[publictransport] Draft of review submission

[Brianna Laugher]

Hi folks,

We had a brunch at CERES Cafe today, while a small turn-out there was
plenty of useful discussion and enthusiasm. Thanks to Tony from the
PTUA for coming along, and also Russell the newspaper star from
Woodend who made quite a trek. ;)

Some points before I get to the draft.
- the Sustainable Living Festival is on Feb 15-17.
<http://www.slf.org.au/festival/> PTUA has a stall at it. Would be too
late for us to get a stall, but we could perhaps just generally hang
around handing out stuff to people, and maybe PTUA would let us put
some stuff on their table.
- DOI has seemingly not communicated to V/Line that the ban will not
be in place while the "review" is ongoing. So we need to ring them and
ask them to make that point quite forcefully I think. Comunication by
media is not very good...
- Proposed action: everyone still keen, as a method of keeping the
attention on the issue. So Tues 12th it shall be. Cardboard bike
construction should be scheduled for the weekend.

***Input is especially welcome from V/Line travellers on the V/Line
related points.*** It may be easier for BtBB to simply say 'You must
consult with regional cycling groups on these points'.

Should we have a point equivalent to "fix overcrowding"? I prefer to
have concrete points, this is not so easy. I think it is OK if we keep
our focus on an supporting an integrated transport system. It's pretty
obvious overcrowding still needs fixing, I doubt our saying so or not
will make any difference. :)

cheers
Brianna

----------------------------------------------
Bin the Bike Ban is a coalition of cycling groups and individuals
gathered to overturn the recent DOI ban of bicycles on peak-hour
trains. We represent over 500 individuals and have connections to many
cycling groups.

Our position is that cycling and multi-model travel must both be
encouraged as part of an intregrated public transport model that aims
to minimise car use. The benefits will be seen in improved public
health, reduced road congestion, and reduced oil reliance.
Cycling should be supported by the government as a normal form of transport.

In addition, we feel that this issue was poorly managed with limited
consultation and public awareness prior to the ban taking force.

While encouraging "feeder travel" to train stations by introducing
secure bicycle parking is a laudabl aim (that we support), we seek
acknowledgement that passengers may unavoidably need their bicycle at
both ends of a train journey, and these passengers should not be
disavantaged.

Unless otherwise specified "carriages" and "trains" refer to both
V/Line and Connex.

==Short-term goals (next two months)==
1. Repeal the ban and return to the previous situation of having
bicycles discouraged from being carried on peak hour trains
(discouraged, but allowed, and at no cost).

2. This consultation process needs to be widened and more cycling
groups invited to participate, particularly in regional areas and
relating to V/Line.

3. Improved communication to rail staff about locker management. It
seems that the existing lockers are not able to be utilised maximally
because rail staff are uncertain or unwilling to perform that
function.

==Medium-term goals (2008-2009)==
4. Formalise a code of conduct for carrying bicycles on trains and
publicise via pamphlets and possibly posters. For example, have
diagrams/photographs of how to carry bicycles on the various types of
carriages. Many cyclists may never have had someone teach them how to
carry their bicycle in a way that minimises impact to other
passengers. This may also reassure would-be cyclists that carrying a
bicycle on a train is a legitimate activity. Sign preferred sections
of carriages for carrying bicycles.

5. Consulting with local cycling groups such as region-based Bicycle
User Groups (BUGs) must be considered a necessary component of the
decision-making process.

6. Changes to laws that reduce mobility compared to the current
situation should be announced at least one month prior to
implementation. Notices should be installed at relevant stations for a
similar period.

7. Modify existing Connex carriages to incorporate more flip-up
seating and install bicycle storage loops/hooks.

8. Increase secure bicycle parking at stations.

9. Increased frequency of V/Line services. A standard, separate
bicycle/luggage container should be introduced on all services.

==Long-term goals==
10. Formal adoption of an integrated (public) transport policy that
encourages multi-modal travelling. Promote cycling as a normal
commuter activity and just another form of transport.

11. Make "suitable bicycle storage provisions" a requirement of any
future train stock purchases, with the expectation that numbers of
passengers carrying bicycles will increase.

-----------------------------------------------

-- 
They've just been waiting in a mountain for the right moment:
http://modernthings.org/