Drop bar bikes = intent to ride without due care apparently
Aushiker | February 6, 2010 6:14 pm
Councillor Rod Bradley of the Town of Cambridge Council is having his say again on cyclists. This is the same Councillor Bradley who called for the forcing of cyclists to use paths in August, 2008. Now I respect Councillor Bradley’s right to express his views, however, is it to much to ask Councillor Bradley to actually think about what he is saying? Is it too much to ask Councillor Bradley to engage in discussions in an appropriate manner? I am really struggling to see how comments such as these as reported in the Post are constructive, appropriate or even show a reasonable level of understanding to warrant actually participating in such a discussion.
The article where Councillor Bradley is quoted is titled Cyclist flattens lakeside walker and was published in the Cambridge Post February 6, 2010, Vol 37 No. 6 and Councillor Bradley’s comments can be found on page 81 of this issue.
Referring for a moment to the incident as report. My fullest sympathies go out to Ms McAnearney and express my extreme disappointment with this incident and the actions of the cyclist as reported, just as I am extremely disappointed at any incident on our roads and paths where any user is hurt or worst killed, whether it be pedestrian, cyclist or motorised vehicle occupant.
What disappoints me is that I don’t read of Councillor Bradley out “calling for blood” so to speak of motorists who injure or kill cyclists. Sadly I don’t read of Councillor Bradley calling for the ban of motorists (probably stupid anyway) but I don’t see the Councillor calling for action on penalties for motorists injuring or killing cyclists; for major road design changes and so on. I don’t see the Councillor doing any this when a motorist injuries or kills another motorist or passenger. I therefore must really question Councillor Bradley’s motives and sincerity with his most recent statements.
The statement by Councillor Bradley which caught my interest is this one:
The time is overdue for proper controls to be established over the use of cycles on roads and cycleways…
A machine [bicycle] that requires the rider to bend forward in a way that makes it difficult to see ahead is a prima facie indication of an intent to ride without due care for others or self (my emphasis).
Cycling is promoted as being health and eco-friendly but there is an ominous side to it.
A couple of thoughts on this statement:
- Proper controls are in place, they are called the Road Code of Western Australia 2000 as amended. Yep those same laws that control the behaviour of motorists and other road users. Maybe the real issue is proper enforcement of these road rules by all users Councillor Bradley. How many cyclists killed other users in 2009? How many motorists killed over users in 2009 Councillor Bradley? I really wonder about your priorities.
- I wonder if Councillor Bradley knows how to actually ride a bicycle as described (e.g., a drop bar bicycle) given these comments. I average 300 km plus a week on such a bicycle. Apparently I am riding with a prima facie intent to ride without due care for others or myself. Councillor Bradley, let me make this really clear. That insinuation is offensive and reflects nothing more than your ignorance. You don’t even know me, you don’t even know how I ride, yet you have come to this conclusion. Oh please!
- What does this say about the likes of our own Cadel Evans, current road racing World Champion? What does it say about Lance Armstrong and the Livestrong Foundation; What does this say about all those professional cyclists racing in our own Tour de Perth (held by the way in the Town of Cambridge), the Australian Tour Down Under, or the three Grand Tours on the international stage, the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España or the hundreds of other races held around the world at numerous locations throughout the year.
It is really disappointing to see an elected representative expressing views in such an ill-informed manner. It does nothing to enhance informed and proper governance at the local council level.
If you wish to contact Councillor Bradley directly to discuss his views, his email address as published on the Town of Cambridge website is cr.bradley@cambridge.wa.gov.au.
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