[publictransport] Debate and Dis(unity)

[Kerry Tait]

Dear Colleagues,

Reading people's contributions over the past couple of days has been  
educative and interesting.

As I suspected, there are lots of people on this list who know a lot  
about public transport, cycling and Vic govt history around these  
issues.

I loved yesterday's Age editorial which said:
"Operating a public transport system requires a visionary approach,  
not a reactive spasm."  You bet!

To whit:
As a prior bike cage user (in Brisbane where our Uni had one), I can  
confirm that they totally work.  It was a total relief to know that  
my pushie/lights/tires were not going to be nicked or vandalised in  
an area where that happened a lot to the unwary.

I also got a pasting from my hubbie about my rego idea!  However, I  
think it is our right to be properly insured on the roads and  
currently we are not.  Our bikes are a precious resource are they  
not?  And too many of us limp away from accidents without being able  
to do anything about it.

So I think we should embrace all options which make it easy for  
cyclists to use train stations.  Giving people choices relieves  
stress and encourages "well yes, maybe I can ride to work/uni/school"

BV issue lovely maps, organise fun events and have a great website.   
However we clearly need a proper lobby group.  Are we it?  We have a  
prime opportunity to have our say with Lynne Kosky.

The writers who've said that the whole process is up the creek, DOI  
are petrol heads, new Transport Act etc are almost certainly correct.

However, we have a new Minister in Lynne Kosky.  She currently feels  
a bit of pressure to do the right thing.  There are some practical,  
doable things she can have done without too much fuss, which we need  
done.  I think we should remember that this is not just about us.   
It's about attracting new people to commute on their bike as well.

Overall, thematically a transport strategy needs to acknowledge:
1.  that cyclists are regular commuters.
2.  that train stations are commuter hubs.

Here are the things I think we should ask for straight up:
1.  we need bikes back on trains, all trains at all times, immediately.
2.  we need to know that we can put our bike in the back carriage or  
whatever.  And any rules need to be simple.
3.  good bike lock up facilities at as many train stations as possible.
4.  Metlink website should show us proper bicyle connection to train  
stations and if there is a bike cage there.   The Metlink journey  
planner is a good resource already.
5.  we need proper signage on bike tracks which indicates train  
stations, major roads etc.
6. we sure as hell need a LOT more street parking U shaped thingys in  
the city (and elsewhere)  to lock our bikes up to.

And then in the long term.
7. we need more on road bike lanes and bike tracks planned and built.
8. being able to load bike onto front of bus is also a great idea
9.  bringing over an expert from WA to help out sounds great.  There  
is no faster way to get good things done than to acknowledge great  
work others have done and use those great ideas.
10.  we need proper insurance which formally acknowledges us a road  
users.

Are there people in the group who are able to get together to lobby  
Lynne Kosky?

I hope this helps - I am happy to help out in any way I can so please  
get in touch if you need,


Best wishes,
Kerry
0427 144919

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