Another media attack on cyclists

Post date: Jun 11, 2015 12:49:18 AM

On June 3, 2015, the Ottawa Sun published an opinion piece by one of its journalists Ron Corbett, also the host of radio station CFRA's nightly "Unscripted" program. Although nominally, it was a condemnation of the Ontario government's Bill 31, an amendment to the Province's Highway Traffic Act, the cycling community felt much of the article comprised an attack on cyclists' right to use of public roads and highways. Corbett essentially was suggesting that cyclists weren't paying their fair share, and as a minimum should have their bikes licensed. Following some discussion about the article on the 840 member Ottawa Bikes Facebook page, Avery Burdett, RCC co-founder, forwarded a link to an article on the subject on the website of Iamtraffic. Ron responded by inviting Avery to be guest on his show (podcast at 18 mins 30 sec) June 9, 2015. After the discussion, the show returned to its call-in format and a number of listeners called in to express opinions. As you would expect, there was a considerable amount of criticism of Corbett's point of view on the Ottawa Bikes Facebook page, much amounting to ridicule. At least one cyclist, felt sufficiently offended by his views that he penned a rebuttal, a copy of which we have added to our Personal Perspectives section.