Sydney Critical Mass

Referring his alter ego Roy Slaven, John Doyle once said that it is easier to talk about the things that one knows nothing about. For all that Michael Lawler (Heckler 26 June) cares, I do not have near death experiences every time I cycle to work. The air outside a car is generally less toxic than the air inside it and because I cycle every day, I am never exhausted. Sure I might be perspiring (I do not sweat, I perspire) so I have a shower at work instead of having one at home. I am rarely flustered either; I am almost always in high spirits because I have been able complete my morning commute in a fraction of the time it would take by car or by public transport. I am also pretty pleased with the financial cost as well.

In these times of increasing petrol prices and traffic congestion, I look at my bicycles and say "I love you", to them every day.

Chris Virtue

Your Heckler Mitchell Lawler (26 June), pinned much of his anti-cycling argument on the canard that people in Denmark and Holland cycle only because it is flat there.

I haven't been to Denmark but I know that Amsterdam, freezing in winter and riddled with canals, can easily match Sydney's hills for cycling difficulty.

The fact is, after two weeks in the saddle getting into shape, Sydney's hills are no more difficult – and a lot cheaper – than using a machine in a gym. If people in Sydney could cycle safely, many more would.

Michael Gormly

In Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal's opinion, a congestion charge for Sydney is not a "common sense" solution to our traffic problems (ABC Radio News, 21/6). Well Eric, what is? Clearly building more roads hasn't worked here while a congestion charge has worked in London. I have my own solution, however. I'll continue to ride my bicycle past all those stationary cars masquerading traffic.

Keep up the good work, Eric. I enjoy a good laugh before I get out of bed on a Saturday morning.

Chris Virtue

For some strange reason drivers of polluting motor vehicles feel they have more of a right to drive on any road than a cyclist because they pay registration fees for their vehicle. A quick check of the RTA's website to look up the 2007 Financial Statement reveals the followings FACTS that these people should bear in mind the next time they get the urge to yell abuse at a cyclist using their road:

Page 3 of 33 of the Financial Statements, Total Expenses Excluding Losses - (Consolidated), shows: $2,262,575,000.00 Revenue from Sale of Goods and Services shows = $296,292,000.00

A difference of $1,966,283,000.00

Seems to me that it is the drivers of motor vehicles who are being subsidised by all the taxpayers of NSW. If these selfish, narrow-minded, single-occupancy vehicle drivers believe they have a god given right to the road, then perhaps they'd care to pay their fair share and relieve the tax burden on the people who choose not to drive. I can imagine how they'd scream and wail at the thought of the registration fees going up a whopping one thousand per cent, judging by their recent bleatings.

I have a car, it's registered, insured and in good working order. I also have the option of catching a bus to work or cycling. Many days I choose to cycle. Why? For the simple reason that I get exercise to and from work, I don't have to wait fifteen minutes to get on an overcrowded, stinking bus with people farting, belching, scratching and yelling into their mobiles over the top of their neighbour's blaring mp3 player.

Cycling to work reduces greenhouse gases and health expenses as I am fitter and less stressed.

The people who say cyclists increase their travel time should stop and think how much more their travel time would increase if the cyclist you just squeezed past or ran off the road in your single occupancy, six-cylinder gas guzzler was in another six-cylinder gas guzzler and was in front of you! You can't squeeze past them as you've run all the cyclists off the road and into gas guzzlers, and now the roads are practically grid-locked. Who are the Luddites going to blame now for all the traffic. The last traffic jam I saw was caused by too many motor vehicles. Cyclists don't cause traffic jams as yes, quite rightly, they go onto a footpath to get around it. So would you if you weren't so lazy, got out of your tin can, got some exercise and lived a more active and happy life rather than fuming at the wheel.

I also see more cars going through red lights, which has more serious consequences than if a cyclist goes through a red light.

Yours sincerely,
Bryan Freeman
Maroubra

Finally, our new government is moving in the right direction (Tax on luxury cars fair: Swan, SMH Web, Sunday 11 May). What a pity they aren't taxing all imported cars and doubling that tax for any car larger than four cylinders. Let's be quite clear: motor vehicles are a burden on our society and our planet.

