Chris
It would be great if you could come to this meeting. I think we need
to discuss and be really clear about what we are going to do and
prioritise - because we can't do everything, especially when the BUG
is new and has yet to gain a lot of members and willing hands.
Hope to see you there,
Robin Gallagher
Can you let me know how many people you actually had coming to meetings etc. I can understand the frustration in having small numbers trying to everthing. I guess for me, i would like to know just exactly how many we are talking about. There is a lot of work involved in BUG's and we are all busy in our day to day lives. My experience with other Bug's has left me a bit unsure as to whether i wanted to be involved.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Chris
>From: "justin_m_au" <juz98@...> >Reply-To: melbournebug@yahoogroups.com >To: melbournebug@yahoogroups.com >Subject: [MBUG Discuss] Re: getting melbourne BUG going >Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 07:39:06 -0000 > >--- In melbournebug@yahoogroups.com, "coelecanth77" <persia@v...> wrote: > > If we can get organised and recruit even a tiny fraction of the > > cyclists who pass through the city, we could achieve some great > > stuff and really change the nature of our city. > > > > How about it? > > > >Hi Robin & others - > >MBUG will be relaunching in the next fortnight. The time/date for the first meeting back >from hibernation is 6.30pm Wed Sept 8. Watch out for an email in the next couple of days >with full details of this meeting. > >But one thing that bears mentioning is that Melbourne BUG is by & for all of us. It's not >just a BUG committee or convenors who are "running the show". A key to ensuring that a >rejuvenated MBUG can achieve its advocacy goals is for people to get involved in >campaigns & lobbying efforts. A lack of willing hands was one of the primary reasons why >MBUG did not take off as planned last year. If you want to suggest a campaign or take the >lead in lobbying on a certain issue, then I'm sure that you won't get any objections from >the other BUG members. Bring your ideas to the meeting on Sept 8 and hopefully we can >get off to a flying start! > >cheers >Justin Mansfield >
Protect your inbox from harmful viruses with new ninemsn Premium. Click here
--- In melbournebug@yahoogroups.com, "coelecanth77" <persia@v...> wrote:
> If we can get organised and recruit even a tiny fraction of the
> cyclists who pass through the city, we could achieve some great
> stuff and really change the nature of our city.
>
> How about it?
Hi Robin & others -
MBUG will be relaunching in the next fortnight. The time/date for the first
meeting back
from hibernation is 6.30pm Wed Sept 8. Watch out for an email in the next couple
of days
with full details of this meeting.
But one thing that bears mentioning is that Melbourne BUG is by & for all of us.
It's not
just a BUG committee or convenors who are "running the show". A key to ensuring
that a
rejuvenated MBUG can achieve its advocacy goals is for people to get involved in
campaigns & lobbying efforts. A lack of willing hands was one of the primary
reasons why
MBUG did not take off as planned last year. If you want to suggest a campaign or
take the
lead in lobbying on a certain issue, then I'm sure that you won't get any
objections from
the other BUG members. Bring your ideas to the meeting on Sept 8 and hopefully
we can
get off to a flying start!
cheers
Justin Mansfield
it is time to start pumping up the tyres cos Cycle for Old Growth Forests is about to start up in Melbourne...!
In the lead up to the Federal Election I am to gathering a crew of cyclists to hit marginal electorates such as Ringwood, Blackburn and Healesville and also to a few weekend markets and festivals. What we will be doing is riding to our destination and then handing out flyers and stickers and having a chat to people. We need to raise awareness on Old Growth Forests and the destruction of these wonderlands purely for wood chips.... With the Federal Election looming it is important to hit the streets in the best way we know how... on our BiKeS!! And inform people on these important issues....
I have some tentitive days for bike rides that I would love you to pencil in your diaries.....
thursday 2.9.04 ride to Blackburn in the morning to catch the morning punters. Hand our flyers and have a chat, get some local media.
saturday 4.9.04 Healesville. (don't worry, we can get a train most of the way!!) The Wilderness Society are setting up a stall this day so it would be great to ride out and make some noise in the main street.
sunday 5.9.04 Hurstbridge The Wattle Festival.....
thursday 9.9.04 ride to Ringwood to do the same thing.
saturday 11.09.04 St Andrews Market
saturday 18.9.04 there will be a stall in Healesville and also one in Acland St St kilda
Monday 20.09.04 Hitting the centre of Melbourne.... riding the streets of the city!
Saturday 25.9.04 Maybe Olinda/Belgrave??
Monday 27.09.04 Inner city.. maybe the northern suburbs...
At this stage these dates are 99.9% definetly, maybe accurate...
>phunkmax <murray@...> wrote:Do we have a
>consistent position on what to do with the Sandridge
>bridge?
>More bike lanes in the CBD is great, is there any
>more info on what
>streets they are planning?
Sandridge Bridge plans, have a look here,
Queensbridge Precinct - especially pages 14/15
<http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rsrc/PDFs/Major%20Developments/Queensbridge-Dra\
ftConceptPlan1.pdf>
General Cycling Stuff,
<http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=70&pg=1154>
"Melbourne is Australia’s only capital city with an
extensive network of dedicated bike lanes on the
roads. Bike lanes increase safety and encourage
bicycle use."
Don't know if there's more recent information
concerning development in the area.
cheers & hope that helps. ;)
Chris
c/o
=====
Yarra Bicycle Users Group
------------------------------------------------------
Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North,
Clifton Hill, Cremorne, Collingwood, Fairfield,
Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Richmond
------------------------------------------------------
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yarrabug
YarraBUG meets 7.30pm,on the first Tuesday
of the month,at Ninos Restaurant,
359 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies.
http://au.movies.yahoo.com
Do we have a consistent position on what to do with the Sandridge
bridge?
