Breakneck speed

There is simply insufficient time to cross at many intersections and, in some instances, the lights do not allow pedestrians to cross unless there is also a car going in the same direction. This inevitably leads to pedestrians taking risks.

I hope the timing will be adjusted as part of the light rail construction. I also struggle with bike riders travelling at a breakneck speed around shopping centres and on narrow footpaths (as distinct from shared paths) where I'm regularly abused for having the temerity to be out walking.

Indeed, on one recent occasion a cycle rider rode straight at me (there was room for me or him) and, except that I took evasive action at the last minute, I would have sustained some injury. Then there are the cyclists who don't slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings and continue as if riding on Le Tour.

While there is obviously a right of way for cyclists, there needs to be some modicum of care – particularly of a night-time when they appear out of the darkness. Safety is everyone's business, not just that of those in cars.

Helen M. Goddard, Turner

The editorial for October 29 concerning waste and "plastic-to-fuel" plants states these are "unproven technology". The proponents of the project, Capital Recycling Solutions, have provided literature making two important claims. First, there are 383 of these plants in operation around the world, mainly in Europe but with 53 in the US and 28 in Asia. There are three each in the central areas of both London and Paris.

Second, the Greens are reported as saying that waste-to-energy conversion is "no better than burning dirty fossil fuels". Again, CRS claims the process results in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions with no fugitive toxins.

Leaving aside the recovered energy, it is disgusting that by 2050 there will be more plastics in the oceans than there are fish.

I would be the first to insist the standards claimed are proved and maintained. A logical, if utopian, approach to waste management would be to: 1) legislate all materials used in manufacturing be recyclable, eliminating the need for thermal conversion; 2) legislate the manufacturers assume lifetime responsibility [durability, repair, reuse, trade, recycle] both for the product and the packaging;

3) promote reduced consumption in opposition to neo-liberalism where the more we consume the better; 4) recycle effectively.

I left Grafton in 2006 where all recyclable materials had to be dumped as individual items onto the conveyor belt. Here, at my recycling bins, I frequently find garbage in large, black, plastic bags that I suspect will go straight to landfill regardless of the contents.

Dick Varley, Braidwood

Douglas Mackenzie and James Allan confidently proclaim the old chestnut that there is a consensus among some 97 per cent of climate scientists who believe that dangerous, anthropogenic-induced climate change is settled science (Letters, October 29).

This assertion has its main thrust through the work of Queensland academic John Cook and his Skeptical Science blog, which is highly contestable research that has been widely criticised for lacking academic rigour.

As a basis for informed discussion, could Messrs Mackenzie and Allan please point me to the properly conducted survey that reveals both who made up the 97 per cent and what they agreed on?

H. Ronald, Jerrabomberra

From the bottom of a glacial crevasse, Turnbull government spokespersons answer almost every question with a tiresome tirade about incompetence of others.

Pathetic leadership, evasion of ministerial responsibility and misuse of government resources greatly erode confidence in what should be our fabulous future.

We can't scoff about Trump's presidency while we tolerate elected officials who lack the decency to move aside when it is evident that they are not up to the task.

Diggers who sacrificed their lives for us would surely curse politicians who are unable to sacrifice another day in office, precious ego or perks for the good of all.

Don Burns, Mawson

American law bans election expenditure by non-Americans. There's even a special prosecutor investigating alleged Russian involvement in the election of a Republican president.

Yet here in Australia we're happy to countenance an American, Rupert Murdoch, who's not even a dual citizen, to use his News Corp newspapers to bag Labor and lionise the Liberals at every Australian state and federal election.

Why can't we have laws like they have in the Land of the Free?

Bronis Dudek, Calwell

The back page photograph of October 29 showed the historic win of the Cox Plate by Winx with her neck stretched out, crossing the finish line pursued by Humidor, a long three-quarters of a length behind. Humidor's head is held high with the bit pulled back. As the bit, so also the horse.

Gary J. Wilson, Macgregor

I hope that Ian Warden is not a dual citizen, as I enjoy reading his columns in The Canberra Times.

John Milne, Chapman

Graham Downie (Letters, November 2) is right that, in the absence of changes to electricity pricing mechanisms, a mass deployment of electric vehicles could worsen peak demand in much the same way that the rapid take-up of airconditioners already has.

However, introducing intelligent networks and a sensible pricing scheme could make these vehicles an asset to the network. Most commuters will use much less than their vehicles' maximum range in a single day. Once home the battery should have enough charge to be able to comfortably return some electricity to the house or the grid during the peak evening period. The battery could then be recharged during the late night-early morning off-peak period.

In this way electric vehicles could actually reduce peak load.

Paul Pentony, Hackett

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