The cyclist versus driver debate is a classic example of in-groups versus out-groups, writes Matthew Beck.
Cyclists are facing tougher penalties in New South Wales as part of new rules introduced in March 2016.
While there are many changes, some of the more vague are increased fines for riding a bicycle furiously, recklessly, or negligently (from A$71 to A$425). To put this into perspective, many of these new fines carry the same weight as drivers doing 80 km per hour in a 60 km/h zone (A$446) or up to 59 km/h past children in a school zone.
Cycling has witnessed a mini-renaissance in Australian cities over the last few years. However, this has been accompanied by the perception of an increase in cyclist-related incidents. A brief look at the comments section of any news article about these new laws will reveal a polarised set of views about cyclists.
As a result, state governments have increased fines and penalties for cyclists who violate rules to bring them into line with motorists.
Much of the communication around the laws is linked to an abstract argument of safety. The implicit assumption has been that cyclist behaviour up to this point has been unsafe - a claim that is arguably false. So why do drivers hate cyclists?
