Responsible Cycling Zones ?

How about this for an idea?

Create Responsible Cycling Zones around major City Centres (say, ZONE 1 in London) wherein all cyclists would need to be registered, insured and attend a day of cycling-safely training (and possibly wear a helmet)

This will help to reduce the appalling accident rate by helping novice cyclists to cycle safely. It will also cut down on the 'renegade' attitude that many cyclists display, knowing that traffic violations could be traced back to them.

Limiting these measures to busy city centres will stop the CTC moaning about 'punishing everyone' in the UK and deterring people from taking up cycling due to excessive legislation.

It would be a massive PR boost for cyclists who are (often rightly) criticised by motorists for having no training or insurance. It would show a collective will amoung cyclists to act responsibly and counter the somewhat reckless image that hangs over us.

Of course there must be incentives to sweeten the deal - so the training is FREE - and perhaps registering comes with 2 years free insurance and a 10% discount card for local stores?

... Of course the concept behind the whole idea is undermined by the very existance of Boris Bikes - unless the 'casual use' option was dropped and yearly subscribers were obliged to undertake the registeration process.

Any thoughts?

Fuck this!