Justice For Sa Cyclists

rooman

I am happy to report that www.Cyclingnews.com has continued to give the Ian Humphries travesty of justice and the protest rides good coverage and today made announcements, firstly of the rides in Syd, Adelaid and Melb, then in next edition (after I wrote to them) they gave details of extending the ride site to 4 cities to now include Brisbane.

so Saturday May 7 at 9:30am

Adelaide from Victoria Square
Melbourne from Federation Square
Sydney from Hyde Park Fountain (The Archibald)
Brisbane from King George Square.

all rides to the local State Parliament House.

Bring water bottles with messages of your feelings in the injustice of the Humprhies case and the inadequacy of the law and motorists attitudes to cyclists.
Make sure someone writes down the messages from the bottles and they are kept to give to the Parliamentarian/s there at the time. If none turn up, keep the bottles safe and DO NOT put them in a garbage bag....an open mesh bag OK or in boxes , but treat these messages with respect.

We are awaiting Ian Humphrie's brother's message to be the basis of the press release at all sites on the day. very important that the Humphries family message is heard and echoed by us. So as soon as it is to hand it will be available for the city co-ordinators and will likely be published here too.
Copy it, give it out, read it aloud to the media, to those present.

Be polite, be courteous, dont answer people rudely if they criticise, just go ahead and deliver our protest and ask merely for respect and then show them the level of courtesy and dignity we as Australians expect to be shown to us by others.

Good Luck all, keep telling friends to come, keep writing to papers, to pollies, to radio and to community groups.

Oh, and finally today I had confirmation from BiCycle Victoria that they had/are in the process of posting notices on their web site www.bv.com.au for these rides and the Ride of Silence on 18th May here in Melbourne.

cheers everyone

Roo

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I think..that the greatest benefit to cyclists would ensue if government were to..gradually signify and produce society's view that cycling is a legitimate form of roadway transportation, open to all on an equal basis of proper skills and responsibilities that are easily attained and exercised.(John Forester)

tars36

I'm not actually a cyclist but joined this site today as Ian Humphrey was my Uncle, and it goes without saying that we are outraged at the way this case was handled and the outcome. It just goes to show that money and the right contacts can get you anywhere. In my own opinion I view McGee as almost a murderer, in his statement he said that He knew by the force of the impact that the victim would not survive. What sort of an animal would leave someone to die on the side of the road!! All McGee cared about was his career. Nothing is going to bring Ian back but it would be good to know that that DH gets what he deserves. McGee has showed no remorse whatsoever, he has hardly acknowledged that he KILLED a husband and father of two, he could not even bring himself to say sorry when confronted by my Aunty.
I'd like to see McGee confront Ians family, and look in the eyes of the two girls that because of him have to grow up without their adored father, and try and explain his actions to them!!
I was also wondering if any protests were being held in Brisbane? My Brother and I only found out they were being held today and would like to go to one. If you know anything, or someone I can contact to find out please email me at tara@smallguide.com.au.
Thankyou!

cfsmtb

Certainly is a Wheel of Justice ride for Brisbane:
Saturday 7th May. Brisbane cyclists are organising a Wheels of Justice Ride. It starts at 9.30 am on Saturday 7 May, moving from King George Square to Parliament House.

Wheels Of Justice: Adelaide - Brisbane - Melbourne - Sydney

If you are as concerned as we are that a cyclist's life is not worth much, and you would like to make a difference, then join us! Bring water bottles for self and friends to leave your messages for "Justice". Bring friends, wear armbands ( Red, Blue, Black)

Regarding the Wheels of Justice rides this coming Saturday, some people have mentioned they should be a "Silent" protest, as it is felt this will add a more significant impact in terms of imagery etc. Also as a mark of respect to those cyclists that have been killed on our roads. Tell your bike shop, tell your paper, tell your neighbors, to be there.

More information:
http://wheelsofjustice.com.au
http://bicyclejustice.blogspot.com

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Noli nothis permittere te terere

cfsmtb

Many many thanks to everyone who rocked up to the Melbourne Ride.

And the Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney Wheels of Justice - any chance of a ride report or two?

I am absolutely stuffed after this week, after attempting to put this thing together in Melbourne with Rob (Melb), Rob (Adel) Carol, Dutch, Phuong et al.

Too many hours typing away at the blog, trying to keep track of the media, emails & every-friggin-else that was occuring.
http://bicyclejustice.blogspot.com

Check the Adelaide site for updates as well:
http://wheelsofjustice.com.au

Good to see various folks from peak cycling organisations at the Melbourne ride, Rosemary from Cycling Promotion Fund, Charlie from Bicycle Federation of Australia, Bart from BV, Phil & Sue from AllTrails and everyone else*.

Stuff watching The Bill, I'm now going go have that nanna nap I promised myself all day. night nights.


