This morning (5/8) on 3AW, Nick McCallum and John Michael Howson took part in a talkback session relating to news yesterday about more funding being required for cycling as a transport opinion.

The Age: $100m a year call to boost pedal power
Melbourne must take a “quantum leap” in promoting cycling as a safe transport alternative, according to an expert report commissioned by The Age. Professor Nick Low, Director of the Australasian Centre for Governance and Management of Urban Transport, argues that by 2030, 30 per cent of all city trips should be made by bicycle.

Nick McCallum, to his credit, took a mostly constructive approach, although Mr Howson in all seriousiness, clearly isn’t a transport expert. Mr Howson is better known to most as a “flamboyant Australian entertainer“. Put simply, Mr Howson is just a radio entertainer being divisive about a subject of which he has virtually no experience or first hand knowledge.

Unfortunately, yet again, the media is portraying these issues in a very limited, narrow perspective that doesn’t broaden awareness or clarity between road users. Mr Howson is entitled to his opinions, although after having a look at the studio cam, he could probably equally benefit from some fresh air, exercise, improved diet and possibly a regular bike ride.

• Listen to the mp3 here (7 MB, approx 32 minutes)

What is missing in this debate are the facts:

• Consolidated revenue pays for the roads,
• Bicycles are legally road users,
• The risk to the greater community for NOT having a choice to use bicycles as a transport and recreational option has far more dangerous outcomes to our community as a whole,
• Bicycle registration fees are not a workable solution to a perceived ‘problem’,
• Increased awareness, education and accountability is the key for improved conditions for all road users,
• Informed, balanced discussion is another key to better awareness of these issues. Continually repeating negative media bias and repeating unresearched ‘facts’ can inadvertently create more volatile and polarised attitudes that can lead to tragic outcomes.

Last week, Derryn Hinch also had a talkback session regarding shared road issues, the Hell Ride and community perceptions about bicycle riders.

• Listen to the mp3 here (4 MB, approx. 19 minutes)
• Hinch Editorial (31/7): Anarchy on wheels

The death of James Gould was an absolute, avoidable tragedy, but this terrible incident should be put into perspective. Virtually everyday the daily road toll increases. Do we hear these all individual tragedies played out in the media to the same extent?