THE bicycle has a long way to go before it reclaims the prominence it once enjoyed as a means of transport in Newcastle. Old photographs of the BHP steelworks show scores of bikes leaving the factory at end of shift in the 1940s and 1950s and schoolchildren commuted by cycle in huge numbers well into the 1970s.

But the humble two-wheeler is enjoying a resurgence, partly driven by rising fuel prices, partly by a desire on the part of many people for exercise and partly by the emergence around the city of some first-rate pedestrian paths and cycleways.

It isn't surprising that this comeback is producing a little friction, especially on the shared paths where regular pedestrians and cyclists are joined by such unpredictable factors as dogs and small children. Some cyclists need to consider slowing in crowded areas. Not every outing has to be a speed trial and some shared pathways don't lend themselves to fast pedalling. Bells are helpful accessories in many situations.

Some dog owners need to exert more control over their pets, joggers with headphones need to keep their eyes open to make up for the fact that their ears are occupied and some parents need to teach their children to be aware of bikes.

In short, as the signs say, it's all about sharing the path.

Honour in defeat

IF there was ever a case for re-running an Olympic contest, Sunday's extraordinary 49er sailing race might be the one to consider. The race began after its deadline, appalling weather conditions produced numerous capsizes and the gold medal-winning Danish crew finished the race in a boat they controversially borrowed from a previously eliminated team after their own craft snapped a mast en route to the start.

The shambles was heartbreaking for world champion Lake Macquarie duo Nathan Outteridge and Ben Austin, who lost their chance at gold when their boat was crippled 300 metres from the finish. It was a conspiracy of circumstances that left Outteridge, in particular, pondering the malice of fate. Outteridge suffered spinal injuries in a car accident three years ago, put remarkable effort into his rehabilitation and return to elite sport and had seemed set to cap his long journey with the ultimate Olympic accolade.

Losing the medal under such awful circumstances must have been a bitter pill but, taking a longer view, nothing can detract from the Lake pair's performance nor from Outteridge's courageous fightback from his potentially crippling injury.