*Who are actually just as important

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rooman

WATER BOTTLES (BIDONS)- THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO OUR RIDE TODAY


I had a few riders ( and some of the Police at Melb. too) ask me why the Bidons being left as our message vehicle at the Wheels of Justice rides?.... the most immediate and poignant response I had considered was this:

"The Silent Sentinel of Sorrow"
A cyclist when hit by a car suffers great force, sufficient to rip the body from the bicycle, and to scatter all the cylists gear around the scene, pump, energy bars, mobile phones, inner tubes, wheel levers, road rash kit, credit cards, AND the rider's rehydration Bidons. Usually after the cyclist has been taken away, possessions collected by loved ones and the blood washed away, the only thing left behind is usually the BIDON...the silent sentinal of sorrow.

...need we say more ?

our messages for Justice , written on Bidons and left at memorial & protest rides are a significant and lasting vehicles for their serious message.

In Melbourne, we have retained the Bidons presented at the ride, and promised all present, that we will scribe the messages , post them on the web sites related to Wheels of Justice rides
(see :
http://bicyclejustice.blogspot.com & possibly the Adelaide site :
http://wheelsofjustice.com.au

Now we must keep together, the ride steerers (stirrers?) in each state, meet, have a nosh and a few rehydrating slurps, and debrief, see the lessons learnt, the opportunities gained and the rewards won to the cause .

On behalf of attendees at Melbourne's ride, a big thank you to all those who promoted & attended in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
The Wheels of Justice movement , press coverage, forum posts, print and radio media coverage, and now the rides themselves have made a difference, we have had peak body cycling organisations stand up and seek to be counted at last and aligned with us. We now see a strong reaction from Governments in SA ( Royal Commission) and Victoria ( a rush to ensure awareness of mandatory sentencing to be in force in Vic for hit-run drivers.)

So well done!, however, a CAUTION

It is NOT OVER, we have to keep up the influence, maintain pressure and ensure all stakeholders, in this cause, do their bit, act appropriately and ensure support is ongoing.

We've come a long way in a short time-it has been a hard fast journey to this point, but it is not over......

meanwhile, all Cities collect the Bidon messages, post them to be read in our forums and websites, send them to parliaments in all states and make sure those very significant statements from the hearts of so many cyclists are immortalised, in some form of memorial, which leads me to another the likelihood of an extension of this cause, some time, some place there will be a memorial to cyclists who have died at the hands of careless and irresponsible motorists. Perhaps it should be Ian Humphrey's Memorial!, just putting it out there, maybe others have already raised this..but it makes sense, right?

On a well travelled road somewhere, it will be obvious to all who pass, and all who seek it out, just like those memorials to deceased tour riders in France and Italy, like the memorial to cyclists' athleticism at Warnambool, in honour of the competitors of the great Melb-Warnambool annual race (see: CYCLING MEMORIAL,RAGLAN PARADE, WARRNAMBOOL- http://www.mvermeulen.com/oneyear/J.../november01.htm 1/3 down the page.)

Now after a hectic week, helping with this, and trying to maintain a professional role at the same time, it is now time to catch up on some sleep, as ................

The journey continues....

Roo

__________________


I think..that the greatest benefit to cyclists would ensue if government were to..gradually signify and produce society's view that cycling is a legitimate form of roadway transportation, open to all on an equal basis of proper skills and responsibilities that are easily attained and exercised.(John Forester)

fatboy61

[QUOTE=cfsmtb] Many many thanks to everyone who rocked up to the Melbourne Ride.

And the Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney Wheels of Justice - any chance of a ride report or two?

One gripe from what was otherwise an amazing day in Adelaide. Four guys in matching team jerseys (I won't name the team, but their sponsor will be getting a quiet phone call) disregarding police directions and cutting a swathe through the mass of silent cyclists walking along King William Street, just so they could continue the morning's training ride.
Good on you, fellers. I'm sure it was vital to get in those 500 k's before midday, and let's face it - that espresso won't drink itself. I know how important a win in those weekend B grade crits and scratch races is.
Even the motorists showed more respect. If I ever see any of you or your mates injured and bleeding in the gutter, I will be using the "McGee defence", because I will find it very difficult to stop and render assistance.

cfsmtb

Unfortunately if Ian's family don't (somehow) find effective legal representation within the next four days - future irresponsible drivers just like McGee will continue to get away with murder.

I've put a request out for assistance on bicycle justice. The more I research this case, the more it becomes increasingly convoluted - like why such a short timeline to commencement of the SA Royal Commission?

May 8 : No lawyer for family of McGee victim
THE family of hit-run victim Ian Humphrey is without legal representation for the royal commission into the case - four days before the first sitting. Mr Humphrey's brother Graham said the family were yet to receive funding for their legal costs from the Government. He raised concerns about the family's ability to find a lawyer - local or interstate - before the first sitting of the commission.

