Letter angers local cyclists
A senior ministerial officer has outraged Perth's bicycle society by writing that "cycling does not currently fulfil an important transport role within our community".
The comments were in a letter from Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey's chief of staff Gary Hamley to regular city cyclist James Fairbairn on Wednesday.
"Cycling does not currently fulfil an important transport role in our community," Mr Hamley wrote. "However, surveys conducted in major Australian cities have shown that cycling is popular and is increasing in popularity as a means of transport and for recreation."
Mr Fairbairn said he had been incensed by the comments.
Bicycling WA chief executive Jeremey Murray said the comments showed the minister and her office were out of touch.
But after being asked about the letter yesterday, Mrs Harvey said it included a "clerical error". She re-sent the letter under her name and informed Mr Fairbairn.
The second letter read: "Cycling does currently fulfil an important transport role within our community. Surveys conducted in major Australian cities have shown that cycling is popular and is increasing in popularity as a means of transport and for recreation."
Mr Murray said six bike riders were killed on WA roads last year and cyclists continued to be over-represented in road-related deaths and injuries.
"Despite these alarming statistics, the minister and the Office of Road Safety have failed to engage with cycling groups such as ours in an effort to develop strategies to make it safer for people who choose to ride," he said.
Mrs Harvey said, as indicated in the letter to Mr Fairbairn, the WA Government would be undertaking a public education campaign focusing on cyclist safety.
"This is will be a significant campaign about sharing the road, making sure that both cyclists and drivers act responsibly," she said. "I am confident the campaign will be welcomed by the wider cycling community and I am disappointed that Bicycling WA does not recognise the value in this announcement.
"Roads are a dangerous place for vulnerable road users like cyclists and it is important that drivers and cyclists share the responsibility of making the road safer for everyone."
