Consider something like the DRAFT Letter below to suit your specific Location/Area
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Hi YYYY,
As State Member for XXXXXX, and therefore in a position to bring about change as part of the upcoming NSW State Election, I would like to bring to your attention the unfunded Local County Council (LCC) Cycleways Strategies located at the following LCC web addresses:
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http://BBBB" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://CCCC" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Obtaining funding for the Local Council Cycleways strategies is an opportunity not to be missed. It will energise the local area providing options for cycle touring and lifestyle changes for Hunter Valley Residents similar to the success of the Fernleigh Track.
This coupled with funding for remediation then completing a Transport Interchange at Clyde St Gas Works Site and installing either:
a) light rail along the existing heavy rail corridor into the CBD from Clyde St Gas Works Site.
or
b) running buses along the Heavy Rail corridor into the CBD from Clyde St Gas Works Site. (and take all buses off Hunter St)
In the case of both a) & b) there is the opportunity to provide an additional off road cycle path along the existing heavy rail corridor between the Newcastle CBD and the Clyde St Gas Works Site.
With the approval of the Newcastle University Campus on Hunter St, provision of a direct off road cycle route between the Hunter St Campus and the Callaghan Campus at Waratah is of upmost importance.
Further to encourage people to combine cycle commuting with train travel eg: between Newcastle & Maitland, or any train station and Newcastle University Callaghan or Hunter St, it is necessary to change the train carriage design so that bicycles can be easily carried on trains, rather than having to stand in the breezeway in the rear most carriage and payment of the additional 1/2 fair. This video shows the limited bicycle hooks/bike stowage areas that are provided
http://www.bicycleinfo.nsw.gov.au/maps/ ... rains.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The bicycle stowage of bicycles on trains at present is very limited, peak hour commuting with a bicycle on trains is a challenge
http://www.transportnsw.info/sites/en/t ... oards.page" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Discusses and outlines the challenges of transporting bicylces
"On regional trains
You need to make a reservation for your bicycle, surfboard or snowboard when buying a ticket to travel on the NSW regional trains and coach network. There is limited space for this equipment – 5 spaces on XPT and 3 on XLORER trains, and 2 spaces on each coach.
Book your equipment when purchasing your ticket by phone or at a booking office (it cannot be done online).
Bicycles must be dissembled and packed in a bicycle box. Boxes can be obtained from bicycle retailers or at the station.
There is no charge for a folding bicycle to ride on NSW regional trains and coaches. Folding bikes must be in a protective cover and no larger than 79cm length x 59cm height x 36cm width."
Other Countries provide Additional Bicycle Stowage
http://www.seat61.com/bike-by-train.htm#.VOAdz8ZnWkE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Shows a picture eg
"Cycle compartments: This is the cycle compartment in the City Night Line sleeper train from Amsterdam to Zurich..."
=>> The ability to take standard bicycles on trains with ease is essential in improving the transport bottlenecks and encouraging people to combine cycle commuting with train travel.
Thanks for considering the above & looking forward to your support.
Regards,
Your Name Here