More bike lanes in the CBD is great, is there any more info on what
streets they are planning?
--- In melbournebug@yahoogroups.com, "coelecanth77" <persia@v...>
wrote:
> Hi
>
> There's lots we could be doing right now - for example lobbying
Melb
> City Council about the Sandridge pedestrian / bike bridge, before
> they make it into another unusable mess. I've also heard rumours
> that council is planning on-road bike lanes for 2 east-west and 2
> north-south CBD streets. We could be on that case as well. It would
> also be great to make use of Cr David Risstrom, while he's still
> there.
>
> If we can get organised and recruit even a tiny fraction of the
> cyclists who pass through the city, we could achieve some great
> stuff and really change the nature of our city.
>
> How about it?
>
> Robin Gallagher
Hi
There's lots we could be doing right now - for example lobbying Melb
City Council about the Sandridge pedestrian / bike bridge, before
they make it into another unusable mess. I've also heard rumours
that council is planning on-road bike lanes for 2 east-west and 2
north-south CBD streets. We could be on that case as well. It would
also be great to make use of Cr David Risstrom, while he's still
there.
If we can get organised and recruit even a tiny fraction of the
cyclists who pass through the city, we could achieve some great
stuff and really change the nature of our city.
How about it?
Robin Gallagher
The Melbourne Yarra Leader has a main story on the
Yarra Councils Bicycle Parking Amendment this week.
The comments from Brian Welch, Master Builders
Association are disappointing. A planned council
amendment such as this, is an incentive for better
urban planning at a time when the inner suburbs are
being progressively more car-choked and improved
transport opinions are required.
What do you think? Contact Yarra Council or the Master
Builders Association and let them know your views.
Also, please cc a copy of any correspondence to
YarraBUG, yarrabug-owner@yahoogroups.com
Yarra City Council
City of Yarra
333 Bridge Road
Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: 03 9205 5555 Fax: 03 9205 5081
Email: info@y...
http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au
Master Builders Association
332 Albert Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Postal address:
GPO Box 544D, Melbourne, 3001
Ph: 03 9411 4555 Fax: 9411 4592
Email: slyons@m...
http://www.mbav.com.au
July 12, page 2 - Building a bicycle future.
Homeowners planning a big extension will have to
include bicycle storage space in their designs if
proposed changes to yarra's planning scheme go ahead.
A draft policy to boost bike use in yarra says
extensions increasing floor area by 30 per cent will
have to include secure and weather proof bicycle
storage space.
New residential, retail, commercial and industrial
developments would also have to provide a place for
riders to store their bikes.
Yarra's business would need to allow for one bike
space plus one for every 10 employees.
They would also have to provide showers and clothes
lockers based on the number of employees.
The Master Builders Association has slammed the
proposal as "profoundly disturbing".
"Councils are becoming too invasive. They should get
the hell out people's lives." said executive director
Brian Welch. He said the plan would increase costs and
restrict design possibilities.
"This is a social objective but the choice should be
left to the business owners or tenants. There should
be no law making it a requirement."
Bicycle Victoria praised Yarra for being "on the front
foot".
"It's not very onerous. Secure parking is not that
expensive," said Bicycle Victoria campaign manager
Bart Sbeghan.
Yarra Mayor Kay Meadows said the council did not want
to impose unnecessary costs on renovators. "it will be
interesting to get the community's feedback on this,
that's what these processes are for."
Yarra has a high level of bicycle use compared to
other municipalities.
It is the second most popular destination for bicycle
trips to work in the metropolitan area, after the City
of Melbourne.
On census day in winter 2001, nearly 6 per cent of
people in Yarra rode bicycles to work.
The Bicycle Facilities Local Policy, Amendment C71 to
the Yarra Planning Scheme, may be out for public
comment after a Yarra Council vote tomorrow.
=====
Yarra Bicycle Users Group
------------------------------------------------------
Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North,
Clifton Hill, Cremorne, Collingwood, Fairfield,
Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Richmond
------------------------------------------------------
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yarrabug
YarraBUG meets 7.30pm,on the first Tuesday
of the month,at Ninos Restaurant,
359 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies.
http://au.movies.yahoo.com
Hi,
just letting you know about Yarra Bicycle Users
Group email contact and (temporary) yahoogroups
homepage.
Hopefully soon we will have a VicNet site as well.
YarraBUG has many activities happening in the next
few months like being involved with the City of
Yarra's proposed "Shed Your Car Day", Bicycle
Victoria's Festival of Cycling and much more.
More about YarraBUG:
Yarra Bicycle Users Group is a community voluntary
organisation located in the inner northern surburbs
of Melbourne. We advocate on behalf of cyclists for
improved cycling conditions with organisations, such
as Yarra City Council, VicRoads, Bicycle Victoria
and many other groups.
See our "links" page for more information relating
to cycling and related interests.
Our "files" page has both pdf and Word leaflets
promoting YarraBUG, please feel free to download,
print and distribute.
YarraBUG warmly welcomes anyone with great ideas and
energy to share. If you want to have a social ride,
maybe want to get involved with local bike issues,
helping with the YarraBUG committee or simply want to
know more about cycling, please free most free to
contact us.
We are especially interested in hearing from the
possibly thousands of cyclists who commute through
the City of Yarra area on a daily basis.
Both cyclists and residents local knowledge is so
important,so we hope to hear from you soon!
