Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has hopped on his bike to avoid reporters keen to quiz him about the abusive behaviour of protesters at a anti-carbon tax rally in Canberra.
Both the government and the Australian Greens have called on Mr Abbott to apologise to Prime Minister Julia Gillard for appearing to endorse the derogatory sentiments of some protesters.
Mr Abbott spoke to the rally in front of placards with slogans like "Ditch the witch", while one banner labelled Prime Minister Julia Gillard "Bob Brown's bitch".
Mr Abbott released a statement overnight saying he regretted that abusive and hurtful language was used by a small number of the protesters, something he did not endorse.
Mr Abbott made a brief appearance at Parliament House at about 7.30am (AEDT) on his way to launch the annual Pollie Pedal charity ride in nearby Narrabundah.
But he wasn't keen to take any questions about the rally, opting to cycle away.
