Every now and then a media commentator or member of the public will make call for bike registration or licencing. 

It is usually put forward as the solution that will forever put an end to crashes and conflict, or pay for new cycleways to be built.

But registration won’t stop crashes and registration doesn’t pay for roads. It would, however, stop people from riding bikes.

There are much better solutions to creating a more bike friendly Australia that would encourage riding and improve safety.

There’s no single approach to reducing risk for people who ride. We need a multi-pronged approach if we’re to make it easier for more people to ride as part of their everyday life.

Separated bike lanes and paths that keep bikes and cars apart, giving everyone space, should be government’s number one priority.

We need to see a dramatic increase in spending on bike infrastructure from all levels of government if we’re going to turn Australia into a nation of bike riders.

Supportive legislation like allowing people older than 12 to ride on the footpath will help, as would lower speed limits.

Acknowledging bike riding as a normal, everyday activity would also help to reduce conflict.

They’re all spokes on the wheel that will turn Australia into a nation of bike riders. Registration isn’t one of them.