[YarraBUG-list] YarraBUG Newsletter - June 2010

Mon Jun 14 22:18:00 AEST 2010

*YarraBUG Newsletter - June 2010*

    * *Next Yarra Council Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting*
    * *Walmer Street Bridge Temporary Closure*
    * *Albert Street bike lanes*
    * * Melbourne Bike Share*
    * *Box Hill to Ringwood Rail trail *
    * *Draft Glen Eira Bicycle Strategy - Public consultation*
    * * Western Ring Road Trail in Gowanbrae - Plan of diversion of the
      cycle path*
    * *Victoria Police - Safe cycling online chat*
    * *Assistance Required: Bayside Council - Leader article*
    * *Building High Quality Spoked Wheels Seminar*
    * *Cyclocross at Harrison St Velodrome*
    * *Spring itinerary of tours from Snowy River Cycling*
    * *The Great Aussie Rickshaw Ride*

*

**1. Next Yarra Council Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting - Wednesday 
16th June 2010*
Council's Bicycle Advisory Committee aims to give local residents an 
opportunity to provide regular input to Council on the development of 
the local bicycle network and other bicycle infrastructure in Yarra. 
Membership is open to any member of the Yarra community with an interest 
in policies related to cycling and the development of the local bicycle 
network.

Location - Fitzroy Town Hall, 6.30 - 7:30pm, Mayor's Room, Napier 
Street, Fitzroy. Chair: Cr Sam Gaylard, Secretariat: Mark Kulyk, 
Coordinator Transport
*
Agenda: *
- Item 1 - Walmer Street Bridge upgrade works, Engineering Services 
Officer (15min, 6.30pm - 6.45pm)
- Item 2 - Cyclists Visibility Project, Kate Simnett - Sustainable 
Transport Officer (10min, 6.45pm - 6.55pm)
- Item 3 - Collins Bridge - BAC feedback requested, Kate Simnett - 
Sustainable Transport Officer (10min, 6.55pm - 7.05pm)
- Item 4 - Clifton Hill/Abbotsford bicycle route - Implementation of 
Bicycle Strategy update, Mark Kulyk - Coordinator Transport (10min, 
7.05pm - 7.15pm)
- Item 5 - Open table/new business (if time allows)  (15min, 7.15pm - 
7.30pm)

RSVP to Mark Kulyk - Coordinator Transport, 
Mark.Kulyk[AT]yarracity.vic.gov.au Ph: 9205 5737

*
2. Walmer Street Bridge Temporary Closure - from Tuesday 15 June 2010*
News from Yarra Council: Yarra City Council and The City of Boroondara 
will be undertaking rehabilitation works to the Walmer Street footbridge 
in Abbotsford, to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the 
footbridge. The cost of the $120,000 upgrade will be shared by both 
Councils. The footbridge will be closed from Tuesday 15 June 2010 for 
about eight weeks.

The closest alternative river crossings are:
- Gipps Street footbridge, Abbotsford -- to the west of the Walmer 
Street footbridge
- Victoria Street bridge, Richmond -- to the east of Walmer Street 
footbridge
- Yarra City Council and The City of Boroondara apologise for any 
inconvenience.
- Further information: Leonid Volkov, Project Engineer, Telephone 9205 
5750, Email Leonid.Volkov[AT]yarracity.vic.gov.au
- Link: http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Services/Roads/Walmer%20Street.asp

*

3. Albert Street bike lanes*
Obviously many people commute to and from the Yarra area via Elizabeth 
Street, crossing Hoddle Street into Albert Street. What's your opinion 
on the new onroad bike infrastructure, i.e.:, good, bad, indifferent or 
wait & see?

City of Melbourne: Council rolls out Albert Street bike lanes
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/MediaReleases/Pages/CouncilRollsoutAlbertStreetBikeLanes.aspx

Bicycle Victoria: Inner: Elizabeth St - Albert St
http://www.bv.com.au/change-the-world/40562/

Melbourne Times: Have Your Say - East Melbourne car wars warning
http://melbourne-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/car-wars-warning/

Albert street bike lane a joke?
http://www.melbournecyclist.com/forum/topics/albert-street-bike-lane-a-joke

*4. Melbourne Bike Share*
Used it yet? Considering using it? More at: 
http://www.melbournebikeshare.com.au

Here's an informative review from Cyclestyle: Test Ride of Melbourne 
Bike Share: http://cyclestyle.com.au/test-ride-melbourne-bike-share/

A few more points of view: Bike share scheme saddles up slowly in bleak 
weather
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bike-share-scheme-saddles-up-slowly-in-bleak-weather-20100611-y3oe.html

Melbourne Bike Share -- how can the Government save face?
http://melbourneurbanist.wordpress.com/2010/06/08/melbourne-bike-share-how-can-the-government-save-face/

