Cyclists and other road users have a complicated relationship in Australia, which wouldn't be described as amicable.
Some drivers reckon bike riders break the law, act dangerously and should have to pay registration. Some cyclists aren't fans of drivers because they don't leave enough space for them to share the road and don't look out for them when opening car doors.
So, it's a bold move on behalf of The Bicycle Network to ask the government to pay cyclists every time they jump on their bike as a way to recognise their congestion relieving efforts.
In a statement, TBN said: "Australians should be paid $5 every time they ride a bike to work.
"With the federal election set for 18 May, Bicycle Network is calling on all candidates and parties to commit to making it easier for more people to ride a bike to truly address the cost of living, congestion and health.
"Research shows that for every kilometre cycled, society benefits up to $1.07. An average bike commute of around 10km contributes $10, but an average commute by car in Australia costs society up to $9.30.
"Rewarding people who ride to work with a $5 bonus will encourage even more people to swap out cars for bikes. Keen bike commuters who ride every day could earn up to $1,100 a year, while also saving on car and petrol costs."
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Figures released two years ago showed there were 3.7 million cyclists in Australia who ride a bike recreationally or for transport. Imagine how much money the government would have to shell out.
There have been pushes to make people view cyclists in a better light in Australia.
A study conducted by researchers based out of the Queensland University of Technology and Monash University found we shouldn't even be using the word cyclist because it's dehumanising.
Experts discovered that there was an observable and direct link between the aforementioned dehumanisation of cyclists and acts of aggression against them by other road users. Professor Narelle Howarth said that the study discovered that more than half of people who don't cycle - a staggering 55 percent - think that those who do are 'not completely human'.
That's a study of 442 people from the Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland areas of Oz.
Jesus. Sure, we all get a bit annoyed when a cyclist on the pavement rings the bell instead of going on the road where they belong, but 'not completely human' seems a bit far.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Community, Weird, Australia