[YarraBUG-list] YarraBUG November - December News

Wed Nov 19 10:46:33 AEDT 2008

Hi all,

This months action-packed edition of YarraBUG news for your reading 
enjoyment!

- Next YarraBUG Meeting 30 November
- YarraBUG AGM short report
- YarraBUG Radio report
- Swanston Street - Countdown to Coach removal
- Candidate Survey
- Gipps St Bridge News - at last!
- Pallas rejects call for slower road speeds
- Yarra Bend Park Sport and Recreation Facilities Plan
- Events & Rides

*Next YarraBUG Meeting 30 November 2008*
This will be our last meeting for 2008 and there's plenty to reflect 
upon and plan for 2009. We've obviously been flat chat with getting 
YarraBUG Radio on air and need to plan for additional BUG activities in 
2009. As this is our final meeting, let's do something a little special 
and meet at 2pm, Sunday 30 November at Little Creatures Dining Hall, 222 
Brunswick St Fitzroy. See you there!

*
YarraBUG AGM short report*
We held our first AGM on October 19th at 3CR's meeting room. Our new 
committee of management for 2009 is Bill, Joel, Ruth, Steve & Chris. 
Four of us nominated as general Co-convenors and Joel was elected 
Membership Officer. We welcome the new members to the YarraBUG committee 
and look forward to working together.

*
YarraBUG Radio report*
Listen into YarraBUG Radio, broadcasting every Monday at 10-10.30am on 
3CR Community Radio 855am and streaming live on the web at 3cr.org.au. 
We're already up to our tenth show and are swiftly developing our 'radio 
craft' with every show. With a ensemble of six presenters it's been 
loads of fun, and at times, a slightly nervous debut into the world of 
live broadcasting.

Here's our new dedicated YarraBUG Radio website:
http://www.yarrabug.org/radio

Many people have been asked about when we will start podcasting. 3CR has 
a policy of only granting permission shows to podcast after six months 
onair and also ensuring first that the announcers are technically 
proficient. So stay tuned for further news about when we commence 
podcasting, although weekly show summaries are available on our new 
website. Have an idea, want to be interviewed or have program feedback? 
Then please let us know. Your feedback is welcome, so call us at 3CR on 
03 9419 8377 when you can let us know your thoughts, we welcome your 
contribution, after all YarraBUG is here for you to help you make your 
cycling safe, fun and infectious for others.

Additional YarraBUG Radio news - Bike nerds = Trivia Champs!
http://www.3cr.org.au/news/3cr-quiz-night-success
 From 3CR's 30th October fundraising Quiz Night:: New program YarraBUG 
had the audacity to win and showed no remorse with their parting 
comment, "Great night, all in good spirits, and made even better by the 
newbies winning".

*Other bike radio news:*
Although 3AW is not known for providing positive coverage to cycling 
issues, it has allocated a regular spot on Saturday afternoon 3.45pm for 
talk about cycling issues. Many of you would know Warren Cay from 
BikeNow (Cogs Girls, Brunetti Women's Coffee Club Ride, numerous Skill 
Cycle Sessions). Warren is coordinating the segment which is hosted by 
Tom Elliot. The success of the program depends on people calling in with 
questions and comments. So take advantage of the opportunity to 
demonstrate to 3AW that listeners are interested in  cycling and 
hopefully the program slot will be moved from the sport program to a 
lifestyle/health and wellbeing program.

*Swanston Street Coach Countdown*
Sonya is doing a "countdown" on YarraBUG Radio regarding the removal of 
coaches on Swanston Street, in the wake of Carolyn Rawlins tragic death 
in September.

The Age: In Carolyn's name:
http://www.theage.com.au/national/in-carolyns-name-20081013-4ztc.html?page=-1

 From November 10:
http://www.melbournecyclist.com/forum/topics/1684380:Topic:20020
 "Just off the phone with Melbourne City Council regarding buses out of 
Swanston Street. They report that they are on schedule to remove any 
"business that operates a business from the street". They said that this 
covers all sizes of buses no just full size coaches. There are some 
works that needs to be done to prepare the alternative site for 
pickup/drop off. These works are considered minor and hasn't been 
schedule because the alternative site is still being decided. Their 
first option is the rear of Fed Sq. Failing agreements that need to be 
reached between Fed Sq and the tour operators the laternative site will 
be near Melbourne Goal. The decision is likely to be made in the next 
few days and we can expect to see the works proceed and completed by 
November 24th."

