[YarraBUG-list] BtBB Ban review submission

[Yarra Bicycle Users Group]

FYI - Bin the Bike Ban submission to DOI - the involvement of BUG's is 
mentioned in the medium term goals.

For more background on the Connex and V/Line peak hour bans and discussion:
http://binthebikeban.org

Discussion list:
http://yarrabug.org/mailman/listinfo/publictransport_yarrabug.org

cheers,

Chris ;)

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BtBB Ban review submission
http://modernthings.org/binthebikeban/2008/01/29/btbb-ban-review-submission/

Following is the text of Bin the Bike Ban’s submission to the DOI review 
of the peak-hour bike ban.

—-

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

Our position is that cycling and multi-model travel must both be 
encouraged as part of an integrated public transport model that aims to 
minimise car use. The benefits include improved public health, reduced 
road congestion and reduced reliance on oil. We believe that cycling 
should be supported by all levels of government as a normal, integrated 
form of transport.

In addition, we feel that the bicycle ban has been poorly managed, with 
limited consultation and public awareness prior to the ban taking force 
in January 2008.

We fully support the encouragement of ‘feeder travel’ to train stations 
with the provision of secure bicycle parking. However, many passengers 
need their bicycles at both ends of their train journey — bicycle 
parking does not totally meet their needs.

Unless otherwise specified ‘carriages’ and ‘trains’ refer to both V/Line 
and Connex stock.

==Short-term goals (February and March 2008)==

1. Repeal the ban, effective immediately.

2. Widen the consultation process to include participating cycling 
groups from both regional and metropolitan areas in any future changes 
proposed by the Department of Infrastructure.

3. Improve communication to rail staff about locker management — 
existing lockers are not used efficiently due to uncertainties from 
cyclists about determining use and capacity, and procedures for their hire.

==Medium-term goals (2008–2009)==

4. Develop and disseminate a code of conduct for carrying bicycles and 
luggage on trains and publicise via pamphlets and posters. 
Diagrams/photographs of how to carry bicycles on different types of 
carriages would be very useful for many cyclists who may not be aware of 
ways to minimise impacts on other passengers. Potential cyclists would 
be reassured that carrying a bicycle on a train is a legitimate 
activity. Clearly mark preferred sections of carriages for carrying.

5. Formalise and implement ongoing consultation with local cycling 
groups, such as region-based Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) as a necessary 
component of the decision-making process.

6. Announce any changes to regulations that reduce mobility compared to 
the current situation a significant period of time ahead of 
implementation. Install notices at relevant stations for a similar period.

7. Modify existing carriages to incorporate more flip-up seating and 
install bicycle storage loops/hooks Ensure that any changes do not 
impact upon existing disabled seating provision.

8. Increase secure bicycle parking at stations where required.

9a). Increase the frequency of V/Line services, including the 
introduction of partial services that do not run the entire line.
b). Introduce a standard, separate bicycle/luggage container on all 
services that do not already have one.

==Long-term goals==

10. Adopt 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.




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Yarra Bicycle Users Group
PO Box 253
Clifton Hill VIC 3068
http://www.yarrabug.org
______________________________________
Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North,
Clifton Hill, Cremorne, Collingwood, Fairfield,
Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Richmond
______________________________________