Cat. Pigeons. Throw.

Yes, please do so

Our 2 cents worth on the Gotcha blog palavar. Nine pages. 260+ comments. Us vs. Them. Two Wheeled Locusts vs. Demented Cagers. Now I'm going back to sleeeeppppp. Probably for most of the weekend.

" .. After quickly perusing these 260+ comments, numerous individuals need to be reminded that under AustRoads regs, cyclists ARE legally road traffic. No if’s, buts or odd personal logic comes into it. Refer to AustRoads (Australian Road Rules: December 1999) if you’re in doubt about the legality of cycling on the roads.

One observation - it’s easier to to scapegoat and demonise a cyclist or pedestrian as they’re not usually cocooned away in a metal shell. Invariably, the perception of cyclists being a high risk on the roads is simply NOT borne out when reading crashstats. Check the statistics for yourself via the RTA to TAC websites, or even find them for your state.

Like Miranda Devines recent criticism of pedestrians and cyclists being somehow in a “invisible shield of righteousness”, many of these illogical perceptions are too easy to maintain, rather than having the self awareness, or indeed, the self control to modify YOUR own behaviour. Be that cyclist, ped or indeed, motorist.

And as cycling is on the rise due to increased petrol prices, maybe it’s more benefical we all step back from the cant, rant and childish hyperbole. Afterall, the motoring industry got it’s start from technology developed by cycling back the in 19th century. We’re currently experiencing another change in transportation technology. My advice is get used cycling becoming yet again a “normalised” activity .. "