COUNTDOWN to NO BUSES in Swanston Street - this Monday 24th November. 
Will the Melbourne City Council keep their word on promises to improve 
cyclist safety in Swanston Street?

*Candidate Survey*
YarraBUG is currently sending a Questionaire to candidates standing in 
the Yarra Council elections on 29th November asking their stance on 
local sustainable transport and cycling issues. This time the questions 
are broader in scope than the 2004 questionaire, as the emphasis upon 
cycling issues have obviously changed greatly in the last four years and 
many issues facing cyclists are beyond the scope of local councils.

2004 Questionaire
http://www.yarrabug.org/wp-content/YarraCouncilElections2004.pdf

The results should be in within a week and posted to this list and our 
website, apologies to those who are voting early!

BoorandaraBUG have posted their candidate survey of Boroondara  and 
Stonnington candidates:
http://boroondarabug.org/wiki/index.php/Election_2008_Boroondara
http://boroondarabug.org/wiki/index.php/Election_2008_Stonnington

*Gipps St Bridge News - at last!*
The Gipps Street Steps issue continues to crawl along at a glacial pace 
- but wait, there's good news from the State Government in the way of 
design funding for a new bridge at Clarke Street,  Abbotsford, crossing 
the Yarra and therefore bypassing Collins Bridge and the steps.

Grants To Link Melbourne's Great Bike Trails: Friday, 24 October 2008
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/minister-for-environment-climate-change/grants-to-link-melbournes-great-bike-trails.html

City of Yarra -- Merri Creek Trail: Rushall Station Bypass trail 
realignment, $130,677
Yarra Bend Trust -- Main Yarra Trail: Design of Yarra Boulevard trail 
realignment, $50,000,
City of Yarra -- Main Yarra Trail: Design of Clark St Bridge (Gipps St 
Stairs bypass), $150,000

*The Age: Pallas rejects call for slower road speeds*
http://www.theage.com.au/national/pallas-rejects-call-for-slower-road-speeds-20081114-67c9.html

Roads Minister Tim Pallas has dismissed calls to cut car speeds across 
Melbourne that proponents say will improve road safety for pedestrians 
and cyclists. Research released yesterday by the Safe Speed Interest 
Group, a coalition of councils and the Heart Foundation, found that 
dropping speed limits to 30km/h on suburban streets would cut pedestrian 
injuries. And it would improve community health by encouraging more to 
walk and cycle, the research found. "The evidence is incontrovertible: 
lowering speed limits increases safety," said Yarra councillor and the 
coalition's spokeswoman, Jackie Fristacky. But Mr Pallas said he would 
not consider dropping speed limits because it would "lose the community 
in a debate that has to be had about road safety". (more in article)

***

With those comments in mind, please free most free to contact Mr Pallas 
and politely inform him what you think about his attitude towards 
reducing road speeds.
Those details are: Hon. Tim Pallas, MP, Minister for Roads and Ports, 
Department of Transport. GPO Box 2797, Melbourne VIC 3001. Email: 
tim.pallas at parliament.vic.gov.au

*Yarra Bend Park Sport and Recreation Facilities Plan*
The Yarra Bend Park Draft Sport and Recreation Directions Plan is now 
available for comment. A draft sport and recreation directions plan has 
been prepared for Yarra Bend Park. Parks Victoria in association with 
the Cities of Boroondara, Darebin and Yarra, engaged sport and 
recreation planning consultant @leisure to prepare a draft for community 
consultation. The Plan will guide the development of sport and 
recreation facilities within the Park.

The draft plan is available to download here:
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=225
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mresources/yarra_bend/Yarra_Bend 
_Directions_Paper%20.pdf

Have your say! Clubs and individuals are invited to review the document 
and attend a meeting to discuss the plan. Send in written comments: 
Comments can be made on the sheet provided ora separate page by 21 
November 2008.

