Wheels of Justice

Leszek Wereszka Memorial Ride - download the pdf here.

• Further Leszek Wereszka articles here

In early August 2007, Leszek Wereszka died when hit by a truck while riding his bike on the Port Wakefield road 70 km from Adelaide. Leszek was on the last stage of a 20,000km ride around Australia when he died.

The Sunday Mail gave an account of Leszek’s ride and tragic death on August 19th. When reading this story (August 19, pp 8-9), many South Australians were deeply moved.

Leszek was the fifth cyclist killed on South Australian roads this year. Added to this of course, Leszek’s story seems even more tragic and compelling given he was killed on the very last day of such an epic journey around Australia.

In the report, his Adelaide cousin, Janusz Wereszka, is quoted ‘We are just hoping one thing – we want to make drivers aware of cyclists on the road. If this can save even one life, then it is worth it…. Maybe one day someone can finish his journey – he only had 70kms left.”

In response to these comments a small riding group of friends based in Blackwood, decided to arrange a memorial ride for Leszek, beginning from the point where he was killed and finishing in Victoria Square.

70 riders will complete the 70km journey, arriving in Victoria Square at 11.00am. The aims of this ride are to:

1. Honor Leszek and Celebrate his achievements (and cycling generally), by completing the last 70km of his journey for him.

2. Raise awareness amongst all road users about road rules as they relate to cyclists. Janusz Wereszka, Anna Wereszka (Leszek’s daughter), SAPOL, Bike SA and other groups and individuals have joined together to plan for this ride.

Details about the ride.

• The ride will be held on Saturday morning, December 8th, 2007.

• A group of 70 riders will depart from the point where Leszek was killed on Pt Wakefield road and ride to Adelaide. This group will consist of representatives of cycling groups, sporting teams and other organizations and individuals supporting the ride.

• Other riders who wish to support the goals of the ride, will be invited to join the 70 riders at 11am in Victoria Square where there will be speeches and other activities.

• SAPOL will support the ride from the starting point 70km’s from Adelaide, ensuring the riders have police vehicle support and a controlled traffic / traffic light scenario through to Victoria Square.

• Bicycle SA have offered to make available signage and a support vehicle for the ride, as well as their expert advice. They will also promote the ride.

Anyone interested in participating in the ride in any way should contact: Leigh Cameron: lcameronATadam.com.au, Mb: 0400 036 919

November 17: Media Release: Greens call for federal funding for cycling

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle has today launched The Greens federal cycling initiative. Joining dozens of cyclists for a mass ride into the centre of Sydney Senator Nettle announced that The Greens will be pushing for a Commonwealth commitment of $750 million dollars over ten years to support cycling infrastructure and promotion.

“The Greens believe that all transport funding should be based on principles of equity, fairness and sustainability. Cycling, walking and public transport make a huge positive contribution to the environment and to communities, yet the federal government is not doing enough to promote and support cycling,” Senator Nettle said.

“The Greens ‘Roads to Rail’ policy has called for 25% of the over $5 billion dedicated to road development each year to be redirected into sustainable transport options including cycling infrastructure.

“The funding priorities of this government need turning around. Currently the tariff on 4WD vehicles which subsidises 4WD by around $2000 per vehicle, costs the Commonwealth up to $150 million each year, whilst cycling gets almost nothing.

“Whilst the Australian National Cycling strategy 2005-2010 offers some policy coordination it offers nothing in terms of funding. The federal government’s Green House Gas Abatement Programme has just $6.4 million dollars for the National Travel Behaviour Change project which encourages people to move from their cars to walking cycling and public transport.

“The threat of dangerous climate change demands a whole of government response. Significant backing of sustainable transport options, including cycling, must be a part of that response.

“Cycling as a component of a healthy lifestyle is also important in combating the obesity challenge which costs Australia $21 billion annually. Investment in the promotion of cycling will save the Commonwealth money in health expenditure in the medium to long term.

“The Greens policy is developed in support the Healthy and Active Transport Programme initiative developed by Australian Bicycling Federation to build cycling infrastructure across the country. Read rest of entry>

International Herald Tribune: South Korea promoting bicycle use

South Korea, one of Asia’s industrial powerhouses, is turning to an old-fashioned way to solve the problem of its traffic-clogged roads: encouraging people to ride bicycles. The Home Affairs Ministry announced a campaign Monday to promote bicycle use as a way to cope with heavy traffic, air pollution and soaring global oil prices. The ministry said it will increase the number of bicycle-only roads and bicycle racks and revise related ordinances. Read rest of entry>

Sunshine Coast Daily: Plan to make Maroochy safer for bikes

Plans to make Maroochy roads safer for bike riders are under way, and mayor Joe Natoli has promised to keep cycle safety high on the post-amalgamation agenda. Damien Jones and John Stephen from the Suncoast Cycling Alliance have met with the mayor to discuss their plans to make Maroochy shire more cycle friendly, based on the award-winning model in Noosa. Mr Stephen said their plan included cycle signs and symbols on the road, “green zones” and raising driver awareness. These proposals are based on initiatives of Noosa council’s Nigel Walker, who heads its Travel Behaviour Change team. Read rest of entry>

Kingston News: Man fined £500 over cyclist’s death

A man was given a suspended prison sentence and a £500 fine following the death of an Australian cyclist. David Harris, 33, of Worcester Park, was arrested after the body of Damien Jeffrey was found by the A3 dual carriageway in Surrey. Damien, 25, who had been living in New Malden, was found in the early hours of July 4, 2006, after police were alerted by a driver worried about his safety.

