Ride of silence: Roozendaal should back safe cycling for Sydney

"Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal has a responsibility to invest heavily
in infrastructure to allow people to abandon their cars in favour of
sustainable transport such as cycling.

"In an age of peak oil, our cities and suburbs need to be refashioned
to allow for an extensive network of dedicated bicycle lanes.

"Instead the RTA is continuing to destroy cycle lanes, like those on
Park Street.

"Two weeks ago both Minister Roozendaal and the NRMA inflamed the
relationship between motorists and cyclists by recommending bike riders
give up travelling in peak hour.

"Such talk from the Roads Minister endangers the lives of cyclists and
is indicative of his government's antipathy towards cycling as a
legitimate means of transport.

"The Greens renew our calls for a cycle safe hotline for cyclists to
report the number plates of dangerous drivers for the police to
follow-up.

"Since Minister Roozendaal's unfortunate comments I have heard of
motorists taking up his cause and abusing cyclists for being on the
road.

"The government should also fund an advertising campaign to encourage
safe driving around bike riders," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more info: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568l, www.rideofsilence.org

[via Lee Rhiannon MLC Media Release Saturday 24 May 2008 link]