BIKESydney

Tell us what you think of the City’s Shared Path markings

Elaena — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:47:40 +0000

The City of Sydney is currently trialling a scheme of surface markings for its shared paths at Redfern St, Redfern. (A “Shared Path” – a path that is designated for use by both pedestrians AND cyclists, as distinct from a footpath, on which cyclists (above the age of 12 years) are not permitted to ride.)

It’s known that the Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) is keeping an eye on the trial with a view to potentially rolling out any successful components to the wider Sydney area. BIKESydney thinks its important that we get the marking scheme right.

BIKESydney will be making a submission to the City. What are your thoughts, observations, suggested improvements?

Bikes to get the kids around and groceries home

Elaena — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:58:45 +0000

A new bike library in Newtown, the first of its kind in Australia, will loan Cargo bikes and bike trailers for transporting bulky items or beloved children.

“We are offering an affordable, convenient, healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to running errands in cars. This unique library will encourage more people to use bikes to get around their local area,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP at the launch.

The Watershed Bike Library builds on the growing popularity of commuter and recreational bike riding in inner Sydney.

Sam Iskander, Mayor of Marrickville said: “This is an innovative concept that encourages the local community to relinquish the car and borrow a specialised cargo bicycle or trailer for up to three days instead.”

“The Bike Library will expand the imaginations of local residents on what is possible to achieve by bicycle.”

The fleet consists of specialist cargo bikes and trailers to allow cyclists to carry equipment and objects that might otherwise require a car; from shopping to household items and more.

The Watershed, in partnership with Bike Sydney, will run the Bike Library for a 12 month trial period. It consists of three cargo bikes and a number of specialist trailers.

Anyone can become a member for a small fee, items are available for up to three days loan, and the first three hours are free.

The Watershed, 218 King St, Newtown, 2042
Phone: 9519 6366
Shop front hours: 10am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-7pm Thursdays.

NSW Staysafe Inquiry Submissions now public

Elaena — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:31:51 +0000

The Staysafe Committee has now made public the submissions to their Inquiry into Vulnerable Road Users.

Thank you to:
- everyone who took time to do the BIKESydney safety survey
- those of you who gave us feedback about the survey design
- those of you who attended the BrainsTrust session and told us your stories
- our BrainsTrust speakers
- Bob Moore for his photos which are throughout the submission
- Jason D for allowing us to use his gorgeous image on the front cover, and
- Ian Faulks for reviewing our submission

A great big vote of thanks to the BIKESydney folk who put the survey together, organised the BrainsTrust session and worked on the submission.

Adrian, David, Brenda, Hilary & Elaena – great work – well done.

View all submissions.

Download BIKESydney’s submission.

Deceitful campaign against cycleways exposed

Elaena — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 03:19:45 +0000

Businesses along Bourke Road, Alexandria have been misused in a deceitful campaign to attack the City of Sydney cycleway program.

CEO of the City of Sydney, Monica Barone, said a legal letter from Mahoney Dominic lawyers to the City of Sydney had falsely claimed 102 companies and businesses were joined in a class action against the Council’s cycleway.

“The alarm bells began ringing when the lawyer’s letter arrived with a list of the companies supposedly against the cycleways.

“I was surprised to see the names of companies the City had worked closely with and who had long been supportive of cycleways and cycling.

“There is significant support for cycleways, as was indicated by the extensive research and process of consultation the City engaged in before beginning construction of the cycle network.

“I responded by contacting representatives of four organisations on the list. They included Fairfax, Westpac and the Australian Museum. They were completely unaware that they had been included on a list of alleged claimants.

“No-one had consulted them to be on the list and the legal letter in which John Mahony claimed he acted for them was utterly false.

“I have been informed that a further five companies have contacted Mr Mahony to require him to remove their names from the list and that John Mahony has written to Council advising that in fact he only acts for one person who owns a business on Bourke Street and not 102 people.”

Ms Barone said the level of environmental assessment undertaken by the Council in relation to the Bourke Road cycleway, prior to the construction of the cycleway, was appropriate and in compliance with the relevant requirements of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act.

Should a legal action be mounted, the Council would strenuously defend its position and would argue not only that its actions have been lawful they have been made in accordance with the Act.

City of Sydney Media release: 25 August

Free goodness for bike riders

Elaena — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:54:41 +0000

BIKESydney will be back at the Sydney Sustainable Markets in Darlinghurst this Saturday, Aug 28 with free a goody bag for everyone who rides – thank you City of Sydney.

Drop by and have a yarn. Check out the cool cargo bikes on display. Get the low down on riding in Sydney. Pick up information on how to shop by bike, instructions for making a bike bucket (an inexpensive but effective way of carrying gear on your bike), maps to show you the best way to get around town on two wheels and free reflective tape to make your bike and bags shine.

Keep your eye out for the Cabby (on loan to BIKESydney from Gazelle). We’ll be there from 8am-12:30pm.

