previously been raced. Street racing does tend to seriously stress the mechanical components of a vehicle. Get into the hobby with a car that hasn’t already been used and abused.
Choose A Car That Can Be Modded.
Chances are, you probably already have the make and model of your ideal street racer in mind. While the rapidly growing parts and performance industry makes high performance add-ons and race-ready parts for the engines, suspensions, bodies, and other components of a huge variety of vehicles, it’s worth realizing that some cars will have many more aftermarket options available than others. The more common the particular car is in the world of street racing, the easier it will be to score the best racing parts at the lowest prices… it’s simply a textbook case of supply and demand.
Be Creative In The Search For The Perfect Street Racer.
The best buys, especially when it comes to cars ready for racing modifications, rarely come from the dealership lot. Instead, sources such as eBay and craigslist often boast hundreds of tuner-ready cars of the exact make and model you desire available to purchase from individuals at or below wholesale prices. Also, it’s important to be aware that street racing requires mods to cars that make traditional financing options less than appealing. So what’s the best way to buy a street racer? The answer is saved up cash, of course!
Street racing is an extremely exhilarating and fast paced sport. It helps to have the right performance equipment to begin with. And remember, do be safe and responsible – have fun with your street racing car by only participating in legal track events. This will help ensure that you can continue to enjoy the sport without having to deal with law enforcement.