=====
Yarra Bicycle Users Group
------------------------------------------------------
Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North,
Clifton Hill, Cremorne, Collingwood, Fairfield,
Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Richmond
------------------------------------------------------
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yarrabug
Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies.
http://au.movies.yahoo.com
At 07:23 AM 4/12/2003, Justin wrote:
>I reckon there's great scope for Parking Meter Parties over
>summer. Whether they are official MBUG events or not (last one
>wasn't, but many MBUG folk were involved), I think that the
>success of the August party shows that a positive impact can be
>made on the streetside environment without copping flak from
>motorists. We should make it happen.
If you want to be strategic, use them to try and get traders on side for
that larger scale policy change.. Mario's might be a good starting point -
give him a boost for a day and see if he prefers that to having a car
parked out front..
>It was very interesting to see the article in TMT this week (and
>thanks for the plug of the PMP, Pete!)...
I'm just erked that Ingrid forgot that I was plugging this with my
local/cyclist/anything BUT PTUA hat on, which I specifically stated.. GRRR!!
I can't take this any further as it's not PTUA policy and is slightly (not
clearly, easily debateable actually, but still questionable) counter to a
stated PTUA position made a year or so ago about parked cars being a
necessary evil as they are a buffer between traffic and pedestrians.. Of
course, the diners themselves would serve the same function, just they
would have traffic right next to them instead of on the other side of
parked cars..
If local trader support is to get organised and actually happen, someone
from outside would need to pick it up and get the traders to present a plan
to council..
>And now look what the Mayor & co. are
>suggesting?! Life imitating art? We should be thankful that Yarra
>is progressive like that, though...
I wouldn't be so sure.. The Yarra Greens are shitscared that the voters
will see them as a party that just can't get into gear and do anything
green.. A council whose transport policy is to lobby for more parking at
the Abbotsford Convent site.. Hello! Borrow a few council minibuses and
shuttle people to and from the PT network and/or to a school or some other
site whose grounds could be borrowed on weekends..
Anyway, while I like the Greens, this lot has probably been as ineffective
as a Greens council could be.. A Car Free Day, like what's been bandied
around for later this year, is probably one of their few remaining hopes
that the public can see them as being different to previous councils..
Let's just hope that they get better services on the 207 that day/weekend,
that the trams don't detour around or stop short of the strips, and also
that they think to put up a large amount of temporary bike parking too..
PC
--- In melbournebug@yahoogroups.com, Peter Cook
<mrpc@i...> wrote:
> At 08:34 PM 3/12/2003, us wrote:
> >just wondering if any more Parking Meter Parties or related
MBUG
> >events are being planned over the summer months?
> >Seriously, think of a similar event to the one held back in
August
> >on a lovely summery evening....but not like the one Melbourne
> >endured last night :0)
>
> Well, several in the Greens have latched onto the idea of a
large scale car
> free day in Fitzroy/Collingwood some time between now and
the elections,
> and depending on how the traders feel, they may decide to give
them the
> option to rent car spaces for their own purposes too, should
they decide
> there's more value in 5 more tables than in one car space out
the front of
> their business..
<snip>
I reckon there's great scope for Parking Meter Parties over
summer. Whether they are official MBUG events or not (last one
wasn't, but many MBUG folk were involved), I think that the
success of the August party shows that a positive impact can be
made on the streetside environment without copping flak from
motorists. We should make it happen.
It was very interesting to see the article in TMT this week (and
thanks for the plug of the PMP, Pete!)... it made me cast my mind
back to a year or so ago when I attended a Yarra bicycle advisory
committee meeting. The council staff member who was chairing
the meeting suggested that a good traffic-calming measure
would be if restaurants/cafes expanded into car parking
spaces... just get a few tables in the parking space and feed the
meter, the staffer said! And now look what the Mayor & co. are
suggesting?! Life imitating art? We should be thankful that Yarra
is progressive like that, though... at least they're not like my home
council of Stonnington, which is only now beginning to draft a
bike plan :)
But honestly I think summer will be ripe for Parking Meter
Parties, bike workshops, BUG rides and more... watch this
space because MBUG is back. Lots of inner-city bike goodness
for everyone!
cheers
Justin
At 08:34 PM 3/12/2003, us wrote:
>just wondering if any more Parking Meter Parties or related MBUG
>events are being planned over the summer months?
>Seriously, think of a similar event to the one held back in August
>on a lovely summery evening....but not like the one Melbourne
>endured last night :0)
Well, several in the Greens have latched onto the idea of a large scale car
free day in Fitzroy/Collingwood some time between now and the elections,
and depending on how the traders feel, they may decide to give them the
option to rent car spaces for their own purposes too, should they decide
there's more value in 5 more tables than in one car space out the front of
their business..
---
The Melbourne Times 3/12
Leave the car at home and fill up with caffeine
[Cute comic of a parking meter cop sticking a ticket on a coffee sipping
person's forehead with an (S) "No Slurping" (No Standing) sign behind them]
CAFE-GOERS may replace cars in Brunswick Street's parking bays under a
radical plan to make the street more pedestrian friendly.
Floated during a recent brain-storming session held as part of a Yarra
Council public meeting on transport issues, the scheme has enthusiastic
backing from Yarra mayor Greg Barber and support from some traders.
Under the scheme, traders would rent the car bays for the same cost as the
parking meter fee. They could then set up additional chairs and tables in
the parking space.
Public Transport Users Association committee member Peter Cook said he
believed the idea would give traders more outdoor seating and the public a
more pleasant environment.
Footpath trading space has been squeezed in narrow strips such as Brunswick
Street because of the introduction of new Yarra Council footpath access
rules banning furniture and displays from the shop side of the pavement.
