cfsmtb wrote:
>
> In the complete absence of anything really sensible in the media
> regarding yesterdays 'road rage' incident in Sydney, Alan Odds from the
> newly-formed National Roads and Cyclists Association has issued this
> press release:
>
> NRCA: Evans inflames an already hostile situation
> http://www.mynrca.com.au/road_rage.pdf
>
> --
> cfsmtb
In recent years Australians have got up to purchasing 1 million bikes
per annum.
Some well meaning polititians have tried to get on the clean green
message
to encorage folks to ride their bikes. Others have tried to tell us
there's no place for cyclists, but the laws are set, and cyclists have
rights.
Both cyclists and motorists have a duty of care, often forgotten in the
rush to and from work.
But the vast majority of motorists in cities don't give a hoot about
greenhouse,
being green, and they hate cyclists. Many people become utter demons
when they are behind a wheel,
and hate anyone getting in their way.
As fast as roads are improved, car usage has increased faster, with ever
less room for cyclists,
and all the more angst and rage going on.
It looks set to get worse and worse while mainly young men
defy the trends and ride on busy roads.
Its so very difficult to retro fit a city like Sydney with decent cycle
paths that are
nicer to ride on than roads are.
I'm happy to live in Canberra with its many miles of cycle paths and
bike lanes.
I wouldn't like being in Sydney again.
I came to Canberra in 1973, and instead of the usual 2 hours on a BMW
motorcycle
to and from work each day in Sydney back then, I averaged 20 minutes a
day in Canberra.
I'm spoiled. Never would I work in Sydney and travel maybe 3 hours a day
in a car.
Certainly not with petrol at $1.50 a litre.
I voted with my feet in '73, and have never regretted it.
If yer don't like the big city and all its misery, move out.
Everyone in a big city is like an alienated rat in a running cage.
Patrick Turner.
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