{"id":31554,"date":"2015-10-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-10-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.fiveaa.com.au\/uncategorized\/cycling-debate-a-diversion-says-steven-marshall\/"},"modified":"2015-10-27T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2015-10-27T00:00:00","slug":"cycling-debate-a-diversion-says-steven-marshall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.fiveaa.com.au\/show\/cycling-debate-a-diversion-says-steven-marshall\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling debate a diversion: Marshall"},"content":{"rendered":"

As debate rages between cyclists and motorists amid the confusion over new regulations, opposition leader Steven Marshall has accused the government of using the issue to divert attention from the state\u2019s struggling economy.<\/h3>\n

Speaking on FIVEAA, Mr Marshall told Leon Byner he suspected the cycling debate \u201cwas just a diversion to get people away from looking at the issue of our economy\u201d.<\/p>\n

The accusation was fiercely rejected by transport minister Stephen Mullighan who described Mr Marshall\u2019s comments as \u201cjust extraordinary\u201d.<\/p>\n

LISTEN to Steven Marshall and Stephen Mullighan here:<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr Marshall said community angst over the issue had been caused by the government\u2019s \u201chopeless mismanagement\u201d of the introduction of regulations, which allow cyclists to use footpaths and stipulate increased distances motorists must observe when passing cyclists.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the consultation was so good then why are the people of South Australia so confused?\u201d<\/p>\n

But transport minister Stephen Mullighan dismissed the opposition leader\u2019s comments as \u201cjust extraordinary,\u201d saying Mr Marshall had had \u201c10 months to think about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis transport spokesperson was briefed in March, he was briefed again two weeks ago,\u201d said Mr Mullighan.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve had all of the opportunities to raise issues\u2026 and this is now the third position form Steven Marshall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr Marshall said the opposition was not blocking the new regulations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not overturning these rules. What we\u2019re doing is giving ourselves some time to do some proper consultation and some negotiation with the government to try and clear up some of the confusion.\u201d<\/p>\n

EARLIER<\/h3>\n

Shadow transport minister for transport and road safety Corey Wingard told David and Will on FIVEAA breakfast that \u201ca real wedge\u201d now existed between cyclists and motorists over the new regulations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe strongly believe further consultation is needed,\u201d Mr Wingard said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s just too much confusion about bikes on footpaths, crossing double white lines, unrestricted bikes on footpaths, and councils just don\u2019t know which way to turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Listen to Corey Wingard here:<\/strong><\/p>\n