Keep pedalling!
COLIN NICHOL (“Freohagen?” Herald Thinking Allowed, January 9, 2016) criticises Fremantle council’s decision to try to emulate Copenhagen as the best city for cyclists.
I beg to differ – fundamentally, because generous spending to encourage cycling is just about the best decision any city can make.
Let’s leave aside the economic fact (not opinion) that bike infrastructure more than pays for itself in better health and lower carbon emissions.
It’s nonsense to argue that Copenhagen’s “landscape is more suited” – Perth isn’t hilly and its climate is bike paradise by comparison. Sure, I agree we need to design our city our way, rather than just copy Copenhagen. One important example is our hot climate demands many more shade trees on streets and public spaces.
But we are spot on to copy Copenhagen’s political climate. Like most cities, post-1945 Copenhagen rushed to accommodate cars — until about the mid-1960s when the crucial decision was made to stop smashing down buildings for more car space and instead create a city friendly to walking-cycling-public transport. Fremantle has recently started down this same path, making steady improvements for cyclists every year.
Stay “on yer bike” Freo council (maybe even speed up!). You are delivering citizens a wonderful bargain with every dollar spent on encouraging more and safer cycling.
Rob Delves
Gibson St, Beaconsfield

Show some respect, beaches
I WOULD like to start by congratulating the City of Cockburn’s parks and environmental staff for the monumental clean up effort they undertook at the parkland area at CY O’Connor Beach following what must have been a massive NYE party at said location.
When my husband and I took our dog for a walk there new year’s morning it was extremely confronting to see the massive pile of bottles and cans piled up near the bins; the rubbish littering MC Taggart Drive; the hundreds and thousands of cigarette butts on the grass and the overflowing bins (which are not in short supply).
This, along with the sight of many of the party goers collapsed on the grass or beach or still drinking. And the presence of two or three police vehicles.
I conduct regular beach cleanups at CY O’Connor and rubbish is often an issue around the BBQ area – in fact since the huge council cleanup, conducted over days, visitors have already failed to notice the many bins and instead left their plastic picnic stuff and other rubbish around the tables rather than putting it in the very conveniently placed bins only metres away.
For some people it is clearly way too much of an effort to clean up after themselves. What I don’t understand is why the council don’t make life easier for itself and more pleasant for respectful beach goers by utilising the pop-up bollards at the entrance to the carpark. How about closing the area to vehicles during certain hours, as it does with Manning Park — summer and winter hours.
One council worker told me they are always cleaning up after travellers who illegally camp at night and whilst there clean out their vehicles, change the oil etc and leave it all in behind in the carpark afterwards.
This disrespect for our public spaces is very disheartening. It would be great to see a strong, proactive stance from those in authority. And by the way, why wasn’t the party closed the night before by the police? And very sorry to read of the young man bashed (Herald, January 9, 2016) and his valuable hearing aids and travel photos taken at the same event.
Alison Dorn
Chesham Way, Hamilton Hill

Enjoy Australia
DEAR Greg, we read with dismay the article in last Saturday’s Herald (January 9, 2016) about your dreadful experience on New Year’s Eve.
Please believe us when we say most Aussies are nothing like these who caused you so much pain and hurt. We are so sorry your otherwise happy stay in WA has been so soured by this incident.
Please accept the inclosed $50 as a small contribution to the cost restoring your lost/stolen hearing aids. Good luck and happiness for the rest of your life.
Lorraine Frost
Attfield St, South Fremantle

Public praise
ON the last day of my son’s secondary education. I was prompted to write to the Herald to sing the praises of public education. For whatever reason, the letter was not published. In light of the success of John Curtin College of the Arts in the league tables, I thought I would try again.
At John Curtin my son received an excellent, inclusive and modern education.
I remain forever grateful to an exceptional teaching staff and to a program that balanced the arts with academic rigour.
Just as importantly he loved his JC experience.
Oh, and one more thing. It is free. (nearly).
Zita Pal
Central Ave, Beaconsfield
The Ed says: We reckon you must have posted that letter/email to Santa as we can’t find it.