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<font face="Arial"><b>In this months newsletter:</b><br>
</font>
<ul>
<li><font face="Arial">YarraBUG Newsletters</font></li>
<li><font face="Arial">YarraBUG Advocacy Committee</font></li>
<li><font face="Arial">YarraBUG Radio on 3CR 855AM Community Radio<br>
</font></li>
<li><font face="Arial">Melbourne City Council: Swanston Street
redevelopment consultation</font></li>
<li><font face="Arial">St Georges Roundabout Upgrade</font></li>
<li><font face="Arial">Yarra Council News - Proposed Amended Road
Management Plan</font></li>
<li><font face="Arial">Cycling & Transport News</font></li>
<li><font face="Arial">Rides, Courses and Events</font></li>
</ul>
<font face="Arial"><b><br>
1. YarraBUG Newsletters</b><br>
YarraBUG Newsletters have been noticeably thin on the ground this year
due to our organising committee being too busy than is humanly
possible! We plan to make these newsletters monthly from now on to keep
you up to date & informed. The deadlines for sending material,
local
news, heads up, reviews, events, ride ideas etc are as follows: May 25,
June
25, July 25, August 25, September 25, October 25, November 25, December
20. Your contributions are most welcome.<br>
<br>
<b><br>
2. YarraBUG Advocacy Committee</b><br>
The BUG is forming a new Advocacy Committee and we want to know your
thoughts and feedback about issues and ideas that interest and concern
you. We want
to hear from riders who travel, work and especially cycle through the
suburbs of Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North, Clifton
Hill, Cremorne, Collingwood, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes
Hill and Richmond.<br>
<br>
Cycling encompasses many aspects, including cycling for transport,
cycling for recreation, cycling for sport and sustainable transport
when mixed with other modes like public transport. Is there a local
road issue you want something done about? Are there sustainable
transport issues that concern you? Are you interested in writing
submissions and correspondence to help cycling become even more popular
and accessible? If this interests you please contact us at YarraBUG,
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated"
href="mailto:enquiries@yarrabug.org">enquiries@yarrabug.org</a> or
send a note via our contact page:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.yarrabug.org/contact-us/">http://www.yarrabug.org/contact-us/</a><br>
<br>
<br>
<b>3. YarraBUG Radio on 3CR 855AM Community Radio</b><br>
After six months onair YarraBUG Radio is now podcasting, you can see
that we also have a nifty audio-player on our web site so you can
listen to podcasts when they are uploaded to 3CR’s website.And we’re
also
on iTunes! Go to Podcasts > Audio Podcasts > News & Politics
> 3CR > YarraBUG. <a moz-do-not-send="true"
class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/"></a><br>
<br>
So listen in, you can hear about local cycling news and views and also
we have the occasional giveaway every couple of weeks! 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
Radio is here for you to help you make your cycling safe, fun and
infectious for others. </font><font face="Arial"><br>
More details + weekly podcasts:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/">http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/</a></font><br>
<font face="Arial"><br>
Recent programs: Yarra Bicycle User Group Radio Show #34 - May 4th, 2009<br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/?p=233">http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/?p=233</a><br>
<br>
Yarra BUG Radio Show #33 - Monday April 27th, 2009<br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/?p=226">http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/?p=226</a><br>
<br>
<b><br>
4. Melbourne City Council: Swanston Street redevelopment consultation</b><br>
>From Melb City Council: The community is invited to comment on seven
design options for the
redevelopment of Swanston Street. Your feedback and comments will help
Melbourne City Council make an informed decision about the street’s
future use. The consultation concludes at 5pm this Friday, 8 May 2009.