Cars kill people, they pollute the air and contribute to climate change. Imported oil and vehicles contribute to the national current account deficit. Drivers demand expensive motorways and tunnels yet complain about the price of petrol. Motor vehicles are a burden on our health system, encouraging sedentary lifestyles as well as creating road trauma. Every new car adds to the congestion on our roads.

The sooner we get over our addiction to private motor vehicles the better off we'll all be as a society.

Michael McGrath

Dear Editor,

Of course the NRMA will claim that any money spent on cycling facilities is a waste. The NRMA's prime role is to ensure that the tax payer continues to subsidise car-based transport. While they might whine about the low use of the Epping Road cycleway, it must be pointed out that it is new, and therefore deserves a chance.

Does the NRMA ever consider that the design of cycling facilities might have something to do with the slow uptake? What do roads and cycle paths have in common? Both are designed by motorists.

And while we're on the subject of the low use of facilities: remember that the low driver uptake of the Cross City Tunnel drove it into bankruptcy. Regardless of the level of use, the Epping Road cycleway is unlikely to have the same fiscal effect.

Chris Virtue
(contact dets removed in case Steve Price or some other goose is lurking)

Hey Eric,

Sorry I didn't write yesterday. I got caught up with stuff.

You reckon you're a cyclist. Have you noticed any difference in the hostility towards cyclists lately? I reckon it's increasing. I seem to be copping more abuse lately as I ride around the place. Yesterday, I had this clown in a white Hyundai wagon (registration number WHC 002) tailgate me with his hand on the horn in Regent Street. I reported it to Constable Woods at Redfern police, but just between you and me, I'm not holding my breath.

Do you have any theories on why the rate of motorist aggro is on the rise?

My theory is that motorists just don't like cyclists because they think we're odd. We're considered to be "unaustralian" (whatever that is) because we don't drive a gas guzzler. But, as the price of go juice climbs faster than Morrie's disapproval rating, they're becoming jealous because they've wasted all this money on a car just to be stuck in "traffic" and a smarmy cyclist breezes by. It's enough to make one's blood boil.

And, as you’re a man of influence, they take encouragement from your endorsement of the public comments made by your chief policy adviser Alan Evans about how cyclists should stay off the road in peak (eight) hours. I'm really starting to have doubts about this mysterious bicycle of yours because a real cyclist would never verbally attack the cycling community like that.

Back to the congestion charge debate. Remember how you ridiculed recommendations to tax traffic as armchair advice from "ivory tower" academics? Did you know that according to this morning's Herald, 69% of those surveyed support a congestion charge? Don't you think it's time you got with the strength? What with that and your senseless attack on the cycling community are you starting to feel a tad foolish? You should.

It's time to introduce today's c-word. Cretinous. It's a synonym of foolish. Here it is used in a sentence: After lambasting well-credentialed transport engineers as "ivory tower" academics, Eric was feeling a tad cretinous.

This week, we've discussed the following c-words and used them in sentences:
* congestion
* credentials
* cretinous

Have a nice weekend. Don't forget the Twilight Ride on Tuesday week. You'd be a dead-set cretin to miss it.

Chris Virtue

Hey Eric,

Today's C-word is "credentials". It's a funny word, because although it's a noun, it's rarely (if ever) used in the singular. Reason why it's today's c-word will become apparent as we move further into this e-pistle. (E-pistle – that's pretty clever isn't it? I made it up you know and you're not allowed to use it unless you ask me first.)

Yesterday's Sydney Morning Herald had a report about a report prepared by Professor Hensher and his team at Sydney University's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies. You can read the full report here: http://tinyurl.com/46j66j

According to Professor Hensher's report, a congestion charge of 10c per km could reduce congestion by a much as 8%. He has support from a former RTA director.

Let's get on to today's c-word: "credentials".

Let's have a quick look at Professor Hensher's credentials. For a start, he is Director of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at the University's Faculty of Economics and Business. He knows about this stuff because he was awarded the Engineers Australia Transport Medal in 2006 for his "outstanding individual contribution of the highest order in the field of Australian Transport Engineering." Wow! I'd reckon that makes him pretty well-credentialed to pontificate on congestion charges, wouldn't you agree?

Now, let's look at your credentials. You have a degree in Arts/Law. You have been an organiser for the New South Wales branch of the ALP, eventually rising to General Secretary as well as becoming a member of the National Executive of the party. You were director of the 2003 NSW election campaign and the party's chief fund-raiser. I hear that you raised about $16.3 million in your time as General Secretary. Well done! You were rewarded for you efforts by filling a vacancy in the New South Wales Legislative Council. I don't see much about transport engineering in your pre-parliament career. Seems to be all about arm bending, doesn't?

