UK verus Austalia ... The numbers say it all

[Aushiker]

G'day

UK cycling gets £24m windfall from Sport England

Plans include a new network of traffic-free cycle facilities and employing more regional competition development officers, Go-Ride coaches and staff on British Cycling’s Everyday Riding programme.

Cycling funding gap Down Under

In its Victorian Transport Plan, the state government said it would inject AU$100 million into cycling over the next 12 years. Local campaign group Bicycle Victoria said this was too small, amounting to just "20 cents a head extra".

Andrew

[m@]

It ain't 24 million squid, but there's this

I love our new premier! See him out on the bike path at lunch time quite often!

[lemmiwinks]

It ain't 24 million squid, but there's this

Bike paths erode the perception of our right to the road in the minds of other road users

[toff]

Bike paths erode the perception of our right to the road in the minds of other road users

Well put lemmiwinks. Bikes belong on the roads. Additional infrastructure is probably not needed, when for a fraction of the cost, drivers could be educated.

[lemmiwinks]

Although reading further;

Mr Bartlett also said both motorists and cyclists needed to be more considerate of each other on the state's roads.

"Cyclists need to be sensible and courteous in their use or the road, they need to obey the road rules - motorists though also need to recognise cyclists' right to use the roads - and to ride two abreast in fact.

"These are the things we need to educate the population about. I'm considering an education campaign around motorists and cyclists working better together."

And he ruled out a registration scheme for bike riders.

So that's good IMO.

[m@]

Bike paths erode the perception of our right to the road in the minds of other road users

Agreed, though they are good for getting kids on bikes at an early age as many parents won't let 'em ride on roads these days. Provided there is adequate education of cyclists' right to the road I think they're a good thing.

A fair bit of the money is also going toward on-road bike lanes, which could be good if they are actually done to a decent standard.

[Aushiker]

It ain't 24 million squid, but there's this

Bike paths erode the perception of our right to the road in the minds of other road users

But not everyone rides on the roads nor do they want to or should they have to. Maybe appropriate bike path infrastructure and an education program is an appropriate comprise so that ALL users get a fair go.

Andrew

[rob e]

The TAS premier is on to it......bike paths + rider/driver education as to cyclists rights on the ROAD.

[brauluver]

It ain't 24 million squid, but there's this

I love our new premier! See him out on the bike path at lunch time quite often!

What a Legend!
He even looks like a normal bloke

Lucky you.

[stryker84]

It ain't 24 million squid, but there's this

I love our new premier! See him out on the bike path at lunch time quite often!

What a Legend!
He even looks like a normal bloke

Lucky you.

I'm just curious at the bear on a tandem in the background... ?

[lemmiwinks]

Bike paths erode the perception of our right to the road in the minds of other road users

But not everyone rides on the roads nor do they want to or should they have to. Maybe appropriate bike path infrastructure and an education program is an appropriate comprise so that ALL users get a fair go.

Andrew

My point is that cyclists have a right (enshrined in law) to use the road. That right is only begrudgingly recognised by most road users, not at all by some. If you build an expensive cycling specific infrastructure it adds fuel to the fire for those who yell abuse, throw things, write mocking newspaper articles about how bicycles don't belong on the road because they hold up cars and potentially those who write legislation.

As for not wanting to use the road, that's a personal choice that people are perfectly entitled to make, however I don't see why they deserve special treatment. Maybe they should just HTFU.

[Kid_Carbine]

UK cycling gets £24m windfall from Sport England

Just to put that into perspective, the conversion of Pounds Sterling to $ Au as at this moment is $52,904,164.01 AUD
Over $52millions Au, & that compares to, ...............

[gorilla monsoon]

Bike paths erode the perception of our right to the road in the minds of other road users

But not everyone rides on the roads nor do they want to or should they have to. Maybe appropriate bike path infrastructure and an education program is an appropriate comprise so that ALL users get a fair go.

Andrew

My point is that cyclists have a right (enshrined in law) to use the road. That right is only begrudgingly recognised by most road users, not at all by some. If you build an expensive cycling specific infrastructure it adds fuel to the fire for those who yell abuse, throw things, write mocking newspaper articles about how bicycles don't belong on the road because they hold up cars and potentially those who write legislation.

As for not wanting to use the road, that's a personal choice that people are perfectly entitled to make, however I don't see why they deserve special treatment. Maybe they should just HTFU.

Sorry mate but as far as most people are concerned your argument will only be valid when there are as many bicycles on the road as there are cars.