*Events & Rides

*
*Local Events & Rides Calendar:*
http://www.yarrabug.org/events-and-rides

*
Melbourne Bicycle Film Festival - 19 - 23 November 2008*
On its eighth annual trail through international cities, the Bicycle 
Film Festival will be rolling into Melbourne from Wednesday 19 til 
Sunday 23 of November 2008. From slick fixed gear gods to spokey-doke 
adorners, the Bicycle Film Festival brings together Melbourne's diverse 
range of bike riders to celebrate man's beloved mechanical companion. 
The festival will screen an array of international and local films, and 
continue its promotion of the bicycle through a side-program of art, 
music, and fashion festivities. Set in CBD venues, this year's festival 
is certain to see bicycles pulsing with the beat of Melbourne's heart
More details: http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com.au

*Track Cycling - UCI World Cup - in Melbourne this week - 20-22 November 
2008*
The UCI Track Cycling World Cup brings together the best track cyclists 
in the world to burn up the boards at Melbourne's world class indoor 
velodrome.Cyclists from 50 countries, including world and Olympic 
championships will compete in sprint and endurance, individual and team 
events.
More details: http://www.trackworldcup.com.au/

*
Bicycle Swap Meet -  **9.30am - 3pm **Saturday 22nd November 2008 *
Entry by gold coin donation - rear of Abbotsford Cycles, 27 Swan St, 
Richmond (under the station) hosted by Vintage Cycle Club of Victoria 
courtesy of Abbotsford Cycles. A chance to BRING, BUY, SWAP, SELL 
precious old bicycle junk. All eras welcome, but classic and vintage 
preferred. To register as a seller ($10 fee bkgs essential - limited 
space available) or for further info contact: Charlie Farren: 
farren at vicnet.net.au, tel 9827 4453. This event is held in conjunction 
with the Bicycle Film Festival on 19-23 November 2008: 
http://www.ambiguoushorse.com/bicycle-ff/

*Cyclismo - Bendigo - 22-23 November 2008*
Come to Bendigo on 22-23 November for a weekend of immersion in cycling. 
Get into town on Saturday afternoon and settle in then come into 
Rosalind Park to join the cycling tribe in this cycling mad town. Check 
out the latest equipment from suppliers such as SRAM, get some advice on 
bike fit and training and catch up with old and new cycling friends.  
Test your skills in the cobbled MTB challenge or just watch the extreme 
riders before the professional criterium. Don't stay up to late though 
as on Sunday the Excelior Gran Fondo (Recreational Ride) offers a tough 
challenge and the chance to ride with the pro's. The Excelior Gran Fondo 
is also a rare opportunity for cycling fans to ride with the stars as 
elite teams and riders join the enthusiasts to ride on some of the roads 
used in previous editions of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour, Australia's 
oldest road cycling stage race. Covering three beautiful courses of 
134km, 84km and 42km there is a ride for everyone!
More details: http://www.cyclismo.com.au 

*
YCAT BBQ & get together - Thursday, 4th December 2008*
Yarra Campaign Against the Tunnel are having a BBQ in lieu of the usual 
fortnightly meeting. This will be a chance to relax, debrief, chat, 
recharge and, of course, have a BBQ at Gahan's Reserve. Where: Gahan's 
Reserve, Collingwood, Melways 2C J9 - at 6 for 6.30pm start. Right near 
Collingwood Railway Station behind the Collingwood Town Hall (nearest 
public toilets next to Police station) BYO meat & non-meat and 
refreshments. Any additional details & updates will be posted to the 
YCAT facebook group & YCAT website. See you there!
More details: http://www.ycat.org.au/

*
Geelong Full Moon Bike Ride - 13th December 2008*
Time to polish the spokes, oil the chain, dust off the nativity scene 
and stretch the muscles. Geelongs' next Full Moon Bike Ride is on 
Saturday the 13th December leaving at 6.30pm from outside Cafe 9 Zero 
(90 Pakington St, Geelong West). Riders will head to the iconic Easterm 
Beach for a BBQ dinner before heading north to the suburb of Corio with 
the sole purpose of checking out Christmas lights. Oh! and to eat a 
delightful supper. Because we will travel along bike paths or quieter 
back roads, this ride will suit beginners. Check out a map at:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/13th-December-full-moon-bike-ride 
Although the route may alter a little seeking out all the cooool xmas 
lights.

For train times see vline.com.au For more details see: 
www.myspace.com/fullmoonbikeridesgeelong

Right Honorable David Cheng, Chief Executive to the General Manager, 
Full Moon Bike Rides Pty Ltd

*
Ride and Run the Ring Road - 14 December 2008*
To celebrate the completion of the Ring Road between the Princes Fwy, 
Corio and the Hamilton Hwy, Fyansford, the Geelong Advertiser is proud 
to present the Ring Road Ride and Run, a once in a lifetime chance for 
you to ride or run on the Geelong Ring Road before it opens to traffic
More details: http://www.ringroadrideandrun.org.au

-- 

Yarra Bicycle Users Group Inc.
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
______________________________________

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