On Saturday 25th November 2006, the Daily Telegraph published Anita Quigley’s article “This disturbing cycle is just a critical mess“In the second paragraph, Quigley makes this following remark:

“It has never occurred to me it might matter to drivers what a cyclist wears because, clothed or naked, with a helmet or not, all cyclists in the city are irritating and I find bring on an overwhelming desire to swerve towards.”

Quigley counters with this remark (Mon 27 Nov 2006) in response to negative comments left by readers:

“David et al, I responded on Saturday - it’s called humour. And I cannot believe I am still be asked such ludicrous questions. Of course I would not drive my car towards and hit a cyclist.”

Wheels of Justice believe this response is still NOT an adequate apology. As a media commentator, Anita Quigley should have a better comprehension of what is acceptable to publish in the media.

A possible incitement to violence as a result of difference of opinion is NOT acceptable in any context.

Last week, the Townsville Bulletin (Team go off road 23/11) reported that the North Queensland Cowboys have been forced to take their “intensive bike training off the streets and into the protected confines of Townsville’s velodrome for the first time” due to unprovoked acts of aggression by motorists.

The Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Glen Murphy said in the article; “the boys can be as safe as anything (when cycling on the road) but we have no control over motorists.”

What has recently occurred to the North Queensland Cowboys team is sadly an example of intolerant attitudes that should not be further encouraged in the media. Wheels of Justice calls upon all road users, regardless if they drive vehicles, ride bicycles or walk, to use the road environment with shared awareness and respect with each other.

Wheels of Justice also call upon all road users to contact both Anita Quigley and the Daily Telegraph to make an immediate retraction of her remarks and apologise in full.

Please contact the Daily Telegraph via the details supplied below, to demand a retraction and apology, on behalf of ALL who share Australia’s roads.

The Daily Telegraph
Postal Address: 2 Holt Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010.
T: (02) 9288-3000.
F: (02) 9288-2300.
E: news@dailytelegraph.com.au

Letter to the Editor: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/letter

If you have contacted the Daily Telegraph and not received a satisfactory response within 60 days of the complaint, please read the “Guidelines on complaints procedure” from the Australian Press Council for further advice.

Please feel free to pass on this information.