Dear Chris,

Thank you for sending me and the other No Politics candidates a request
for our position on issues relating to cycling in Ashfield and the inner
West.

I respond to this request for all No Politics candidates in South Ward.

Q1-What is your postion on investment in projects that have the specific
aim of improving the liveability and sustainability of the Ashfield local
Government Area.

Undoubtably there should be more investment in projects that have as their
core aim improved sustainability and liveability in the Ashfield precinct.
No Politics aims to introduce a Local Environment Plan which is sadly
lacking at Ashfield council. No Politics also seeks for long term goals
which will improve the sustainability of the Area.  A Traffic Management
plan incorporating the needs and safety of cyclists should also be
considered.

Q2-The Childhood obesity Summit, cycle ways, and physical activity
opportunities?

No Politics values community consultation, and obviously the needs of the
community would need to be assessed through appropriate consultation. We
would support and assist with the implemention of developing paths and
cycleways.

No Politics believes Council should promote and seek to implement the
development of bicycle information and programmes aimed at youth through
youth community services, local non government organisations, schools,
parent and teacher organisations community health providers and Ashbug.

3. Safety Concerns?

Definately not safe enough.  A local Environment Plan is required to
adress this issue.  So is community consultation. No Politics aims at a
more progressive aproach to the needs of cyclists. Council should consider
the aproach other councils have taken towards cyclists.  Ashfield Council
could model some of its future safety policies on those adopted by South
Sydney Council. An integrated aproach is required to address this
situation.

4. Budgetory Considerations?

Unfortunately, as none of the No Politics Candidats are currently
councillors of Ashfield Council No Politics is unable to comment. We are
not privvy to that sort of information. However, it would certainly be
more than is being spent at the moment. No Politics would increase
spending allocation of funding to bicycle facilities commensurate with the
increased needs of cyclists within the Ashfield Municipality. Community
groups such as Ashbug and Massbug would be consulted to assess the needs
for the increases and how the money should be spent.

5. Increase in People Cycling?

More and more Asfield residents are becoming environmentally aware and
health concsious as individuals and citizens of their community.
Community groups such as Ashbug have increased the awareness of the
benefits of cycling.  As traffic congestion increases and public transport
fails to meet the needs of the community cycling has become an attractive
and affordable solution to traveling to work. The close proximity of the
Ashfield Municipality to the city and the forssight of other progresive
councils in the inner city have made cycling to work a safer and
convenient option. Also there are many new residents within Ashfield,
Summer Hill and Haberfield who have moved here from other local Cycle
areas within the inner city. Free publications such as the Inner West
cycling map which highlight many cycle friendly roads in Ashfield would
explain recent increases. These factors may have contributed to the
increase in people in Ashfield riding a bycicle to work.

6.  If elected how would you promote the benefits of cycling in your area?

As well as all of the abovementioned considerations, an elected No
Politics candidate would seek to consult with community groups such as
Ashbug towards a sustainable aproach and effective planning policies. If
appropriate we would like to increase the number of secure cycle racks at
commuter hubs like Ashfield station.

We would consult jointly with Canada Bay and Leichardt Council to improve
and maintain the Bay Run and Hawthorn Parade. We would also seek to
incresae the number of designated cycle paths in Ashfield.

7. If elected would you support>>>>

Yes
Yes
Yes

Generally:

We support bicycle riders and encourage their use for recreation and 
enjoyment. David has children who ride bicycles and is well aware of the 
hazards they encounter on the roads of Ashfield Municipality. We consider 
that the Ashfield Bicycle Plan is outdated and long overdue for review.

Cheers

Cheryl, David & Peter

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