People power forces cycleway celebration

19/03/10 11:00 am

This morning’s formal opening of the South Road Tram Overpass cycle path is a celebration of people power in the face of Government opposition, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

The Rann Government wasn’t originally going to build the cycle path, but relented in the face of a concerted community campaign alongside Greens’ pressure in Parliament.

On the morning of an Upper House vote on a Greens’ motion calling for the cycle overpass to be built (which the Government knew they would lose) they announced a backflip.

“I hope Minister Conlon will acknowledge the role of community pressure in making this project happen,” said Greens MLC and keen cyclist Mark Parnell, who will participate in the first peloton to ride across the overpass.

“This cycle path is an important milestone in that it’s a rare example of dedicated bike facilities integrated into a large-scale infrastructure project.

“Let’s hope it’s not the last – and that people power is not needed next time to make it happen.

“Cycling is a popular and growing transport option, but Adelaide will never join the ranks of great cycling cities until there is much greater investment in cycling facilities and infrastructure.

“The Greens call on whichever party wins Government tomorrow to commit to a much larger share for cycling in the transport budget,” he said.

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