PHP - Get Variables With Mod Rewrite

mod rewrite on easy php:
EasyPHP says to set the following in apache config : http://www.easyphp.org/faq.php#0
Quote

   
    Uncomment LoadModule rewrite_module modules/mod_rewrite.so
    In <Directory "${path}/www"> section replace AllowOverride None by AllowOverride All
 


I have done as the guide requested on easyPHP and restarted the easyPHP.


writing a modrewite into the .htaccess following this guide:
http://www.debian-administration.org/articles/136



Resulted in a .htaccess like so:
Code: [Select]
RewriteEngine on
RewriteRule ^/route/([A-Za-z0-9]+)$                /?route=$1    [PT]

With this all in place and the url of the easyPHP index page is:
http: //127.0.0.1:8080/testsite/

I added a link on the home page like this:
http: //127.0.0.1:8080/testsite/route/hello

but the link doesnt work. the .htaccess isn't kicking in it seems. Is it not meant to be seen in the php as:
http: //127.0.0.1:8080/testsite/?route=hello

So that i can grab the route from the $_GET?