Following posted on behalf of Sam Powrie

Bicycle Institute of South Australia - An Open letter to all South Australians. November, 2005.

South Australia faces challenges to its health systems (from runaway obesity, diabetes & cardiovascular diseases), to our environment (pollution, climate change) and our transport systems (increasing fuel costs, congestion & demand). Cycling can reduce the impact of all of these challenges on individuals and our community. However, maximizing the benefits of increased cycling requires support from Politicians and Government.

BISA feels that the community needs to know where our aspiring politicians stand on cycling issues. We are therefore asking the following questions of all those standing for State Election in 2006:

Problem: Many South Australians would cycle more if they felt it was safer to do so:
1. What initiatives will you seek to introduce to improve the safety of cyclists on our roads?

Problem: Obesity, cardiovascular disease and other activity-related problems are generating overwhelming pressures on our health systems. Involvement with cycling has been repeatedly shown to confer considerable health benefits for people of all ages.
2. What initiatives will you implement to improve the health of South Australians through cycling?

Problem: Rising fuel prices and associated costs of living are raising the profile and importance of cycling in our community.
3. What actions will you undertake to ensure cycling is encouraged and promoted as a viable and alternative means of transport in South Australia?

Problem: Changes are occurring that significantly threaten the environmental future and well being of all South Australians.
4. What commitments will you make to ensure that the role of cycling in reducing the environmental impacts of transport can be maximized?

Problem: The South Australian Government currently spends $1.50 per capita on improving conditions for cycling. The Australian per capita average is $3.00. Western Australia is currently spending $5.00 per capita.
5. Will you be prepared to increase South Australian funding for cycling to that of the Australian average of $3.00 per capita?

Details of all responses received will be made available on the BISA web site http://www.bisa.asn.au as they become available prior to the State Election on 18th March 2006.

Please address all correspondence/comments/questions to chair@bisa.asn.au

Thank you,

Sam Powrie,
Chair, Bicycle Institute of South Australia.