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Let's stop road rage against cyclists

Background

May 8, 2008 saw what seems to be a vicious road rage attack on a pack ride by a motorist on Southern Cross Drive near Sydney Airport. The driver of the a Ford Falcon pulled in front of the pack and slammed on his brakes causing the group to plough into the back of his car. Shortly after, he took off without offering to help. While no one was seriously injured, it could have been much worse. A semi-trailer was behind the group and had it not been for the skill of its driver, people would have been killed. Meanwhile, passing motorists jeered and threw insults at the cyclists.
Later in the day, the president of the National Roads and Motorists Association, Alan Evans, saw this incident as an opportunity to call for the banning of cyclists from Sydney's main roads in peak hour. The next day, Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal echoes Evans' distasteful remarks.
As of Sunday, May 11, the NRCA understands that the driver in question has not yet been charged.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Every day many cyclists have abuse and objects hurled at them from passing cars. Why do Sydney motorists hate cyclists so much? Why is the sight of cyclists in Lycra like a red rag to a bull?

The NRCA's view

While it is against State and Commonwealth laws to discriminate or vilify people on grounds of gender, race, religion and sexual preference, it seems that it is socially acceptable to attack people for their transport choice. It is time for it to end. Cyclists have the right to ride their bicycles on any road at any time in safety and without fear of physical or verbal attack from anyone.
We also believe that when such attacks occur, the police should fully investigate and charge the perpetrators. On the surface, it would appear that several offences have been committed, yet no one has been charged.

What can you do?

If you are an NRMA member, email Alan Evans to let him know that he must stop his unrelenting attacks on cyclists. His email address is alan.evans@mynrma.com.au.
Email to Roads Minister, Eric Roozendaal to let him know that there is more to his job than mouthing words supplied to him by the NRMA. His email address is Enquiries.roads@roozendaal.minister.nsw.gov.au.
Email Police Minister, David Campbell to let him that cyclists will not tolerate the NSW Police Force's tolerance of roads rage against cyclists and that the police is to act for people in New South Wales and not just motorists. His email address is david@campbell.minister.nsw.gov.au.
Write to Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and demand an explanation as to why the driver has not yet been charged. His postal address: Locked Bag 5102, Parramatta, NSW 2124.
Email John Hatzistergos, Attorney General and Minister for Justice and ask why it is acceptable to discriminate against and to vilify people on the grounds of transport choice. His email address is office@hatzistergos.minister.nsw.gov.au.