 From a Sydney perspective: Melbourne - how to run a city
http://sydneybodyartridehq.blogspot.com/2010/06/melbourne-how-to-run-city.html

*5. Box Hill to Ringwood Rail trail *
News from Elaine Hopper from Whitehorse Cyclists
The Whitehorse Cyclists club is pushing for the Box Hill to Ringwood 
part of the Eastern Rail trail to be done asap. Boroondara BUG is also 
supporting us. We have a web site to document our proposal and promote 
it at http://www.bhrrt.org

"I could more safely and easily ride to work from Blackburn to Box Hill, 
as well as[do] social and recreational rides to Ringwood for shopping 
and meeting friends. Great use of existing facilities with minimal extra 
expense and considerable improvements in safety" (Louise)

"I am writing on behalf of our members Monash University Bicycle User 
group in support of this proposal. The rail trail would provide cyclists 
(students & staff) from eastern suburbs with a safer option in accessing 
Monash University as a transport destination." (McBUG)

In the next few months we will be presenting to politicians a 
feasibility study of the route done by club member engineers. Be glad if 
you can have a look at the site and add your support and comments.

*

6. Draft Glen Eira Bicycle Strategy - Public consultation*
Glen Eira isn't really all that far away from Yarra. Honesty, it isn't 
so you should be interested in providing feedback to their draft Bicycle 
Strategy.

Glen Eira Bicycle Users Group forum: http://melbournite.com/bug/

News from Glen Eira: Council is undertaking a public consultation 
process that aims to inform the community, seek feedback and comment. 
The draft Glen Eira Bicycle Strategy can be downloaded from the link 
below. Hard copies are available for viewing at Council libraries and at 
Town Hall. Opportunity to provide feedback is available until Friday 2 
July 2010.If you require further information please contact Matthew 
Barbetta, Recreation Development Co-ordinator on 9524 3333 or email 
RecServices[AT]gleneira.vic.gov.au
Link: 
http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Page/Download.asp?name=draft_Glen_Eira_Bicycle_Strategy_v3.2.pdf&size=0&link=../Files/draft_Glen_Eira_Bicycle_Strategy_v3.2.pdf

*7. Western Ring Road Trail in Gowanbrae - Plan of diversion of the 
cycle path*
News from Nicholas Elliot, Transport Projects Officer (Moreland City 
Council) I have been asked to send this email to bike riders as part of 
a communication strategy. Please see the attached plan if you are going 
to ride the Western Ring Road Trail in Gowanbrae in the next 12 months. 
The plan shows a diversion route whilst works are going on at the 
Gowanbrae Retirement Village. This plan was approved by VicRoads as the 
Western Ring Road Path belongs to them.
Link: http://www.yarrabug.org/tempdocs/MorelandLicenceAreaLtrMZ080610.pdf

*8.  Victoria Police - Safe cycling online chat - **Wednesday 16th June 
2010*
 From Victoria Police - Riding a bike is a real passion for many people, 
and by remembering to do just a few minor things before you get in the 
saddle could mean the difference between life and death. More than 300 
cyclists are injured on the roads each year and this year five cyclists 
have been killed. Police say that in many cases, collisions involving 
cyclists could have been avoided if the motorist, rider and pedestrian 
had just taken some extra care. Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable 
road users and while it is an enjoyable hobby for many Victorians, 
police want to protect them from collisions and ensure they can ride 
safely to work and home.

We encourage you to take part in an online chat on *Wednesday 16th June* 
at 12pm here with State Bicycle Coordination Unit Sergeant Arty Lavos:
http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/online-chat.html

Sgt Lavos is looking forward to hearing your thoughts on how police and 
the wider community can enhance cyclists safety and any issues which you 
think affect cyclists' safety. If you've got any questions for Arty, 
send them to: http://vicpolicenews.com.au/contact.html

You can also send in your questions via Twitter by adding #safecycling 
via http://twitter.com

*9. Assistance Required: Bayside Council - Leader article*
News from David Pawley (Monash University BUG): As some of you may be 
aware Michael Forbes (www.michaelforbes.org) a cyclist badly injured in 
an accident on Beach Rd has been lobbying via a petition the Bayside 
council which is holding out on implementing weekend clearways.  The 
petition was submitted to the council last week with over 2200 
signatures, 550 of them bayside residents. The Bayside Leader has  
published a story relating to the petition asking whether council should 
reconsider their position.