Mr Cook said the success of a World Car Free day event in August, where
sustainable transport campaigners staged a "parking meter party" in a
Brunswick Street parking space, showed the potential of the car park
takeover proposal.
Yarra mayor Greg Barber said his council would happily look at the idea if
it received a proposal from a group of traders.
Brunswick Street cafe elder statesman Mario Maccarone said the idea was a
"nice concept that would add to the flavour of the street" and deserved a
weekend trial.
However, Mr Maccarone, co-owner of Mario's cafe, said Brunswick Street was
desperately short of parking and most traders would not support the scheme
if it resulted in a net loss of car parking spaces.
Atomica Caffe owner Tolly Augerinos said he was not worried about losing
parking. He described the idea as fantastic.
-Ingrid Svensden
(Note - Any typos are my own)
Hi,
just wondering if any more Parking Meter Parties or related MBUG
events are being planned over the summer months?
Seriously, think of a similar event to the one held back in August
on a lovely summery evening....but not like the one Melbourne
endured last night :0)
cheers,
us ;)))
BV have just updated their page on issues in the city of melbourne.
http://www.bv.com.au/content.cfm?submenuid=58&contentid=239
Cycling is part of what makes Melbourne one of the world's most
liveable cities (along with the other two C's - coffee and culture)
Carlton Gardens Masterplan
The City of Melbourne is reviewing the masterplan for Carlton Gardens
and Bicycle Victoria is on the reference committee. Despite a ban on
cycling in the gardens, the wide boulevards offer an attractive route
for many cyclists and we believe that cycling can be managed in the
gardens and safe use for all garden users, including cyclists, can be
promoted. We do not support inappropriate behaviour, including fast
cycling or cyclists not giving way to pedestrians, on any shared path
or area, including in the Gardens.
Council are inviting community comment for an issue paper. Get your
comments in now Click here, or cardar@...
contributions close 28 November!
Topics we would like to look at are:
What are the major desire routes for cycling and how can we provide
for these? (eg: Queensberry to Gertrude St)
What sort of cycling should be allowed? Children, families, slower
recreational cycling, commuter cycling?
Are there alternate routes that we can upgrade so that the gardens
are not so attractive for faster commuter cyclists? We will be asking
that commuter routes around the gardens be upgraded - eg remove
parking from west side of Nicholson St to allow exclusive bike path
along east side of gardens and improve Rathdowne St lanes and
connection from Canning St to both.
How do we prevent inappropriate behaviours in the gardens? We will
support measures to educate and enforce against unsafe cycling -
cyclists will have to give way to pedestrians and control speeds on
any shared path.
How do we enforce the rules of the gardens? What is practical and
effective and what is not given the role of the gardens
Cycling Boulevards
Bicycle Victoria strongly supports the City of Melbourne plans to
vastly improve its world famous Boulevards for cyclists. Currently
Royal Parade, Flemington Rd and St Kilda Rd carry about 1200 cyclists
each weekday from 7-9am or 4800 cyclists for the full day on these
routes. Given that a 3m lane can carry 8000 bicycles per hour but
only around 1000 cars per hour, converting a parking or motor vehicle
lane to a bike path on these boulevards makes a lot of sense in terms
of better use of the road space. Creating cycling boulevards has the
potential to at least triple or quadruple the number of cyclists
riding into the city each day to 50,000 from the current 12,000. It
will help ease congestion and air pollution but will also calm the
roads and make them a much better place to visit, live and do
business.
Cycling in the CBD
The other part of the equation is creating safe and attractive routes
in and through the CBD itself as the boulevards only get you to the
edge of the city. Bike lanes and paths and cycle friendly lanes and
streets are essential in the CBD if we are going to make it an even
more liveable city.
Melbourne City has done some good work in building lanes and paths in
recent years, especially in the inner north. It has done little,
however, to give cyclists safer places to ride in the CBD or to fix
important gaps in the city's cycling network. Its time for the City
to get serious about planning for cycling and making Melbourne a
world class cycling city.
The highest priorities for the City of Melbourne are:
Planning and building bicycle routes into and through the CBD. This
is where most cycling occurs and where most cycle crashes are.
Council are investigating options for north-south and east-west bike
routes through the CBD.
Filling the major gaps in the city's off-road path network. This
includes the Manningham St bridge on the Capital City Trail in
Parkville and the Melbourne Experience Trail on both sides of the
Yarra from Princes Bridge to the Webb Bridge
Cycling on Swanston St
Bicycles are part of a successful and bustling Swanston St. With the
City of Melbourne considering changes to Swanston St - including
reintroduction of cars and tram super stops - Bicycle Victoria has
prepared a position paper on the issue (download at right).
All around the world friendly, bustling streets like Swanston are
successful because they attract more people, who stay longer and
spend more. Trams, pedestrians and cyclists help make Swanston a
successful street with a unique Melbourne flavour.
The reintroduction of private motor vehicles would be a step
backwards, not forward.
Bike parking in the CBD - 10,000 bike parking spaces by 2010
At Ride to Work Day 2003, the Lord Mayor John So announced that the
City of Melbourne has committed to installing 8000 new on-street bike
parking spaces in addition to the existing 2000 by 2010. This is a
great initiative but does not negate the need for a public bike
station in the CBD and high quality, undercover parking stations at
popular cycling destinations such as the cinemas and major buildings.
A great example is the Nova Cinema in Carlton which has dozens of
bicycles parked in front on the footpath each night. Removing two on-
street car parks would make room for undercover bike parking for
Sandridge Bridge
Nov 03 The State Govt and City of Melbourne¡¦s vision for the
historical Sandridge Rail Bridge and Queensbridge Square is for a
public space with a long awaited shared path link between the banks
of the Yarra
Federation Square bike parking
Having trouble finding a parking spot at Fed Square? Write to
Federation Square at fedsq@...
