Evans inflames an already hostile situation
The president of National Roads and Cyclists Association, Mr Alan Odds today called on the NRMA to stop inflaming the ongoing war between motorists and cyclists with their claim that cyclists do not belong on main roads in peak hour. Referring to the interview with NRMA president Alan Evans on ABC Radio's PM program this evening, Mr Odds said, “It would appear that NRMA policy, as articulated by its president, Alan Evans, is that cyclists should not be on main roads in peak hour Sydney because the mix of motorists and cyclists is unsafe.”
He went on to remind Mr Evans, that because of poor transport planning and Sydney's over-dependence on private cars, the so-call peak hour takes a third of every working day in Sydney. “We have parking restrictions on clear ways, whatever they are, from six in the morning until 10, and again from three in the afternoon until seven. So, is he saying that cyclists should be banned from main roads for eight hours a day? What a ridiculous suggestion!”
Mr Odds said that now is not the time for his organisation to attempt to discourage cycling. “Traffic congestion is increasing, as are petrol prices, not to mention the obvious effect that CO2 emissions from cars are having on the climate,” said Mr Odds. “Does the NRMA really see that getting people off their bicycles and into cars as being the answer? I surely hope not.”
He also said that this incident highlights the stupidity of the proposal to replace the cycle lane in Park Street in the CBD with a bus lane. “Our head of research, Deputy Vice President Michael Untynan is collecting anecdotal evidence from cyclists using the William Street – Park Street route into town. Some of the stories will make your hair stand on end.” He said that the data was being collated for a submission opposing the cycle lane's removal.
Mr Odds also said that he found it quite distasteful that Mr Evans would use what appeared to be a deliberate and malicious road-rage incident on the part of a rogue driver as a platform to push the onus of care onto cyclists. “Evans doesn't get it,” said Mr Odds. “All road users have a duty of care to each other. Aren't we supposed to share the road? Is he saying that motorists are not responsible for anyone's safety other than their own? Are injured and killed cyclists nothing more than collateral damage on the way to work in the morning?”
http://www.mynrca.com.au/road_rage.pdf
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Re: Evans inflames an already hostile situation
Evens attempt to flog car insurance on the back of attempted mass murder can be downloaded @
Roozendaal's bike comments dangerous
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 9 May 2008
Roozendaal's bike comments dangerous
Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says Roads Minister Roozendaal's suggestion that cyclists should avoid riding in peak hour traffic potentially endangers lives and reflects his car-centric, outdated views.
"Mr Roozendaal has sent a dangerous message – that cyclists don't belong on Sydney's roads - that may further heighten the antagonism some motorists feel towards bike riders," Ms Rhiannon said.
"By suggesting cyclists change their behaviour and give up riding to work on Sydney roads, Minister Roozendaal exposes the fact that cycling has no place in his government's vision for Sydney.
"While governments in international cities like London and Paris are ramping up facilities for cycling, Minister Roozendaal is trying to put the kibosh on it.
"In response to the major cycling accident yesterday, Eric Roozendaal should be confirming the right of cyclists to share Sydney's roads and warning motorists against taking their road rage out on cyclists.
"Banishing cyclists from Sydney roads might make the Roads Minister's job easier, but it will do nothing to combat climate change, peak oil and rising petrol prices or obesity," Ms Rhiannon said
Re: Evans inflames an already hostile situation
Since when is 630 am peak hour, even if Southern Cross Drive is a main road to the airport. I doubt traffic flow was heavy at the time, and there are three lanes. How many lanes do motorists want? In real peak hours the traffic is often not much faster than a bike anyway, and cyclists would be mainly single commuters so no doubt would use the shoulder. Serious road racing cyclists have always trained in the early morning and I cant think of a better road than Southern Cross Drive for a bunch to ride. Maybe the Coluzzi mob is getting too big and there is a more optimum size but if it is a regular ride with little previous history of trouble the RTA should do its bit by advising motorists by use of those large electronic road signs to watch for cyclists and pass carefully, changing lanes completely rather than squeezing past at speed.
Shame on the Minister for not coming out strongly against any motorists who attepts to menace other road users. Seems like a clear case of predatory driving- tail gating, swerving, stopping suddenly, although the motorist was on air this morning claiming his car "stalled".
The widespread ignorance of many motorists as to the rights of cyclists to use our roads and the widespread antagonism is a direct result of lack of any kind of funding for the educational or encouragement component to Bike Plan 2010, wich is just about dead anyway, with no apparent plans to update it to a Bike Plan 2020. Only $5 million year goes to fund local councils for bike plans for the whole of NSW and when was the last time the RTA ran any sort of general safety/awareness campaign for cyclists? It is no wonder attitudes are stuck in the 1970's somewhere.
You drove into the back of me and I'm the goose?
http://www.livenews.com.au/static/audio/65850/0_1_rayhadleybikecrash100508.mp3
Jason v's Ben Kersten
"You drove into the back of me and I'm the goose?"
"My car stalled... It's not my fault you weren't looking where you were
going."
Words fail me... the roads will never be safe with drivers like Jason behind the wheel... the fact bikes are involved is just incidental.
the author inflames an already hostile situation
the ongoing war between motorists and cyclists
yeah like using the term war isn't inflamatory.
Re: Evans inflames an already hostile situation
The biggest goose is Ray Hadley - he should not have allowed this abuse to continue on radio - it was a set up - how can anyone prove that the driver was at fault??? - this is amazing to be honest - we can't go around taking things out of perspective - everyone has to realise accidents do happen!!! In this case we all have to be glad that no one got hurt it could have been a lot more serious!
Re: Evans inflames an already hostile situation
I like riding, but I don't think cars and bikes mix well. Why can't they build a bike track next to the railway lines around Sydney? There's enough space for a bike track to run parallel with the trains. Separate with fence so its safe, and its nice and flat...and cyclists aren't breathing car exhaust either.
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