Cyclist and motorist relationship deteriorating

HAS there ever been a time when the relationship between cyclists and drivers has been so negative and hostile?

Millions of dollars spent, parking swept away from the inner city, and traffic congestion deliberately increased, and all we have to show for it is a bitter war between those on two wheels and those on four.

The previous ‘‘cold war’’ tolerance of cyclists appears to have been inflamed to open conflict.

Sadly, it seems only a matter of time before someone gets hurt as a result.

If the goal of these changes was to convert multitudes of car drivers to using bicycles, it is clearly destined to fail.

When a regular commuting cyclist posted on the Otago Daily Times Facebook page that it took him twice as long to legally use the cycleways as it did to ride on the road, it illustrated we now have a solution noone wants to a problem that did not exist. Duane Donovan

Bradford

KITTY Cresswell Roil (ODT, 9.1.18) would be more credible as a spokeswoman for cyclists if she were complying with legislation by wearing a cycle helmet.

Dr John Holmes

Dunedin

Nobel Prize winners

CONGRATULATIONS to Donna Strickland of Canada, only the third woman scientist ever to win a Nobel Prize and the first for more than 50 years.

Her work on lasers has made a difference to so many lives in areas such as lasereye surgery.

It didn’t warrant a mention beside the men of science featuring in the ODT recently when they won their Nobel Prizes.

Perhaps an article and a photo might be a good idea? J. Park

Wakari I CONGRATULATE the committee of the Nobel Peace Prize on their discernment.

The work of Dr Denis Mukwega and Nadia Murad focusing on sexual violence as a war crime stands as a stark contrast to other possible winners.

These two people have had their lives put at risk, have sought no publicity other than to help victims of horrifying crimes and are most worthy recipients. Lynne Hill

Mosgiel

Independent scrutiny

IN recent news it was said that, once reentered, the police would be forensically examining the Pike River Mine.

Firstly, OSH inspectors already have the ability and experience to gather evidence and piece together the chain of events. This is, per se, their role — they are used as expert witnesses by police, when prosecutions are being enacted against safetynegligent conditions.

Secondly, the control of the mine accident was immediately taken over by police, who ruled against the experienced mines rescue officers, stopping them from entering straight after the initial explosion.

Recently released video of the conveyor starting between the two explosions indicates human activity.

Adding these two facts together raises the question of any police culpability, though as yet unquantified.

Therefore any evidence in the mine risks interference, and there are also potential conflicts of interest.

Independently, OSH, alongside accredited mining engineers, should examine the mine. Not the police.

N. Bartrum

Oamaru

[Abridged] ..................................

BIBLE READING: I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. — Philippians 3:10.