Here's the funny bit. Somehow, a man whose expertise is in crunching numbers and doing deals in the NSW right of ALP is an expert on "commonsense" solutions to Sydney traffic congestion. I don't get it? How come you know so much more about this stuff than recognised industry and academic experts? I need to know?

Remember when your ministerial car was caught in a bus lane a couple of years ago? That was so cool. That's been such an inspiration for so many other Sydney motorists wanting to cope with Sydney's ever increasing traffic congestion. I see the results of inspiration in Broadway every night. Well done!

I'll get out of your way now, unlike those pesty cars in King St this morning.

Chris Virtue

Hey Eric,

Guess what! Cycling to work this morning, I got stuck behind a pack of cars holding up the traffic in King St Newtown. Now, I know that they have a legitimate right to be there, but mate, I was on my way to something important. Can something be done about it to keep them off the road in peak hour? Hmmmm, I know: what about a congestion charge? Sounds like a "commonsense" solution to me. What do you reckon in light of this compelling new evidence?

I had an interesting thought while in the shower at work. (BTW, do you get your best ideas in the shower? I seem to.) How about acknowledging workplaces that provide good end of trip facilities for staff who cycle to work? What do you reckon? I'm a contractor and I move around a lot. When I get asked if I have any questions about a gig, I'm only interested in the location of the shower and where’s the best place to park my bicycle. The response varies. At the high end, the interviewer either shows me or arranges for the security people to show me. At the low end it’s astonishment that anyone would ever want such things and they don’t have any. If the public transport is crap, they’re even more astonished when I decline the gig.

Here’s the good bit. Given that your government doesn't want to do anything any more, this allows you to seemingly remain in control of the agenda while getting the private sector to do the work. Brilliant isn't it? It'll cost you naff-all, save the printing of some certificates. You could even have an awards dinner that the CEOs pay to attend. If you need any help implementing this initiative, I’m sure that my mates and I can you give a list of the good and bad places for cyclists to work. What do you reckon, Eric? I’m more than happy to be MC for the evening. Just make sure I get a meal and a couple of drinkies. Sounds like a top-notch “commonsense” solution to me.

That’s all for now. I’ll keep you posted on the traffic situation and if I have any more good ideas.

See ya

Chris Virtue

Hi Eric,

We missed you at last night's ride. It was cold, but riding Centennial Park is just wonderful under a full moon with lights off. We had a little picnic by the lake and Charlie even bought his billy. Next month we're doing the Cooks River. I'll make sure your invited.

On to more serious matters. While I was riding up George St last night to get to the meeting point, I was held up by stationary cars. I know, Eric, that they have a legal right to be on the road, but I think they should be encouraged to not be there. What do you reckon? I keep thinking congestion charge. Do you really think these bogans would drive into town if they had to pay for the privilege?

What's the story with these Bicycle Storage Boxes? When I first heard the term a couple of weeks ago, I first thought it was all about bicycle lockers, but no, that's not your style is it? Tell me, are they going to be like bike lanes? You know, those bicycle symbols that you somehow manage to get painted under parked cars. In all fairness, Eric, I reckon you're just giving Sydney motorists another place to park illegally. What do you reckon?

Perhaps a better thing would be to have Car Storage Boxes, where we put those pesty cars that are holding traffic to one side so us clever people can ride past safely? What do you reckon? (No cheating by asking Sussex Street.)

Good on ya mate. Look forward to reading your reply.

Chris Virtue

Dear Eric,

Thanks so much for making my day. I turned on the radio for the seven o'clock news and one of the lead articles had you ruling out a congestion charge. I just love it when you use the phrase "common sense". I laughed so much I nearly wet my pants, even though I wasn't wearing any.

Let's make a deal. You can continue to talk dirty by ruling out a congestion charge and I'll continue to ride past those stationary cars masquerading as traffic. Perhaps if I were to spread a little Vicks Vapour Rub on their windscreens, it might clear up the congestion. What do you think? (It's all right Eric, it's a trick question.)

BTW, you coming on the full moon ride tonight? It's the "common sense" solution to a boring Saturday night.

