Sent: Monday, 15 March 2004 5:04
To: massbug@massbug.org.au
Subject: Your Questionaire


Dear Marrickville South _ Sydney Bicycle Group,

First off, let me say it's great to hear from you. I should tell you that I am a recently reformed cyclist and am one of that magic 79% who has started cycling to work ( I'm a local relieving teacher) and am enjoying both the sensation & the benefits. 

As to your questionnaire points in order:

1. I believe that the inner west has far, far too many cars on the road. Further that they threaten our health and standard of living on an ever increasing scale. This is due in part to over development by local councils. Our greenhouse quotient in Australia per capita of population is indefensible. This mentality is actively promoted by business, big and small, of which council deals with in many ways. There needs to be new pro-green policy to seriously counter and redress the current situation. Bicycles offer a simple, inexpensive and viable alternative to private transport. Hence bicycles must be catered for as alternative transportation and promoted wherever and whenever possible by council.

2. Local government under Cotter's Labor has done next to nothing on the Public Health front. The Socialist Alliance would proactively support any children's health campaign in relation to the benefits of cycling. Linking cycling to not only civic responsibility but to good health and its maintenence.

3. More bicycle friendly zones. Expand current bikeways [eg. HCAT]. Where possible cordon off low speed areas specifically for cyclists. Council based publicity to make private transport to work as unattractive as possible.

4. I would support an appreciable increase in the 'Roads to Recovery' funding. I have yet to familiarize myself with all aspects of the program but will make a point of doing so. As a born again cyclist it seems in my best interest to!

5. People are sick of the pollution, sick of urban congestion and concerned about the impact of airborne pollutants on themselves and their children. My family and I live next to a main road that is clogged every morning. Something needs to be done for the sake of my kids and other people's.

6. First off by cycling around the area myself! As a local people here get to know me I could do my advocation 'in situ' as it were. More than that there is a real need for someone to do something about the cars. It may as well be a local councillor.

7. I would whole-heartedly support a review of the bicycle plan by Marrickville Council. I would press for increased funding for the plan after implementation. Press for the Iron Cove to Cooks River link.

I trust this puts you in the picture from the Socialist Alliance standpoint on cycling. If you should have any other question relating to the forthcoming poll I would be happy to hear from you. I'm available on 0418-228169. 

Warm Regards,

Richard Lawson
[Socialist Alliance candidate
Marrickville West Ward]