One party too many?

Australia has long had some bizarre entries into the world of politics with our interesting and unusual parties… We have the Australian Sex Party, the Australian Fishing and Lifestyle Party, the Bullet train for Australia Party, the Natural Medicine Party, the Shooters and Fishers Party and the Drug Law Reform Party. But, this year we are seeing another party being added to the ranks with the Australian Cyclists Party.

Is this one step too far for our political parties or is it in fact, a very viable and beneficial party for Australia?

As you can see with the aforementioned parties, they certainly aren’t the first party to be formed upon an appreciation for a recreational activity. But can we see cyclists’ making the best decisions for our country?

According to the Herald Sun, the party was formed after a cyclist felt that cyclists did not have a voice within the community nor the government.

The party believes that now that Australia has over 3.6 million people that cycle regularly,  now over 10% of the population, that cycling and the legislative needs that support it should be brought to the fore.  And with this many cyclists, surely they can hardly be considered a minority group.  Aussies are really getting into cycling as a leisure activity and a transport method.

But not without some concerns being raised.

In the last twelve months there has been 58 fatalities of cyclists. This is double last years toll, so the issues are a serious matter that all of Australia should care about.

From the Australian Cyclists Party website, their vision is, “We believe that cycling can serve to liberate and inspire.  It is a positive and powerful force for improving the health and well-being of individuals, our communities and our nation.”

And, it is viable. So, should Australia be putting more effort into keeping cycling safe and promoting it as a safe, healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport? Some of the things the party will lobby for includes better resources for cyclists, safer road rules and cycling paths for cyclists and more funding for cycling related activities (infrastructure and support).

So, today we want to know what do you think… Is this party a great initiative that you would support? Or, do you think that our political parties should be kept to economic focuses only? Share your thoughts in the comments below…