The more correspondence they receive from cyclists, the greater the
priority for installing more bike parking. You should also include
suggested locations for bike parking (ie. not hidden away in a dark
corner). CC a copy to Bicycle Victoria and City of Melbourne
(enquiries@...)
Capital City Trail at Southbank
Council has done a back-flip, claiming that the Capital City Trail
through Southbank is not a bike route. Despite Southbank being a
shared zone for pedestrians and cyclists since the promenade was
opened, Council is claiming that the bike route is only 'proposed'.
In recent weeks 'Cyclists Dismount' signs have been installed at
Princes Bridge and Council have stated in correspondence that they
consider the promenade is 'a non-designated bicycle area'.
This view is contradictory to the Capital City Trail map published by
City of Melbourne in 1993, Parks Victoria's Open Space Strategy
released in 1992 and Melway maps - which all recognise Southbank as a
shared zone for cyclists and pedestrians.
A copy of the letter Bicycle Victoria sent to Council can be viewed
(see link at right)
NEXT FULL MOON RIDE -- WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
--------------------------------------------------
Moonriders! Tomorrow night (Wed 10 Sept) it's time to chase that
glowing orb again through the wilds of Westerfolds Park. This
month, we'll be having a special "Full Moon & Mars Ride" to
celebrate the Red Planet's close encounter with Earth. Free Mars
Bars to all riders :)
The wombats await, so don't be late: Meet the Moonriders at 8
pm in the car park next to Eltham Station, Wed 10 Sept.
Everyone's welcome to join us on a leisurely night-time ramble
back to the city along bush-flanked bike paths.
The moonlit picnic at "halfway hill" has become a feature, so
don't forget a little something sweet or savoury to share. Only
torrential rain will stop the ride from happening. It's always nicer
outside than you think... just ask the regular moon riders.
(NB: If you catch the Hurstbridge line train from Flinders St at
6.59pm, you will arrive at Eltham just before 8pm. This train
travels via the loop, and passes through Clifton Hill station at
7.15pm. )
Hi everyone --
There will be no MBUG General Meeting held in September -- the
meeting scheduled for Monday September 8 has been held over
until next month. The next general meeting will take place on
Monday October 13.
But you can still get your fill of MBUG activities this week. MBUG
has its monthly Full Moon Ride on the evening of Wednesday
September 10, meeting at Eltham railway station at 8pm. Full
details of the ride will follow shortly in a separate email.
=====
Melbourne Bicycle User Group
Co-Convenors: Simon Vincett & Justin Mansfield
Email: info@...
Postal Mail: GPO Box 986, Melbourne VIC 3001
Telephone: 0439 88 00 93
I asked the shop assis if he was
> going and what a
> great idea the bug was etc and he looked at me like
> i was talking
> another language. He had no clue as to what i was
> referring to even
> though i was holding up the pamphlet..
> So it looks as if there is a little way to in the
> way of promoting
> the BUG. Now all you have to do is get the
> assistants to actually
> look at what is in their store. Atleast you got them
> to stock the
> pamphlet in the first place which is always a bonus.
SHaM - Simple Harmonic Motion refers to what goes on
between the ears of said employees . . .
=====
A man there was, tho' some did count him mad
The more he cast away, the more he had
John Bunyan - A Pilgrim's Progress 1684, pt.2
________________________________________________________________________
Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Yahoo!
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Hey there,
I have meaning to join for a while now and have finally done so. I
have just read some of the previous messages etc and look forward to
hopefully being at the next meeting in Sep to see and hear what you
are all about.
Oh, and just to let you know.. i saw one of your first flyers (city
rider) in the SHM store on Bourke St. It talked of the inaugural
meeting in June(?). I asked the shop assis if he was going and what a
great idea the bug was etc and he looked at me like i was talking
another language. He had no clue as to what i was referring to even
though i was holding up the pamphlet..
So it looks as if there is a little way to in the way of promoting
the BUG. Now all you have to do is get the assistants to actually
look at what is in their store. Atleast you got them to stock the
pamphlet in the first place which is always a bonus.
See you soon
Chris
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I didn’t actually
attend Russell Greig’s “Cycle Instead – Encouraging Behaviour
Change” presentation last year (couldn’t organise child care), but I
have access to it here (if you’d like me to send it to you, let me know).
They did a survey and found that respondents in the 30-34 age group were most likely to take up cycling, and the reasons
included to getfit
(41%), leisure (12%), get out (6%) and bought a bike (9%). From what I remember
of people who attended the presentation telling me (this isn’t in what
I’ve got at work), he said men and women are interested in cycling for
different reasons. Hopefully I’m right in saying that women are attracted
to it for reasons of fitness and weight loss, whereas men are interested as a
way of spending more time with their families (if there is anyone on this list
who can correct me, please do so!).
The main reasons I started
riding a bike (at age 30) was to get fit, lose weight, and to save money (I was
primarily a public transport commuter at the time). I’ve recently
convinced a friend who’s aiming to be fully commuting by Christmas, and
her reasons are much the same as mine (she’s hoping to also cut down on
car parking and gym fees by riding to work).
I’m very pleased with
myself as I had a letter printed in The Age recently. Feel free to use any of
it in discussions you may have with would-be cyclists.
WHY I CYCLE
Yes, W. Dawson
(3/7), I do spare a thought for those who were held up by the Critical Mass
cyclists last week. They are obviously ignorant of the joys and benefits of
sustainable transport.
