Green light for traffic congestion debate

Commenting on the story: Our traffic congestion “problem” is overblown

As the President of the Planning Institute of Australia SA Division , I completely agree that planners and government should make congestion their friend. This is a long-term view.

However, the fact is in Australia, unlike the Vancouver example cited, funding from the Federal Government for infrastructure is generally only for roads, and not public transport options such as trams, trains or even bike networks. These are left to the state and local governments to fund.

This obviously quickly becomes the least attractive option, as governments want Federal Government assistance with large infrastructure projects in their attempt to maintain a pipeline of work for employees. Until such time as transport is viewed and funded holistically, congestion will never be a friend. – Kym Pryde

Unfortunately the opinion piece is so outdated and wishy washy its hardly worthy of comment. The statement “building more roads induces more traffic” is so correct it’s funny. Properly planned infrastructure does not plan for today, but tomorrow, therefore, the statement proves that the planning worked. The statement should read: “We don’t want any growth in traffic whatsoever, we are actually anti-traffic and want to discourage any type of traffic growth”, which is more in line with the gist of the article. 

New infrastructure is designed to take the place of existing infrastructure and reduce accidents, injury, deaths, as well as freight time etc. A good example of this is the Northern Connector. It will take the place of much traffic on Port Wakefield Road and the Port River Expressway, removing many traffic lights, improving efficiency and reducing pollution per trip. 

Efficiency is important when aiming to reduce carbon emissions. If all vehicles were electric, we would still face the same problem. People want freedom, people want freight, people want home delivery, people want service, people want to meet their friends, colleagues, go to work, go shopping, see their clients, do business etc. 

Unfortunately there is a weird crowd that are just anti-traffic. Their position is primarily based on the word traffic, and they are overcome by the daunting thought of problems associated with traffic they themselves cannot resolve. Fortunately we have some very intelligent people working on solutions. –Rob de Nys

Let a thousand bikeways bloom

Commenting on the story: City council to consider fast-tracking bikeway start date

A cyclist travels along Frome Street’s controversial bikeway. Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily

Yes, yes and YES to Cr Dr Helen Donovan’s motion to get on with the east-west bikeway along Flinders Street, and as soon as possible. I am a cyclist and have enjoyed the safety of the Frome Street bikeway since it was completed.

I live at Prospect and cycle down Frome Street past the zoo, and when I get to the bikeway I breathe a sigh of relief as I know I am pretty safe, so well done Adelaide City Council. In addition, please complete the north-south sections from North Terrace. The existing bike lane is pretty terrible travelling north, with too many bumps and the bike lane gets very narrow. The separated bike lane past the new high school needs upgrading, it is very bumpy and the traffic signals need attention.

Councillor Donovan, can we do it? Yes we can. I say ‘Just Do It, Adelaide City Council’ – us cyclists will be overjoyed, and there are lots and lots of us. – Tom Matthews

People on bicycles deserve an east-west protected bikeway to protect them from distracted drivers. The humble bicycle is an excellent way to get into and around the city and e-bikes are enabling people to ride in their work clothes without the sweat factor.

Frome Street’s re-design has given us a well balanced template for protected bikeways in Adelaide. My family is looking forward to using an east-west protected bikeway sooner rather than later. – William Matthews

Novelty cheque bounces with voters

Commenting on the story: Investigate Downer novelty cheque: Labor

A photo of the novelty cheque posted by Georgina Downer on her Facebook page.

I have no doubt that Ms Downer provided support to the Yankalilla Bowling Club. Most of us know of many people who tirelessly campaign for community causes – be it an upgrade of the local bowling club, more equipment for the local hospital, a new vehicle for the CFS or any other number of important local community causes. We admire these people because we know that they are genuinely disinterested – they do not work on behalf of their communities for their own benefit.

So when Ms Downer uses her efforts to promote herself as the local candidate, one cannot help but wonder whether her motives were to assist the community or a cold, calculating attempt to win votes. It certainly smacks of the latter. 

If her campaign is to centre on the politics of patronage then I expect that the voters of Mayo will, like me, be singularly unimpressed. – Dr John Töns

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