Harris pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and perverting the course of justice, and to failing to stop after an accident. He was also banned from driving for 12 months and sentenced to 150 hours’ unpaid work by Guildford Crown Court. He was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Boston.com: Spinning its wheels no more on bicycle-friendly policies

About 100 people turned out on Oct. 22 for a forum on the “Role of Bicycling in World Class Cities,” one of several sessions that are being held to gauge public opinion on bicycling issues in Boston. Community leaders and city officials also met during the week with transportation specialists to discuss how bicycling relates to such areas as economic development and urban planning. Read rest of entry>

Quick Release.tv: Cyclists: vote for Sustrans from November 26th

You may not live in Britain, but you could help us win $100m to transform 79 communities across the UK. The BIG Lottery Fund has unveiled the final shortlist for the People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway. The contest will be a public vote which will see one project of national importance win a grant of £50m. The Sustrans Connect2 project is the only national project out of four finalists. Read rest of entry>

Scotsman.com News: Cyclists pedal a friendlier message

They are often accused of being the bane of the motorist, but a new campaign is hoping to project a different image of Edinburgh’s cyclists - by encouraging them to mind their manners. The “Bike Polite” code, which is said to be a first in the UK, has been launched by cycle lobby group Spokes and aims to reduce the number of confrontations and accidents involving bikes. The code covers four of the main problem areas - shared footpaths, canal towpaths, red traffic lights and riding after dark. Read rest of entry>

CityNews.ca: Amazing Bike Dispensing Machine Aids Commuter Travel

It’s an amazing idea and technology has made it possible. Dutch commuters are now able to rent a bicycle to get to work using a device that actually dispenses the two-wheelers like a gumball machine.

The bike dispenser isn’t designed for someone looking to take a leisurely ride around the city of Arnheim in the Netherlands. Instead, it’s made for people heading to work who need a quick ride but don’t want to go through the hassles of buying or maintaining a bicycle themselves. The kiosk allows riders to register for a card, swipe it past a sensor and watch as a fully equipped two-wheeler comes out of the slot. Read rest of entry>

From Sydney IndyMedia: Helmet Cam Captures Road Rage Against Cyclist

A helmet mounted video camera carried by a Sydney cyclist has caught a road rage incident by a car driver, highlighting the harrassment that cyclists face on our roads on a daily basis.

Related: Critical Mass to Ride Harbour Bridge in November | Wheels of Justice | Vote 4 Cycling

The video incident ocurred on Friday, 26 Oct 2007, at about 9:15 am on Victoria Road on the cyclist’s way to work. The video camera, mounted on the cyclist’s helmet, recorded the interchange between the motorist and cyclist. Although the sound is patchy the video provides a graphic story of motorist road rage. Many cyclists can tell similar stories about road rage and aggressive and abusive drivers.

The cyclist described the incident:
“Here am beeped by a black van. When I catch up 20 seconds later, I ask whats the problem. He’s busy talking on a phone (hand free) so we trade hand signals. I fake a spit on he car, and ride off. 2 minutes later he uses his horn again, cuts me off (I slap the side of his van). He turns the corner, gets out and we have a standoff (he is to close for the camera).”

After the first brief interaction, the driver cut in front of the cyclist dangerously, then did a left turn into a side street and stops. He then gets out of his car shouting at the cyclist and approaching so close that he is not in camera frame. He pushes the cyclist while shouting abuse, and then turns around and walks back to his car.

The incident is witnessed by another driver who is seen on camera offering to be a witness.

According to the cyclist in a post on the Sydney Critical Mass list the incident was reported on the police assistance line who advised that a report should be made in person at Balmain Police Station. The matter was duly reported at Balmain police station with rego number (SJP-333) and vehicle and driver description. The cyclist was told that the rego number did not match the vehicle description on their system (A red mazda).

The cyclist returned later with still images from the video of the car, number plate and driver and was told by a police constable that they will ring the driver to warn warn him of is behavior. There was no concern expressed that the rego details did not match the details on their system.

As the number of cyclists on the roads increase due to peak oil, traffic authorities need to target driver behaviour with education programs. While most drivers behave in sensible and polite fashion, it is the small minority who abuse their use of a license to driving dangerous equipment at speed, and abuse and intimidate fellow road users and their rights.