See ya

Chris Virtue

Hi John,

Pity about the licence, eh. Good thing you have a bicycle. Hopefully over the next little while you'll learn to appreciate all the joys that cycling has to offer.

Unlike the motoring mob, cyclists are pretty cool and love to help. Because you're in Leichhardt, you can hang out with one of best the BUGs in the inner west - Leichhardt Bicycle User Group. Bob Moore is the leader of the pack and he's a dead-set legend when it comes to doing good works for cyclists in the area. You can check out LBUG at http://users.bigpond.net.au/LBUG/index.html

A couple things: Firstly, you need to have a look at the seat height. Judging by the support on your knee, you might have it a bit too low. There should be only be a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the stroke. It shouldn't be completely straight, either. We don't want you doing any more damage, do we?

Secondly, clothing. Do something about those shorts! How daggy are they? Get nice pair of "shy shorts". And lose those socks. Get some cycling shoes, too. They have stiff soles and are much better than runners. Runners are for running, silly. Get on the LBUG list and I'm sure there's plenty of people who can give unbiased advice. There was an excellent discussion of wet weather gear recently.

Thirdly, now that we have a cyclist in a position of power, how about asking Maurice if you can be Minister for Cycling? Think of it as a way getting back at the Nats - they always seem to have a farmer as minister for agriculture, don’t they? Next time I'm bending Maurice’s ear, I'll put in a good word for you. Roozendaal is useless and doesn’t have a clue, so let’s take cycling off him.

Tell me, have you ever seen this mysterious 27-speed bicycle of his? I’m having my doubts because doesn’t talk like a cyclist.

Fourthly, the Ride of Silence is on Saturday week. I've attached a flyer. It would be wonderful if you could be patron. How cool would that be?

So, John, welcome aboard and you'll find that in a little while that your car will spend more time in the garage than out. You'll able to leave it up the coast and bring your bicycle down on the train. Central to Leichhardt in 15 mins. Get on the list for discussions about lights and panniers.

On last thing, does your bicycle have a name? It looks like a boy bicycle to me. Make sure you refer to it as a bicycle because some people think that bikes have engines. Sad, but true.

Happy cycling!

Chris Virtue

Hon Minister for Roads,

I was quite amazed to read your call for cyclists to avoid riding during peak hour. Do you realise what the consequences would be if all commuting cyclists were to add to our city's traffic congestion? It could easily be the final straw that creates total gridlock.

A few pertinent facts:

Cyclists rarely kill other road users.
Cyclists are saving the nation a small fortune by trying to do the right thing.
Cyclists are not polluting the air.
Cyclists don't damage the roads or demand expensive motorways and tunnels.
Cyclists are not adding to the current account deficit by buying imported oil and vehicles.
Cyclists are reducing the burden on the health system by battling obesity and staying fit.
Cyclists don't complain about the price of petrol.

Every cyclist is one less car on our congested roads.

Instead of attacking citizens who are putting their lives on the line to create a better society, perhaps your government could give them a helping hand.

regards
Michael McGrath

Organiser: Ride of Silence, Sydney

Dear NSW Government or RTA representative,

I'm writing to see if any progress reports are available on the RTA's Bicycle Masterplan 2010, specifically items 11 and 14 from the bike network map (pages 4 and 5 for the Action Plan for Bikes) report of 1999.

These are the two major off-road cycleways promised for the Northern Beaches:

11. Chatswood to Warringah Mall, to be completed in 2009
14. Harbour Bridge to Warringah Mall, to be completed in 2009

Are there any progress reports on these two projects.
Are local bicycle groups and councils being consulted?
When will work commence?
Are detailed maps or plans available?

regards
Michael McGrath
Community representative Manly Council Bicycle Committee
Secretary Manly Mosman Bicycle Users Group

Dear Mr Souris,

I write in regard to an article from 30th January in the Campbelltown Macarthur Advertiser, which claims you support Macarthur MP Pat Farmer's proposal for a levy on bicycles, with which to build new cycling infrastructure. Is this claim correct? As Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation, what is your position on the relative costs and charges for trucks, buses, cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians? Do you believe that pedestrians should also be charged for the use of transport infrastructure, and whether trucks should be charged relative to the damage they cause to the roads?

thanks and regards,

Matt Johnson