[YarraBUG-list] Victorian Cycling Strategy + YarraBUG Radio podcasting

[Yarra Bicycle Users Group]

Hi all,

Two news stories today.

First up - YarraBUG Radio will be podcasting soon. We've been given
permission by 3CR after our first six months on air! More news soon.

YarraBUG Radio
http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/

3CR podcasts
http://www.3cr.org.au/podcasts

Secondly, the State Government launched another cycling plan today in
North Fitzroy. (see full article + link below)

If you were riding past this morning or will use the new bridge over the
Merri Creek, let us know what you think. You can also do a interview or
provide feedback on YarraBUG Radio, as we'll be doing a critique of the
new Victorian Cycling Strategy on next weeks show - so listen in!

cheers,

Chris ;)


$115M PLAN PAVES THE WAY FOR VICTORIA’S CYCLING FUTURE Monday, 23 March 2009

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/premier/$115m-plan-paves-the-way-for-victorias-cycling-future.html

Encouraging Victorians to ride their bikes and integrating new and
existing cycling infrastructure into the transport network are key
features of the $115 million Victorian Cycling Strategy, launched today by
Premier John Brumby.

Mr Brumby released the strategy today with Roads and Ports Minister Tim
Pallas at North Fitzroy where a new bike and pedestrian bridge will be
built over the Merri Creek, linking two important cycling routes.

“The Victorian Government is taking action now to keep Melbourne moving,
improving our transport network and providing more sustainable and
accessible travel options for Victorians,” Mr Brumby said.

“This $115 million cycling strategy seeks to further establish cycling as
a viable, sustainable, affordable and safe transport option, investing in
projects to reduce congestion and better integrate bike infrastructure
into our transport network.

“Since 1999 the Government has built 926 kilometres of paths and on-road
facilities – that’s further than Melbourne to Sydney. This plan builds on
that with infrastructure works to begin this year on projects across
metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.”

Mr Brumby said cycling infrastructure projects across the state included:
•    Federation Trail Extension off-road path from Altona to Yarraville;
•    Merri Creek Pipe Bridge linking the Merri Creek and Capital City trails;
•    Mount Alexander Road on-road bicycle lanes;
•    Bridge over Maroondah Highway connecting the Lilydale Warburton Trail
with the Lilydale Railway Station;
•    On-road bicycle lanes in Mooroopna, Shepparton, Strathdale, Kilmore
and Ballarat; and
•    Off-road paths in Bright, Wodonga, Ballarat and Geelong.

Mr Pallas said the Victorian Cycling Strategy delivered on the
Government’s commitment in the Victorian Transport Plan to invest $115
million in cycling infrastructure and initiatives.

“It sets out a blueprint to increase cycling levels across Victoria by
building a better bike network, developing a cycling culture, separating
cyclists and other road users where possible, better integrating cycling
with public transport and in land use planning,” Mr Pallas said.

Priority actions in the strategy include:
•    Significantly improving the network within 10km of the CBD;
•    Establishing a public bike hire scheme for Melbourne;
•    Installing bike cages at 33 train stations by the end of 2009;
•    Completing cycling networks in Central Activities Districts and
regional centres;
•    Developing safe cycling programs in Victorian schools and launching a
“look out for cyclists” campaign to educate road users about cyclist
safety; and
•    A review of cycling accident patterns to develop appropriate counter
measures.

Mr Pallas said developing cycling was not just about tackling congestion,
but promoting greener, more sustainable and more affordable transport
options.

“This cycling strategy aims to deliver a greater willingness among
Victorian’s to use a bike for every day travel – to get to work, the shops
and to visit family and friends,” he said.

“It’s not about replacing trains, buses, trams and cars, it’s about adding
cycling to the list of viable transport options available to all
Victorians.

“The benefits of cycling are numerous, including easing congestion,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging our communities to use
travel options that keep you fit and healthy.”

The Government’s ongoing cycling investment goes well beyond the $115
million commitment in the Victorian Transport Plan. This is on top of
funding for new bike paths to be built along new road projects and
upgrades, and a dedicated $4 million each year in the VicRoads budget.

The Victorian Cycling Strategy can be viewed at www.transport.vic.gov.au






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Yarra Bicycle Users Group Inc.
PO Box 253
Clifton Hill VIC 3068
http://www.yarrabug.org

Listen to YarraBUG Radio
Every Monday morning 10-10.30am on 3CR Community Radio
http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/
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Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North,
Clifton Hill, Cremorne, Collingwood, Fairfield,
Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Richmond
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