Macquarie Health Corporation seems determined to demolish Hotham House, a building that has been an important part of Gymea's history for more than a century. Over the years it has had several uses and remains in sound condition. It is a landmark that Sutherland Shire Historical Society and other residents do not want to see destroyed. This fine representative example of a Federation-style residence is a significant link to Sutherland Shire history. In April last year, with the NSW Government's endorsement, Sutherland Shire Council included Hotham House on its heritage schedule. How is it that Macquarie Health Corporation now thinks it can demolish this intact example of a pre-World War I residence that is unique in Gymea? In contrast, it is interesting to note that Hurstville Private Hospital has successfully incorporated historic Louden House into its site. Why can't this be done in Gymea? We want to see the few scarce reminders of Shire history and heritage retained for future generations.
Pauline Curby, President SSHS
Drivers not always to blame
I take issue with James Stewart's generalisation all drivers have animosity toward cyclists, and without cause. It's all well and good to quote national figures and statistics of cyclist deaths on our roads, however conveniently not disclosing how those deaths occurred. A sweeping inference in his article is all must have been at the hands of a motor vehicle driver. This is inflammatory and not entirely supported. Animosity toward a cyclist can sometimes be justified when they do not abide by the road rules. Whether riding in large groups in two lanes, not to the speed limit, changing lanes without proper considerate caution or indication, or just riding straight ahead through a red light despite being in a left turn only lane. No wonder some drivers get frustrated. Also, many cyclists never slow down or stop to merge correctly when changing lanes. They pull out expecting a larger vehicle to stop or move out of the way and use a lane of traffic instead of the ratepayer/taxpayer-funded bike lanes!
It is also unbearable, during morning peak on a single lane carriageway, like Heathcote Road in some part, where one cyclist decided it was a good time and location to go for a ride. Total disregard for other traffic piling up behind him. Sure it was legal but equally sure it was arrogant, certainly disruptive and conducive to road rage.
I saw one man not too long ago, who had parked his vehicle in the appropriate lane and alighted from that vehicle, still standing within that lane. A cyclist rode up travelling in the same parked car lane, and violently shoved that man out of his way, where he bounced back and off his car, toward the middle lane of traffic. This was because the cyclist couldn't be bothered to travel in the correct lane, nor could he be bothered slowing down or even stopping until it was safe to change lanes. The driver was in the legal right here, being allowed to alight from his vehicle in a lane where he had legally parked that vehicle. That lane is only used for parking. Where was the cyclist's duty of care here? He could have killed the driver!
Another glaring problem is, cyclists, ride with the confidence of anonymity, not having to abide by any legal requirement to display identification whilst on a public street. The old excuse being they already pay for a vehicle to use the road. Please cut out the BS. By definition, on a public street, a bicycle is defined as a vehicle too, and I am yet to find an owner of two motor vehicles fortunate enough not to have to register one of them. Respect is a two-way street.
Kelly Ryan, ENGADINE