<br>
More details:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=192&pa=1323&pg=4460">http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=192&pa=1323&pg=4460</a><br>
<br>
The YarraBUG committee have chosen to support Option 2 (Managed Service
Delivery) as it seems the most pragmatic and viable option avaliable
out of the seven, although you're entitled to choose any of the options
as long as it's obviously NOT Option 7! (Remove bicycle access)<br>
<br>
MelbourneBUG have also supported Option 2, visit
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.melbournebug.org/">http://www.melbournebug.org/</a>
to read Melbourne BUG's analysis of the
Swanston St options on offer from Melbourne City Council. Go to<br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.petitiononline.com/melbug/petition.html">http://www.petitiononline.com/melbug/petition.html</a>
to sign their
petition if you wish.<br>
<br>
<br>
<b>5. St Georges Roundabout Upgrade</b><br>
>From VicRoads: VicRoads advises that road safety improvement works
along St Georges Road/Merri Parade/Charles Street in Northcote will
commence by late April 2009. Works are scheduled for completion by end
August 2009. These works include the removal of the roundabout at the
intersection of St Georges Road/Merri Parade/Charles Street,
installation of new traffic signals and installation of an additional
lane on St Georges Road and Merri Parade. In addition the existing
footpath on St Georges Road will be widened and built as a shared
footpath.<br>
<br>
Further details:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadsAndProjects/RoadProjects/InnerCity/StGeorgesRdMerriPrdeIntersection.htm">http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadsAndProjects/RoadProjects/InnerCity/StGeorgesRdMerriPrdeIntersection.htm</a><br>
<br>
<b>Melbourne Times: Roadworks get green light at notorious roundabout
(April 29, 2009)</b><br>
Work has started on a $5.1 million upgrade to a notorious Northcote
roundabout.The roundabout, at the intersection of St Georges Road,
Merri Parade and Charles Street, will be removed and replaced with
traffic lights. Residents have been lobbying for a safety upgrade at
the site for years. Northcote MLA Fiona Richardson said the
intersection was notorious for congestion<br>
and safety problems. Traffic queues on Merri Parade have reached up to
400 metres during peak hour. Bicycle Victoria figures show the St
Georges Road roundabout is one of the<br>
city's top five crash sites for cyclists, with an average of 1.67
collisions involving cyclists each year. A Bicycle Victoria audit in
March found more than 600 cyclists use St Georges Road<br>
to travel south-bound to the city each day, an increase of more than 15
per cent since 2008.<br>
<br>
Read the rest of the Melb Times article here:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.yarrabug.org/images/MelbTimesB29April09.gif">http://www.yarrabug.org/images/MelbTimesB29April09.gif</a><br>
<br>
<br>
<b>6. Yarra Council News - Proposed Amended Road Management Plan</b><br>
Read the following two articles - What do you think? Should Yarra
Council downgrade road maintanance to discourage vehicle use? How do
you think this could affect general access, pedestrian and cycling in
Yarra? Let us know and also contact Yarra Council with your opinions.<br>
<b><br>
>From Yarra Council: Victorian regulations require councils to
review
their Road Management Plans by 30 June 2009.</b><br>
The review must ensure that the standards of road maintenance are safe,
efficient and appropriate for community use. Council is proposing to
amend its Road Management Plan and Road Register, which would both
apply for the following four years. The amendments build on Council’s
Road Management Plan that established a management system for Council
for the discharge of its duty to inspect, maintain and repair its
public roads based on policy and operational objectives and available
resources. Council invites interested members of the community to read
the documents and provide written submissions, which should be received
by 29 May 2009.<br>
<br>
Further details:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Consultation/index.asp#rmp">http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Consultation/index.asp#rmp</a><br>
<br>
<b>Melbourne Times: Councillor: roads to hell too well-paved (April 29,
2009)</b><br>
Yarra Council is considering a proposal to downgrade its roads
maintenance funding to discourage residents from driving. The plan won
early approval last week and will be considered in more detail next
month. Greens councillor Alison Clarke, who proposed the change, said
the council should downgrade its roads rating from their current
average of 84 out of 100 to 75 out of 100.<br>
"I think having good roads rather than excellent roads is something we
should achieve," Cr Clarke said. "It does concern me that our roads
rate 85 - I really think that's a little bit too good. I<br>
think we can afford to ease them back down a bit, because we don't want
to be encouraging everyone to drive with Ferrari-grade roads."<br>
<br>
The council must renew its road management plan by the end of June, but
several councillors are flagging a fight over the priority given to
roads maintenance funding. Yarra allocated $10.9 million to roads
expenses in 2007-08, but Cr Clarke said the council would discuss
"shaving a bit of money off the roads budget next year". She said the
council was also considering reducing the space allocated to roads over
the next four years.<br>
<br>
Read the rest of the Melb Times article here:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.yarrabug.org/images/MelbTimes29April09.gif">http://www.yarrabug.org/images/MelbTimes29April09.gif</a><br>
<br>
<br>
<b>7. Cycling & Transport News</b><br>
<br>
<br>
<b>Common Bike Launched</b><br>
What would bike sharing be like in Melbourne? You can experience it in
May 2009 as we run a pilot demonstrating the possibility of a small
community based bike sharing venture. This pilot will only run for
three weeks. As a simple and scalable community based concept, it can
be the starting point for a bright bike sharing future in Melbourne.<br>
<br>
