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RECENT MEDIA

20 July 2006

It's easy to get disillusioned sometimes, with a state government who has abandoned any semblance of supporting cycling. The Iemma Government has slashed the cycling budget to just $5 million per annum (0.15% of the RTA budget, down from the promised $25 million) and is not only failing to build the promised cycleways, but is even removing ones they've built (William Street, so far...).

At the same time, though, people power is gaining. Cycling is increasing. Media coverage this last week has been outstanding!

Last Wednesday, SMH Radar full page on the increasing popularity of cycling http://radar.smh.com.au/archives/2006/07/bicycle_paths_e.html

Saturday, SMH had a favourable article about bicycle couriers (wow!) and the upcoming Bicycle Messenger World Championships in Sydney http://www.smh.com.au/text/articles/2006/07/14/1152637872236.html

Sunday's Sun Herald had a two page spread on cycling as a solution to petrol prices, and about the massbug Bike Bus http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/thousands-buy-cycles/2006/07/15/1152637916782.html

Today the Newcastle Herald columnist, Jeff Corbett published a pro-cycling article, "Braking a Viscious Cycle" about the intimidating behaviour of motorists (email me if you'd like a scan of the article). Only a couple of years ago he wrote an anti-cycling piece, but Newcastle Cycleways Movement have now converted him.

The Ami Gillett Foundation have produced a TV ad which is now screening as a Community Service Announcement on Channel 10 http://www.amygillett.org.au/index.php?page=53

In October we will have the festival of cycling, including the International Bicycle Messenger Championships and a Bicycle Film Festival.

I still say cycling is not a minority interest - nearly everyone wants more people cycling, even if it's not themselves. And the rash of Climate Change and Peak Oil articles, along with the future of petrol prices, will only work in our favour.

Tuesday 8th August is the next ABS Census which will be counting how many people ride to work.

Now is the time to work on any of your friends not yet cycling to work. Talk about petrol prices, public transport fare increases, health & fitness benefits and climate change. Offer buddying. Start extra bike buses.

Flyers:

Over to you all,

Fiona

-- GilbertGrace - 20 Jul 2006

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