Re: City offers unique workshop for cyclists (News, July 10)
It’s great to train volunteer cyclists to help out after a major earthquake.
However, I worry more about getting those who are already highly trained – police and fire – from their homes to the police station or fire hall if roads are blocked to cars.
I think we should “take a leaf” from the sport of cyclo-cross racing. In it, riders cycle and also carry their bikes over obstacles. No fancy equipment is needed, just a stripped-down old diamond-frame 10-speed would do fine.
The only at-home maintenance needed would be to keep the tires inflated. Anticipating broken glass, puncture-proof tires might be best. To make sure the system worked, an unscheduled call-out should happen at least once a year, with some appropriate obstacle course near the destination.
The burden to the taxpayer should be miniscule, with a potentially large reward.
Robert McInnes, Victoria