Common Bike has hubs in the CBD and Melbourne's inner Northern and
Eastern suburbs, identified as existing areas with a culture of high
bike use. The sites for the pilot project will be Human Powered Cycles
(Thornbury), Rent-a-Bike (Federation Square), Commuter Cycles
(Brunswick), Lentil as Anything (Abbotsford), Abbotsford Cycles
(Abbotsford), and Crumpler (Fitzroy); with the potential for more to be
added later. More details: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.commonbike.com">http://www.commonbike.com</a><br>
<b><br>
The Age: $5m bike hire plan (May 3, 2009)</b><br>
Melbourne will soon have a Paris-style network of cheap public bike
hire stations in the inner city, with the State Government committing
$5 million to the scheme in Tuesday's budget.<br>
Roads Minister Tim Pallas will call this week for tenders to run the
network, which will supply 600 bikes for hire at 50 docking stations,
including Parliament House, Federation Square, Southern Cross Station
and Melbourne University. The scheme is due to start next year. Further
details: <a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated"
href="http://www.theage.com.au/national/5m-bike-hire-plan-20090502-aquq.html">www.theage.com.au/national/5m-bike-hire-plan-20090502-aquq.html</a><br>
<b><br>
Bicycle Riding Survey</b><br>
Message from Damien: I am a final year Industrial Industrial design
student studying at the University of Technology Sydney in NSW. I am
currently doing my final year dissertation paper on ‘Cycling in
Australia’, the purpose of the paper is to identify design needs in the
recreation industry of cycling, and to develop it into a design project
based on my research for my major project next semester. I'm a cyclist
myself, and the reason I have sent this email to you, is to ask for
your help! Im hoping to somehow improve cycling in some way shape or
form, and if I am going to understand what cyclists needs or wants are,
then I’ll need to get feedback from cyclists. I'm hoping you will be
able to help me get some feedback from Victorian
cyclists. My research relies heavily on the kindness of others to spare
me some of their time. <br>
<br>
This is the Survey Link:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=TBQgmKPJ8v2NtgzCe_2buAoA_3d_3d">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=TBQgmKPJ8v2NtgzCe_2buAoA_3d_3d</a><br>
<b><br>
A Green New Deal for Victoria</b><br>
>From Friends of the Earth: an integrated response to the triple
crunch
of recession, climate change, and peak oil:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://greennewdeal.wordpress.com/">http://greennewdeal.wordpress.com/</a><br>
<br>
<b>Cycling Resource Centre</b><br>
Keep up to date with Australian and international cycling news,
initiatives, sustainable transport news and government news.<br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.cyclingresourcecentre.org.au/">http://www.cyclingresourcecentre.org.au/</a><br>
<br>
<b>Bicycle Federation of Australia E-News</b><br>
The April 2009 edition of the BFA E-News is available to view at:<br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.bfa.asn.au/emaillist/?IntCatId=31&IntContId=7701">http://www.bfa.asn.au/emaillist/?IntCatId=31&IntContId=7701</a><br>
<br>
<b>Centerlines - April 2009 (USA)</b><br>
CenterLines is the bi-weekly e-newsletter of the National Center for
Bicycling & Walking. CenterLines is our way of quickly delivering
news and information you can use to create more walkable and
bicycle-friendly communities.<br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.bikewalk.org/cl/2009/apr/0429b.html">http://www.bikewalk.org/cl/2009/apr/0429b.html</a><br>
<br>
<b>Institute for Transportation & Development Policy - April 2009</b><br>
ITDP's eBulletin is the free news brief that is emailed to subscribers
four times a year. It includes ITDP project updates, policy critiques,
advocacy highlights, and event announcements.<br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.itdp.org/index.php/information_center/ebulletin-detail/number_27/">http://www.itdp.org/index.php/information_center/ebulletin-detail/number_27/</a><br>
<br>
<br>
<b>8. Rides, Courses and Events</b><br>
<br>
<b><br>
Also see our combined Rides and Events calendar:</b><br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.yarrabug.org/events-and-rides/">http://www.yarrabug.org/events-and-rides/</a><br>
<br>
<b>FixMyRide</b><br>
FixMyRide provides a personalised, one-on-one mobile bicycle repairs
service to customers in Melbourne CBD, from the back of the FIXMYRIDE
bike and trailer. No wasted time detouring to the bike shop on your
commute or waiting
for your bike to be serviced. I come to you, repair and replace what is
necessary. Contact Sholto Allbrook M: 0428 552 741 Email:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated"
href="mailto:fixmyride.vic@gmail.com">fixmyride.vic@gmail.com</a><br>
<br>
<b>Human Powered Cycles Training - Bike maintenance training calendar</b><br>
The registration fee for regular introductory and intermediate training
sessions all include a copy of Save My Bike: A Beginner's Guide to Bike
Maintenance (Jordan Wilson and Chris Southwood, 2007). More details:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.humanpowered.com.au/tiki/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=309">http://www.humanpowered.com.au/tiki/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=309</a><br>
<br>
<b>CycleSMART Skills Program - New Dates Announced</b><br>
Are you a recreational cyclist looking to enhance your cycling skills,
knowledge and ability? If so then an extensive 4 week CycleSMART
Program proudly brought to you by Cyclo Sportif Victoria & Echelon
1 Cycling Coaching is for you. The next 4 week CycleSMART Skills
Program will kick off on Saturday 23rd May. For more, look for
"CycleSMART Skills Program" at: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.cyclosportifvic.com.au">http://www.cyclosportifvic.com.au</a><br>
<b><br>
Bike Fun Melbourne: Full Moon Ride - Friday 8th May</b><br>
Shankland Valley Trail and Moonee Ponds Creek Path to Docklands<br>
Catch the 6:49 or 6:58 from Flinders St Platforms 6&7. Ride down
the Shankland Valley Trail and Moonee Ponds Creek Path to Docklands.
