Sydney Bike Rage

In Sydney it is not about sharing spaces of mobility, but a "level of premeditation" by motorists leads to "bike rage".

"An international transport expert said Sydney drivers were more hostile towards cyclists than motorists of any other country."

Firecrackers (images: yuck danger) were thrown into a group of bikes. In 2008 "a motorist deliberately slammed on his brakes in front of up to 60 cyclists - including Olympians - before fleeing the scene."

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Image: Dysfunctional plastic bike for young people at Manly Beach

The value of quiet and clean streets

The less driving there is through an anthropogenic environment, the more community and health is established. Traffic fragments community not just physically, but also socially. Motor traffic makes all living beings sick and disconnects them. The roar of traffic is literally eroding the quality of life. Noise, vibration and chemical particle pollution is incompatible with living bodies wanting to mingle in such polluted spaces.

"Growing car dependence is creating an epidemic of deteriorated mental and physical health associated with air and noise pollution, inactivity and road deaths and injuries."

With less carbon-intensive mobility, people perceive spaces as 'homes' in which to 'put down roots'. In a car-obsessed country like Australia, with sub-urban dwellings sprawling over the coasts it might be some time before that 'drive through-feeling' on the 'road to no-where' is replaced by sustainable mobility.
Via The Guardian 190908
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