I was a motorist once,
before I discovered how easy, cheap and liberating it is to travel by bicycle.
Once overweight, I can now
eat what I like while saving on gym fees, car parks and pollutive petrol and
oil. I’m not restrained by timetables and I never have to walk far to
find a park. Often, it’s faster for me to ride than catch public
transport or drive. I can see and hear the birds, talk to friends; even make
new ones, while riding my bike. I feel good, am healthier than ever, and enjoy
a fabulous relationship with my two-year-old son who loves riding with me. How
many motorists feel that good about their daily commute to work?
I love your signature, Mark.
Luka Bloom is my favourite singer, and how couldn’t he be, with a song
like the Acoustic Motorbike? With lines such as
The antidote to my emotional ills
A motion built upon human toil
Nuclear free needs no oil
But it makes me hot, makes me hard
I never thought I could have come this far
And
Sick of the traffic choking our towns
Freaking me out, bringing me down
Knock down houses, build more lanes
Once was a problem, now it's insane
My solution it's one that I like
It's Muddy
The Acoustic Motorbike
…
it’s an all time cycling-classic. Next time he’s in town,
I’ll try to organise a gaggle of cyclists there, and see what I can do to
make sure he sings it!
Dear Peter,
I find that letting half the air out of your tyres creates enough
drag to necessitate using a lower gear. Cheap and effective, albeit
dangerous. Seriously, there are solutions which basically involve
bolting a new crankset on the front (which incorporate bigger
chainrings), plus a couple of other bits. If the bike has been riden
a fair bit, these parts might need replacing anyway.
Dhugal.
-- In melbournebug@yahoogroups.com, "Peter Cook" <mrpc@i...> wrote:
> Hey all..
>
> I guess this is probably the appropriate place to discuss this kind
> of thing, so here goes.. I'm getting a little disappointed with my
> bike just now..
>
> I've just moved to Brunswick, I mostly ride for commuting to my job
> in Collingwood, so it's basically flat, and I'm spending too much
> time in max gear thinking I could go a little faster..
>
> I'm riding a 21 speed Mongoose Rockadile AL mtb with slicks and
> shimano cleats, but with its original gears. Average speed hovers
> around 22.2km/h and I generally hover around 26km/h while actually
> moving, though I have been pushing it up around 35 on long flat
> stretches recently. I was wondering if there was something other
> than regearing that I could consider to get some more oomph out of
> it..
>
> My LBS had a few reservations but said it was possible.. Does
> anyone have any thoughts on the matter?
>
>
> Cheers,
> PC
Hey all..
I guess this is probably the appropriate place to discuss this kind
of thing, so here goes.. I'm getting a little disappointed with my
bike just now..
I've just moved to Brunswick, I mostly ride for commuting to my job
in Collingwood, so it's basically flat, and I'm spending too much
time in max gear thinking I could go a little faster..
I'm riding a 21 speed Mongoose Rockadile AL mtb with slicks and
shimano cleats, but with its original gears. Average speed hovers
around 22.2km/h and I generally hover around 26km/h while actually
moving, though I have been pushing it up around 35 on long flat
stretches recently. I was wondering if there was something other
than regearing that I could consider to get some more oomph out of
it..
My LBS had a few reservations but said it was possible.. Does
anyone have any thoughts on the matter?
Cheers,
PC
To coin a phrase . . .
What do we look like to 'those out there'?
I think lodged in many *completely* non-cyclists' minds is: "Why
would you want to ride a bike when you can drive a car? It's a no-
brainer, no? You don't get tired, or wet, or threatened (as much),
you get their a lot quicker, and can listen in comfort to your
favouirite music". Of course, most people have ridden a bike at some
stage in their life, more or less, and can see some of the advantages
to it, but are daunted by the difficulties of using it every day, to
do a 'normal'job of transportation. Dhugal's point
about 'Europeanising' our (and other people's) attitude to cycling is
a good one - it's not something a separate group of people do, it's
just normal. There's no stigma to it - it's not just a 'poor'
person's mode of travel. Heck, we sip enough lattes and import enough
European designer objects . . .
Every bit of (good)publicity we get is valuable. (Vive Le Tour!!!) I
know some people have a problem with CMass, or aspects of it, but
even supposed 'negative' publicity in tabloid organs can be read by
critical observers of the media as the occurence of something which
is causing the status quo to sit up and take notice. I'm all for
that - recalling (The Hon. Senator) Bob Brown being divvy-vanned on
occasion (hope it doesn't come to that). To make a point, you've got
to state your opposition to accepted practice: clearly calmly,
concisely, creatively. Please don't thread this as a pro/anti CM
message - I'm just trying to tease out the issues of "us and them",
them as potential us, bikes are fun, etc. But not just fun, the
creative solution to a problem many folk are unwilling to face - why
are so many parts of our city designed first and foremost around
private motorised transport? Why does that make then un-fun to be in?
Aren't bikes (trams, trains) the logical solution to un-fun? How can
we make the almost-fun bits more fun? Profit vs. people . . . don't
get me started . . .
I'm putting my name down as someone else who is interested in helping
people with the nuts and bolts (and twists and turns) of bikes -
having worked in the bike industry in various niches and crevices for
long enough to want to try something else for a while. I don't mind a
busman's holiday . . .
"It's Muddy, the Acoustic Motorbike" - Luka Bloom
Mark Horner
Hi Dhugall & everyone --
I think everyone would agree that it was a great meeting on
Monday night. It was a very diverse (in the true sense of the word)
collection of viewpoints about cycling and how we can make the
world better for riders... and also get more people riding. Also a
great start to the development of a committed group of bike
advocates working hard to develop riding in the inner city. Also, I
think the round-table format (both in seating and discussion)
worked very well. I would suggest that try and maintain this
participatory feeling for all future MBUG meetings.