There are easy exits @ Pascoe Vale Station or Flemington Bridge Station
if you don't have the time or legs for 35 Km. Bring something to share
and we'll picnic at Gowanbrae or Boeing Reserve. The ride is mostly
down hill and a north wind is perfect. See BikeFun Melbourne for more:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated"
href="http://www.bikefun.org">http://www.bikefun.org</a><br>
<br>
<b>Yarra Climate Action Now General Meeting - Wednesday 13th May</b><br>
7.30pm, Wednesday 13 May, Kindness House, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy.
YCAN is an independent community group based in inner-city Melbourne
made up of individuals who are concerned about climate change. We are
pushing for the urgent worldwide action needed to avoid runaway climate
change and the associated impacts. We are interested in making a
difference in the community through education, lobbying, workshops and
other activities. We are part of the Climate Emergency Network and a
national network of grassroots climate action groups. YCAN general
meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. All welcome.
For further information call Pablo: 0421 011 182<br>
More details: <a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://yarraclimateactionnow.blogspot.com/">http://yarraclimateactionnow.blogspot.com/</a><br>
<br>
<b>North Melbourne to Abbotsford Convent - Sunday 17th May</b><br>
Starting at North Melbourne Town Hall, North Melbourne, 3051, Melway 43
E5. Sunday morning ride along quiet streets to Abbotsford Convent/
Collingwood Children's farm, where we will stop for coffee, admire the
animals and checkout the glassblowing studio. Return via Yarra, Merri
and Capital City trails. In case of bad weather ring Helen 9329 9757
after 08pm on 17 May for last minute changes/ cancellation<br>
<br>
<b>Ride2Power - 23rd June</b><br>
Ride2Power is a bike journey from Melbourne to Power Shift in Sydney
through not only the amazing Australia countryside but also their
minds, bodies and souls. Along the way they will meet with people from
all walks of life and hear the stories that make the Power Shift
mission all the more poignant. Spanning over 18 days and 950
kilometres, they will meet and chat with Power Shifters in many inland
centres to gauge the levels of concern and awareness for the
government’s carbon emission goals. They will meet with politicians,
activists and the general public. If you'd like wish a bon voyage to
Michael Crowe and the team when they leave Melbourne on 23 June, please
contact him at: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:crowy23@hotmail.com">crowy23@hotmail.com</a>.
<br>
More information at:
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.youthclimatecoalition.org">http://www.youthclimatecoalition.org</a></font><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<font face="Arial">-- </font><br>
<br>
<font face="Arial">Yarra Bicycle Users Group</font><br>
<font face="Arial">PO Box 253</font><br>
<font face="Arial">Clifton Hill VIC 3068</font><br>
<font face="Arial"><a moz-do-not-send="true"
class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.yarrabug.org">http://www.yarrabug.org</a></font><br>
<br>
<font face="Arial">Listen to YarraBUG Radio</font><br>
<font face="Arial">Every Monday morning 10-10.30am on 3CR Community
Radio</font><br>
<font face="Arial"><a moz-do-not-send="true"
class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/">http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/</a></font><br>
<font face="Arial">------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------
</font><br>
<font face="Arial">Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North,</font><br>
<font face="Arial">Clifton Hill, Cremorne, Collingwood, Fairfield,</font><br>
<font face="Arial">Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Richmond</font><br>
<font face="Arial">------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------</font>
<font face="Arial"> </font><br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">-</pre>
<br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
Yarra Bicycle Users Group Inc.
PO Box 253
Clifton Hill VIC 3068
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.yarrabug.org">http://www.yarrabug.org</a>
Listen to YarraBUG Radio
Every Monday morning 10-10.30am on 3CR Community Radio
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/">http://www.yarrabug.org/radio/</a>
------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------
Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North,
Clifton Hill, Cremorne, Collingwood, Fairfield,
Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Richmond
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- </pre>
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