Cycling and Transport Policy in NSW

Elaena — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:11:17 +0000

The NSW Parliamentary Library has released a briefing paper summarising the transport issues facing NSW, presenting an account of the state of cycling in NSW and in Sydney in particular, and comparing cycling in Sydney with the other Australian capital cities and with selected international cities.

It makes for an interesting read.

BIKESydney will be trawling through the paper in depth and providing a response.

Political parties urged to adopt Active Transport Vision

Elaena — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 01:12:30 +0000

Major political parties have been urged to embrace active transport as part of the policy cure for the challenges of chronic disease, climate change, congestion and pollution.

The call was made on August 12 by a unique partnership of organisations from the health, transport and local government sectors.

The five groups – The Australian Local Government Association, Bus Industry Confederation, Cycling Promotion Fund, the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the International Association of Public Transport – have launched a policy framework, An Australian Vision for Active Transport, which sets out a nine point plan for a national approach to boosting participation in walking, cycling and public transport. Initiatives include support for infrastructure, social marketing campaigns, embedding Healthy Spaces and Places planning principles into practice and enhancing safety for walkers and cyclists.

“Encouraging Australians to use more active forms of transport rather than cars or taxis has a very wide range of benefits, Vice President of the Australian Local Government Association, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said.

“Once adopted, our vision for active transport in Australia has potential to impact at least five major areas of government policy:
1. local economy – towns with high levels of public transport use are wealthier, happier and more sustainable
2. climate change and pollution fewer cars reduces greenhouse gases and improves air quality
3. congestion more cycle ways and footpaths reduces cars on the road
4. prevention physical activity reduces chronic disease and social isolation
5. savings for government – by easing the economic burden of chronic disease caused by inactivity.

“At an individual level, Australians will reap the benefits of improved physical and mental health from being more active in the community as well as the cost savings associated with active transport,” Mayor Lewis said.

“The broader community benefits from lower emissions and reduced traffic congestion and there are huge economic benefits associated with the reduced direct and indirect healthcare costs of a more active Australia estimated at more than $1.5 billion a year.”

Dr Lyn Roberts, CEO National, Heart Foundation said, “We need to make these healthier transport choices the easier choices by re-fitting our communities to promote physical activity – not obesity.”

“Physical inactivity is a major health problem in its own right. Disturbingly, about half of Australian adults (54%) are not sufficiently physically active to gain health benefits and this could lead to an estimated 16 000 premature deaths every year, robbing families of their loved ones,” Dr Roberts said.

“Active transport is one of the largest opportunities we have to address the major issues facing society and changing people s travel habits to forms other than the private car can significantly improve Australia s quality of life,” International Association of Public Transport Executive Director, Peter Moore said.

“Public transport can make a major contribution, but it needs expanded capacity and we need incentives for Australians to take public transport through enhanced infrastructure and quality, cost effective, high performance systems,” he said.

“Cycling and walking infrastructure is cheap, provides significant benefits for all communities and is ideal for getting to our local public transport trip” said Cycling Promotion Fund spokesman, Stephen Hodge

“The Bus Industry Confederation supports broad public transport reform,” Executive Director of Bus Industry Confederation, Michael Apps said.

“We are not interested in arguments about which form of transport is “best’ , because each has their role to play. We do know that people who use public transport get five times more physical activity than those who drive, so we need greater synergy of public transport in Australia. By highlighting our mutual resolve to work together, we hope this sheds light on this issue for policy makers across the country,” Mr. Apps said.

It’s in the national interest for the Commonwealth to be involved in the provision of public and active transport to address congestion, climate change, social isolation and inactivity levels. And this initiative provides the clear direction and actions needed for a healthier, happier, cleaner and greener Australia.

Download the full report here .

Staysafe inquiry submission submitted

Elaena — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 01:54:09 +0000

BIKESydney’s response to the NSW Staysafe (Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety) inquiry into vulnerable road users was submitted 9 August.

The rules of the inquiry mean that we can’t make our submission public without the say of the Staysafe Committee.

We’ll post the full report online once we have the go-ahead. That will probably be after the inquiry hearings are held.

300+ at Town Hall rally

Elaena — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 10:06:47 +0000

More than 300 people turned out to show their support for the City of Sydney’s cycleways on Tuesday 3 August. A big win for everyone who wants to live in a city that’s easy to get around, has clean air and values healthy, happy people. Thanks to everyone who came and made a fantastic evening.

The You Tube clip “We love to ride our bicycles, we love to ride our bikes, We love to ride our bicycles, Alan Jones get on your bike!”

More images from the night are here and here.

Southern courier article here

Telegraph article here.

Inner West Courier article here.

Central Sydney article here.

I *heart* Sydney Bike Lanes & Cycle Ways on Facebook.

Sydney’s Cycleways on Facebook.

Cleveland Street pathway opens

Elaena — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:02:33 +0000

The new shared pathway on the southern side of Cleveland Street between South Dowling Street and Anzac Parade has opened. The path links riders to Centennial Park and Surry Hills. The 3.5 metre path provides a smooth ride. Give way to pedestrians on the path and let them know you’re about with a ring of your bell. Read more about the pathway’s construction here.