The ‘grieving for the train’ that Will Jeffery notes in his letter is indeed strong and is not just ‘a minority, with romantic notions about historic trains’. The more than 17,000 people who have signed petitions in the last few years can’t believe that our region, being so very popular, is being deprived of viable public transport that truly serves the people – old, young, disabled, workers, students and travellers.
The rail trailers would have us pull up our still serviceable tracks when less than 10 per cent of Australians ride bikes and while 100 per cent can ride a train. It is well known that most rail trails in Victoria and even in New Zealand are not used by many people, in comparison to the millions who can potentially utilise a well-timetabled rail service.
Indeed, Will, the wrecking ball is being swung by the rail trailers as we could have it all but you have refused to work with those who want trains. Simon Richardson’s Friends of the Byron Line are working on a compromise that will serve all interests. We applaud their efforts and we continue to spread the word that the costs for an already existing line are far from impossible and the outcomes for our economy, ecology and people vastly outweigh a few bike riders’ private interests.
Lydia Kindred, Rosebank
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