We had many issues arise that can be followed up both on this
email list & also at our next meeting. From my notes, the "Big 4"
issues raised last night were:
* Bike Parking
* Swanston St
* Education - e.g. riding skills, bike maintenance
* The "image" of cycling & promoting legitimacy/acceptance
Obviously, these issues will develop as our BUG develops, and I
would encourage anyone who has an opinion on these (or other
matters of importance) to both raise your concerns in an MBUG
forum, and also to directly help MBUG's work by assisting directly
with our campaigning.
Currently Simon, Louisa & I are working on the Lygon Ct parking
campaign -- anyone else who wants to become involved in this
can contact us at info@.... Other bike parking
"hot spots" were nominated last night -- such as Vic Mkt, Ross
House & Russell St -- and we'll add those to the campaigns list.
The meeting resolved to have a Swanston St forum, with input
from BV, Council, traders, PT organisations, etc. I suggest that
we do this at the September meeting, to allow time to organise it
properly. This would be a great opportunity to re-focus on
Swanston St as a precinct, rather than simply looking at it as the
result of a series of half-hearted of planning efforts. We did,
however, have near-unanimous support for the continuance of
Swanston St as a major bicycling artery. Our position, as
adopted by acclamation, was that MBUG should work to prevent
any backward steps in regards to re-introduction of traffic, but
also begin to scope out a vision for the future potential of the
street. In the meantime, if anyone wants to make their voice
heard to Melbourne Council (the Swanston St decision makers),
you can email the Lord Mayor or Councillors:
Lord Mayor John So -- lordmayor@...
Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley -- susril@...
Cr Anthony Nicholson -- antnic@...
Cr Catherine Ng -- cathng@...
Cr David Risstrom -- davris@...
Cr Kate Redwood -- katred@...
Cr Kevin Chamberlin -- kevcha@...
Cr Kimberley Kitching -- kimkit@...
Cr Irene Goonan -- iregoo@...
Jesse from Bike Bar nominated himself & his shop as
tutor/venue for bike maintenance workshops, which I think will be
very well attended. I know that I'll be there to do some learning.
We'll work out some details with Jesse and hopefully have some
more news on that issue soon. There was broad support for a
riding skills program to teach less confident cyclists the
essentials of riding in the inner city. Dhugall, it's great to see you
are also willing to become involved with both of these areas.
Let's start a separate email thread and start talking about what
shape these sessions should taske, and how we can realise
our plans for these educational forums.
After a bit of digression, I guess this brings me to the main point
of Dhugall's original email: the "image" of cycling. I think that
MBUG will continue to refine how exactly we want to address this
issue, but personally I would like to see a lot of emphasis on
"bikes are fun" and "bikes can be a normal part of your life" (as
opposed to being a segment of your life that you do on sunny
weekends). Rather than address every facet of this topic of this
issue in one loooong email, I'll write more about my thoughts on
this over the next day or so. I'd hope that other MBUG members
also have a lot of ideas & opinions to contribute on this topic. But
Dhugall you did raise some good points to which I would like to
add my 2 cents' worth:
>Although I embrace the obvious connection of cycling
> with the sustainable development/green ideology, and have
passionate
> concerns about the state of our environment both urban and
"natural",
> I do have reservations about equating "pro cycling" with "anti
> car". On face value, the predominace of cars on our roads is
nothing
> short of obscene, but our visions of mass human powered
transport
> become less practical the further we move out of the inner
suburbs.
I don't think that pro-bike always has to mean anti-car. As we
saw last night, about half of the people present owned a car
(based on the quick straw poll which we did). But I don't doubt
that these people are not committed cyclists simply because
they sometimes drive. Sometimes, though, anything pro-bike will
automatically be seen by others (i.e motorists) as anti-car. It can
almost be a defensive reaction from motorists, who can be
loathe to hear criticsm of their preferred mode of travel. The BUG
should discuss this issue a lot more. I'm sure there are many
varying opinions.
> I have joined MBug because
> I feel that the significant individuals have a greater political
> awareness and direction that other cycling organisations.
Inner
> Melbourne also has the greatest need and the greatest
potential for
> embracing cycling on a European scale.
Cheers to that!
> I am a newbie to collective forums (tautolagy?) and one more
likely
> to adapt to my environment rather than pressuring for it to be
> changed. I have reservations about elements of Critical Mass
and
> confrontational forms of protest/demonstration of ideas.
>
> Is there support for some form of charter which might go some
way to
> defining the aims of the organisation. This may be useful to
reflect
> some of our ideas/initiatives before commiting them to action.
We're all newbies to this. There's probably only one or two folk
among us who have pratical experience in starting up and
running a BUG. We're sort of feeling this out as we go along. The
first meeting was a bit "hierarchical", but I guess that was always
going to be the case with an Inaugural Meeting of a group which
has such lofty goals as MBUG. I hope that the open & inclusive
second meeting will prove to be much more indicative of what
our group discussions will be like in the future. One thing I also
want to point out is that the position of "Co-Convenor" (i.e. Simon
& me) does not mean President, nor guru, nor dictator... we are
simply the people who decided that we would work towards
getting the BUG up & running, and that we would also be the
"facilitators" of the meetings and the campaigns. If people want
to get involved in the BUG & its work, then we welcome that with
open arms. To pinch someone else's saying: None of us is as
good as all of us.