"You can't get to see a dentist in four days, how are we supposed to find a lawyer for a royal commission in four days?" he said yesterday.

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peterlip

If you missed the broadcast, you can hear it at: http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hack/

It was the Wednesday broadcast and will be there for the next few days (I imagine). The interview starts around 23 minutes in.

cfsmtb

Hi all,

I've set up a email group if people want to stay in touch/plan future events.
WOJ: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/wheelsofjustice/

Subscribe via: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/wheelsofjustice/

More details on the blog:
http://bicyclejustice.blogspot.com

cheers

__________________
Noli nothis permittere te terere

cfsmtb

Messages from Melbourne's Wheels Of Justice
I've finally typed up the messages from Saturday.
See here:
http://bicyclejustice.blogspot.com/...-wheels-of.html

As the ride was hastily organised only last week, we didn't deliver the messages to Parliament. Instead we collected the bidons, and are keeping them safe until we plan further actions. If you bought along a bidon, and then collected it, please contact us and we'll place the message here.

Now, a few ideas. Would people be interested in organising further rides and activities? Like local bikes shops and cycling clubs collecting bidons with messages, helping to develop a statement of intent for Melb WOJ, planning a comprehensive media strategy, and then presenting the bidons in a blaze of publicity to relevant ministers & Parliament?

Another possible idea, after presenting the bidons to Parliament; would be to create an installation in a public space or gallery as a focus for our aims & objections. What do you think? Please contact us & also let everyone you know in Melbourne's diverse cycling community. Last Saturday morning was only the beginning; it's now up to you. Email: melbicyclejustice@gmail.com with your feedback & ideas.

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Phuong L

Yes, that would be really cool! The exhibition could have everything bicycle-related! All the cool, wacky, weird bikes, all the accessories that come with bikes, all the art works, music, all the argument as to why we should be on our bikes (even though it's quite obvious), and maybe even a whole wall of past cyclists and/or famous cyclists. I wonder if there's a bicycle museum somewhere in the world...


~ Phuong ~

Phuong L

WOW! There's one in Canberra of all places! I knew there was at least one thing you could do down there apart from going to Questacon...

http://canberrabicyclemuseum.com.au/

rooman

Hi Phuong ! --
Spain has one!, it's in the Würth factory off N-1V Motorway between Toledo and Madrid , & run by Federico Bahamontes, , it is largely dedicated to his climbing prowess and the teams of ONCE and Liberty Seguros, but has lots of other interesting blasts from the cycling past.....

As for FB, he was KOM (King of the Mountains) in the 1954, 1958,1959,1962,1963 & 1964 TdeF, plus a host of others majors..FB was and is known as the "Eagle of Toledo".


Roo

PS: Good to see the press raise continued interest now that the Royal Commission is underway in SA, late night news tonight had huge coverage on 9.....now I'm going to watch the Giro on RAI at 11:15...join me night owls, should be a hoot to see what Baden Cooke does after Bettini ran him into the fence 20 ms from the fin. line yesterday...Bettini got a DSQ on the victory and relegated to fourth..woohoo!, Baden got all bloodied, finished last ( walked over the line) but at least had no time penalty ( they gave him an 0.00 at least, as he WAS about to win!!)...OK popcorn, hot chocolate and Paolo Italiano time! ciao amici !!

"Ian Humphrey's death will not be forgotten",
(his case is the "Eddy Mabo Case" of cycling and hit-run road deaths...never let it be said he died in vain!!")

__________________


I think..that the greatest benefit to cyclists would ensue if government were to..gradually signify and produce society's view that cycling is a legitimate form of roadway transportation, open to all on an equal basis of proper skills and responsibilities that are easily attained and exercised.(John Forester)

rooman

cool...well that beats riding to Spain !!

on a sad note, it never ends, read todays cyclingnews.com news updates at:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php...ay05/may13news3

story in today of a young Dutch rider out training yesterday and killed by a motor vehicle.

even in countries where the rider is king, it still happens...we dont know the facts yet, but this cyclist was only 13 years of age, a promising rider who competed at club level in Cat 1 events. Too tragic for words!

For those who are attending the Ride(s) of silence in Melbourne on wed 18th at 7pm, I am compiling a list of names of riders killed by vehicles. Can all please send a name to melbicyclejustice@gmail . (thks in advance C!) we can complete a central repository of those names for future memorials and interim readings.

I aim to have this list read before we start out, or when we finish depending on where the press are, to ensure we impact our message that riders lives are not cheap ( a la McGee) and we will not allow the world to forget those killed by inattentive, attitude driven , ignorant or drunk motorists.

cheers all

Roo

__________________


I think..that the greatest benefit to cyclists would ensue if government were to..gradually signify and produce society's view that cycling is a legitimate form of roadway transportation, open to all on an equal basis of proper skills and responsibilities that are easily attained and exercised.(John Forester)