Dear Catherine, Let me respond to your questions in a general way and then move to the specifics. I have a driver's licence, but do not own a car, and have not owned one since I moved back to Sydney in 1995, after a first teaching post in the country. I used to be a keen cyclist, until I was run off the road by a mad driver, and I decided that Sydney's roads were not safe for cyclists. Now I travel by public transport, and use it on a daily basis. Obviously I am sympathetic to the aims of your group, though to be candid, I had not heard of the group, prior to receiving your letter. With specific regard to your questions : 1. It is part of the Greens' program to encourage the promotion of programs/projects to make Ashfield more liveable. Personally, I am very happy to support them, as I live in this municipality and take a keen interest in the area. 2. It is incumbent on the local Council to provide facilities at the local area; I have heard it spoken of as "rates/roads/and rubbish". I don't know enough about cycleways in the area (do they exist already? how much do they cost to build? where could they be sited?), but I would regard cycleways in the area as a valuable extension of infrastructure. I'm sorry that's so vague, but I would rather be honest - I'm in favour of them, but that's all I can say. 3. I wouldn't ride in Ashfield - as a pedestrian, I've nearly been knocked down by the rampaging 4WDs of the area on several occasions. I suspect that dedicated cycleways that linked the suburbs of our municipality might lure me back to cycling. 4. These are technical questions, and frankly, I don't have a clue. Again in general and personal terms, I'm very sympathetic to your cause. 5. An easy one - public transport is so very unreliable, and the roads are becoming ever more congested with cars. The solution is obvious..... 6. I would be pleased to take advice on this issue (and I presume that you have advice to offer....) 7. Yes. Yes and Yes. I hope this has answered your questions, and I am happy to clarify my attitudes to any unresolved aspect if you provide me with more specific background information. Yours, Martin Bain. Yahoo! Messenger - Communicate instantly..."Ping" your friends today! Download Messenger Now