Whanganui letters: Council's velodrome decision sensible

Whanganui district councillors decided not to set aside money to roof the velodrome. Photo / File

You can understand why the proponents of the velodrome roof are disappointed that the council has voted not to include it in the 10-year plan.

But what is more difficult to understand is why some of them refuse to accept the council's decision.

There were submissions, discussions, publicity in the Chronicle, expensive advertisements in favour of the roof, public meetings; and then the Council voted against it in a democratic vote.

And what the proponents seem to prefer not to acknowledge is that the cost to the ratepayers would be enormous; at least $9 million and probably twice as much if the project was ever done.

In my opinion the council showed common sense, despite a bit of bullying from the proponents, and made a considered and correct decision.

ID FERGUSON
Whanganui

Be considerate

In response to issue of using shared pathways; cyclists, walkers, dog owners and adults with children all need their wits about them.

As a cyclist using the shared pathways there are many hazards to be aware of and slow down to walking speed.

Children, especially toddlers on scooter bikes, need to be well supervised as they scoot anywhere on the path.

Dogs off the lead and especially dogs on leads that allow the dog to roam freely.

Walkers walking three abreast and walkers wearing earphones or talking do not hear a cyclist's bell. Cyclists need a loud bell and use it to warn people that you are approaching.

Car drivers approaching a yield often are unaware of cyclists on the road so cyclists need to make sure that they have been seen and be able to stop suddenly.

Ride at a speed that does not endanger others.

Greet other users as we all have the right to use the pathways. Wear a reflective vest and use bike lights.

JUNE MILLER
Whanganui

Climate change is real

In response to Martin Rothman's letter of June 3; Climate change, or global warming, is not a belief, it is scientific fact. Like gravity. Check climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change.

The planet has warmed steadily in the last 100 years, and more quickly in the last 20 years. This is from thousands of measurements taken over all the Earth, all the oceans, in the Arctic and Antarctic, and at glaciers.

This now recognised by most governments, and by those such as Sir David Attenborough and Prince Charles. And by the Dutch Court in Hague:
"In an historic decision against the oil major Royal Dutch Shell, the company has been found responsible for its past and future greenhouse gas emissions, and ordered to cut its emissions in half by 2030".

And by the very sensible regional councillor Nicola Patrick.

SARA DICKON
Whanganui

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