It is important to counteract the no-doubt large amount of negative 
feedback they will receive, so if you can please:
- put a post on web sites you may be involved with encouraging people to 
add their comments.
- get the word out that people can comment on the story
- place a comment yourselves

The link to the story and comment page is below. The comments in the 
Bayside Leader seem to have some sway with council.
http://bayside-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/clearway-petition-push-on/

*RIDES AND EVENTS*

*10. Building High Quality Spoked Wheels Seminar **- **Wednesday 16th 
June 2010*
News from Peter Moore at Abbotsford Cycles: Open to the public! The 
Retail Cycle Traders and Bicycle Training Australia are running a 
seminar called "Building High Quality Spoked Wheels"

When: Wednesday, June 16, 7.00pm until 9.00pm
Cost: $10 per head, cash at the door
Venue: NMIT Fairfield Campus (The Chapel) Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield, 3078
RSVP: Fax -- 03 9012 4219, Email: seminars[AT]rcta.org.au
Download  flyer:
http://www.rcta.org.au/images/stories/pdf_files/seminars/Torquing%20bikes%20Wheels%20June2010w.pdf

A unique opportunity to hear three of the best wheel builders in 
Australia speak about the way they practice their craft. followed by a 
Panel discussion and time for your questions.
- Dave Tamsett - David has worked in the Industry for many years, 
latterly with Dirt Works as their Master Wheel builder.
- Dan Hale - Dan is Melbourne's ShifterBikes - Specialists in bicycle 
builds, restorations and custom wheel building. Over 21 years of 
experience as a technician in all aspects of the bicycle industry.
- Andrew Oosterweghel - Andrew has Melbourne's Kaos Custom Bikes. Andy 
is an industry-qualified technician of over 20 years experience.

*11. Cyclocross at Harrison St Velodrome - Sunday 27 June 2010*
News from Brunswick Cycling Club: On Sunday 27th June, prepare to get 
really really dirty at the Harrison St Velodrome in Brunswick as we 
revive an old, but not forgotten tradition of the Brunswick Cycling 
Club: Cyclocross racing. It's a staple of most rider's diets in the USA 
and Europe, and was a feature of the Brunswick road race calendar many 
years ago. All racing members of all clubs are welcome to participate in 
one of two main classes: "Cross" and "Open". In the "Cross" class we 
will require the use of a cyclocross bike, ie: drop bars, 700c rims, no 
disk brakes (calipers will be allowed for those that don't have cantis). 
In the "Open" class there is no restriction on bicycle type.

Information
- Race format: 40mins + 1 lap
- Course: In and around the Harrison St. Velodrome
- Categories: Male Cross, Female Cross, Male Open, Female Open
-  Entry: $10
- When: 12 noon Sunday, 27th June 2010
-  Where: Harrison St. East Brunswick, VIC.

For more information on the series please have a look at the Dirty Deeds 
website:
http://dirtydeedscx.blogspot.com

*

12. Spring itinerary of tours from Snowy River Cycling*
Details of the tours below can be found at www.snowyrivercycling.com.au
"East Gippsland Rail Trail Tour" Thurs Sept 16 to Sun Sept 19
"Ride Around the River" Tues Nov 2 to Sat Nov 6
"Snowgums to Seaweed"  Mon Nov 22 to Sat Nov 27
If you have already been on a Snowy River Cycling tour you are entitled 
to a 10% discount on the standard tour price!

*13. The Great Aussie Rickshaw Ride*
News from Jeff McClintock: This is just to let your BUG/cycling group 
know about the Great Aussie Rickshaw Ride, which starts in July in 
Queensland and will be making its way through NSW, the ACT and Victoria 
before finishing up in Tasmania in September. We still have vacancies 
for volunteer riders, particularly in rural areas, so please let your 
members know about this fun, but important event. To register, please 
visit www.aussierickshaw.org and fill in the online form. Here's a bit 
more blurb. I would also really recommend the following short 
promotional video: http://www.aussierickshaw.org/mediahouse.php

The Great Aussie Rickshaw Ride
Want to help raise awareness about global poverty and be part of an 
amazing adventure in the process? The Great Aussie Rickshaw Ride is a 
unique journey to focus attention on the Millennium Development Goals 
and the work of Symbiosis Bangladesh. It will take place 14 July -- 19 
September 2010 and go all the way from Queensland to Tasmania.

The key message is that poverty can be overcome through people-powered 
change. To demonstrate, about 400 volunteers will pedal a genuine 
Bangladeshi rickshaw more than 2000km. Interactive forums will be held 
at schools and churches featuring Symbiosis fieldworkers sharing their 
personal stories about community development work in Bangladesh. Limited 
positions are available for riders, on support crews and for churches or 
groups wanting to host a visit. To get involved, visit 
www.aussierickshaw.org or contact Jeff McClintock: Ph (03) 6391 8835 / 
0420 355 005  email: jeff[AT]aussierickshaw.org

-- 

Yarra Bicycle Users Group
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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