The media must also bare the blame for inciting road rage with repeated articles stirring up driver hatred of cyclists and sometimes encouraging road rage attacks. The Wheels of Justice continues to highlight examples of poor journalistic practice and incitement of road rage, the most recent piece by columnist John Birmingham in the Brisbane Times expressing a wish that he had a ‘Metal Storm’ weapon fitted to his car to deal with cyclists. (Brisbane: He Died with a Metal Storm Slug in His Head - WOJ 31/10/07)

The RTA has produced a television add (Youtube) as part of a campaign to target speeding which is a start. Simon Jardak engaged in road rage after a woman made a “small penis” hand gesture made popular by this add. He threw a bottle at her, which cost him a conviction and a $400 fine for maliciously destroying or damaging property. (‘Small penis’ gesture ‘provokes road rage’ - news.com.au 13/10/07)

The above case is an example of road rage against another vehicle driver. How often have the police acted in incidents against cyclists or pedestrians to the point of court action and convictions? The police need to adopt a zero tolerance policy with regard to road rage irrespective of who is on the receiving end. Until they take action against agressive and bullying road users, as in the case of Simon Jardak, incidents of road rage against cyclists and pedestrians will continue with impunity.

Jamaica Plain Gazette.com: Bicycle advocates, city try to summit cycle-unfriendly obstacles

Barnstorming and brainstorming were the orders of the day at the Oct. 23 JP open house session of the Boston Bicycle Summit. Sponsored by the Washington, D.C.-based League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and the City of Boston, the Oct. 21-23 conference was intended to kick off a new round of cyclist-friendly initiatives in the city. Over the three days a range of topics, including biking and economic development, streetscape design and enforcement of traffic laws, were discussed in open- and closed-door sessions. Read rest of entry>

ABC Online: Teenagers charged after cyclist knocked down by car door

Five youths have been arrested after a cyclist was knocked to the ground and injured. Police allege the female cyclist was riding on Ercumebene Drive in Duffy in south-west Canberra yesterday when the door of a passing car was opened and struck her. Police traced the occupants of the car and arrested four 13-year-olds and a 15-year-old. They will face a number of charges including riding in a stolen car.

Moreland Leader: Refugees on the right path

Bicycle mechanic is helping asylum seekers go the distance. Bill Bretherton has been donating bicycles to refugees for four years through his volunteer-run collective, Human Powered Cycles, where he repairs and sells pre-loved and broken bicycles. Last month Bretherton received a $1000 grant from Cycling Promotion to run a cycling program teaching asylum seekers how to ride and maintain their bicycles. Read rest of entry>

The Guardian: Lager replaces Pimms in bike polo revival

The pre-polo social scene on Brick Lane is not one the regulars at Cowdray Park would recognise. There are no designer frocks or upturned Ralph Lauren collars, and the scruffily hip spectators choose cans of lager over champagne and Pimms. Yet urban bike polo, which has sprung up in cities around the UK, has an unexpected heritage to rival that of its equestrian cousin. Read rest of entry>

Leader News.com.au: Yarraville crossing dig in

Two Maribyrnong councillors say that if the State Government will not fix the Yarraville railway crossing, they will do it themselves. Janis Rossiter and Catherine Cumming are calling on the community to turn up with their picks and shovels on Saturday, November 17 at 11am to dig out the pedestrian underpass. Their plan follows the death of a 29-year-old Yarraville cyclist a fortnight ago, who was struck by a train. He crossed the tracks when the boom gates were down. Read rest of entry>

Scotsman.com News: ‘Factions must learn to live in harmony’

Those that use the city’s roads on a regular basis - whether on four wheels or two - cannot have failed to notice that at times there is a war going on between motorists and cyclists. There are elements in both camps whose attitude towards each other is hostile and encourages behaviour which on occasions is little short of dangerous.

Almost every cyclist can cite an incident where they have been struck by a vehicle or squeezed off the road. Similarly most drivers can quote examples of being forced to stop or swerve suddenly or of having been obstructed by a cyclist intent on commanding the centre of the roadway. Read rest of entry>

Sunshine Coast Daily: Lorian overcomes deadly crash

For gutsy Australian cyclist Lorian Graham, one of the really good things about competing in Noosa – apart from the enthusiastic crowds that pull her along when her legs tire – is the lack of one particular demon. And that is the motor car. As Brisbane-based Lorian started yesterday in the first ever women’s Noosa Grand Prix, she did not have to worry about any four-wheeled menaces opening old mental wounds. Read rest of entry>

Boston.com: Spinning its wheels no more on bicycle-friendly policies

The bicycle racks may just be the beginning. About 100 people turned out on Oct. 22 for a forum on the “Role of Bicycling in World Class Cities,” one of several sessions that are being held to gauge public opinion on bicycling issues in Boston. Community leaders and city officials also met during the week with transportation specialists to discuss how bicycling relates to such areas as economic development and urban planning. Read rest of entry>

The Age: Education News - Chain reaction

1. How popular is cycling?

According to the Melbourne City Council, there has been a significant increase in bicycles entering the city. In March, bikes accounted for 7.9 per cent of all vehicles, an increase of 3.9 per cent since 2006. Lobby group Bicycle Victoria reports membership at an all-time high and the Cycling Promotion Fund says cycling is now Australia’s fourth-most popular exercise for adults. Read rest of entry>