Dhugall, I think that you've made a good point about developing
an MBUG charter... it's certainly something that I've thought about
too. During the formation stage of MBUG, Simon & I have not
wanted to impose any aims or objectives on the group. We've
kept it deliberately quite inchoate up until now, which I think was
important to allow the organic development of the BUG as a
meeting place of equals. But as we grow and move forward,
there will certainly be a need to put down on paper the things that
we -- as a group -- stand for. This will lead into matters like how
we organise ourselves as a group (i.e. our constitution).
Naturally, individuals will still be entitled to their own views, but
when we all come together as MBUG we should be trying to work
towards the same goals and objectives.. and over time we will
also develop MBUG policy on certain issues. I think that
developing this "philosophy" should be one of our priorities for
the next couple of group meetings.
We've only got one way to go from here, and that's forward. (If I
wanted to be really corny, I'd say that we are "pedalling in a high
gear" or some lame joke like that... but I'm not that kind of guy...).
We've made a brilliant start, and it's up to the passion & energy
of all MBUG members to keep the momentum going. Our
discussions -- both on-line and in-person -- will hopefully
continue to grow and evolve from this point forward. Here's to
MBUG.
cheers
Justin
Dear Members,
I am delighted and enthused about the collection of ideas,passions
and visions represented in Mondays meeting. My personal perspective
comes from many years of cycling for transport and recreation and
discussions with cyclists of many bents in the bike shops of
Melboourne. Although I embrace the obvious connection of cycling
with the sustainable development/green ideology, and have passionate
concerns about the state of our environment both urban and "natural",
I do have reservations about equating "pro cycling" with "anti
car". On face value, the predominace of cars on our roads is nothing
short of obscene, but our visions of mass human powered transport
become less practical the further we move out of the inner suburbs.
I accept that the Melbourne Bug has its concerns in the inner
Melbourne area and I have great faith those more adept in enacting
practical change of our urban environment. I have joined MBug because
I feel that the significant individuals have a greater political
awareness and direction that other cycling organisations. Inner
Melbourne also has the greatest need and the greatest potential for
embracing cycling on a European scale.
I am a newbie to collective forums (tautolagy?) and one more likely
to adapt to my environment rather than pressuring for it to be
changed. I have reservations about elements of Critical Mass and
confrontational forms of protest/demonstration of ideas.
Is there support for some form of charter which might go some way to
defining the aims of the organisation. This may be useful to reflect
some of our ideas/initiatives before commiting them to action.
More practical subjects:
I would like to make contributions in the areas of bicycle
maintenance and riding skills.
Somewhere in my past are studies of urban traffic management design.
Might be able to draw on some resources to develop plans for bicycle
parking.
To whom do we write to express our concerns over the lifting of
restrictions in Swanston Street?
I'd like to talk specifics with other members on these subjects.
"...sisters and brothers ride on, ride on, ride on."
Dhugal Bissett.
IN THIS MAILOUT:
--------------------
* MBUG Launch Report-- and Our Next Meeting (Monday 14 July)
* Lygon Court Bike Parking Planning Bee (Sunday 6 July)
* Next Full-Moon Ride (Saturday 12 July)
* City of Melbourne Seeks Feedback on Canning St
* Join the MBUG Email Discussion List
* Contributions Welcome for MBUG Newsletter
* Parking Meter Party!
* STOP PRESS!! -- Call for Return of Cars Into Swanston St
====================
MBUG LAUNCH REPORT -- AND OUR NEXT MEETING
(MONDAY 14 JULY)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hooray for Melbourne BUG's successful launch! 36 cyclists
came along to contribute ideas and enthusiasm to Melbourne's
newest cycling advocacy group. We all went home
newly-inspired with ideas for making Melbourne a better place to
cycle. It was great to meet you all and discover the potential we
have together to become an influential force. We made an
excellent impression on our official guests (Harry Barber from
Bicycle Victoria and Cr David Risstrom from the City of
Melbourne), who have already showered us with suggestions for
campaigning efforts. Stay tuned for a complete wrap-up of the
Inaugural Meeting in the next edition of MBUG's newsletter, "City
Rider".
But MBUG is a grass-roots group working for the benefit of us
local users. We needn't be ashamed of fixing up our own pet
hates, because they probably grate on other cyclists too. We
want all members to know that MBUG is working for their
interests. Feedback from one attendee of our first meeting
captured this exactly, "There was too much telling and not
enough asking." Result: the next meeting will be a round-table
discussion for you to tell us the issues you want MBUG to
address.
What you can do:
* bring your suggestions (with a Melways reference for "trouble
spots" so we know exactly where you mean)
* think about the problem and provide a solution too
* be clear and concise -- we'll have plenty of issues to get
through
NEXT MBUG GENERAL MEETING:
6.30pm, Monday 14 July 2003
3rd floor, Ross House -- 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
Bike parking in the basement.
LYGON COURT BIKE PARKING PLANNING BEE -- SUNDAY 6
JULY
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Parking! Parking! Parking! Let's make a difference everyone can
see and enjoy! Bike parking at Lygon Court, Lygon St, Carlton
(where the Nova Cinemas are) has been disgracefully lacking
for too long. There are only a measly few bike rails provided, yet
verandah rails in front of the entrance to Lygon Court can often
be chock-a-block with 30 or more locked-up bikes. There's plenty
of room for more bike racks to be installed, so MBUG is going to
take the matter into our own hands and put a recommendation to
the Council. All members are invited to meet this Sunday 6 July,
12 noon, at Threshermans Bakery, 221 Faraday St, for a fortifying
lunch before we take the measuring tapes to the footpath
outside Lygon Court/Nova Cinemas and plan a bike parking
paradise. All hands welcome!
NEXT FULL-MOON RIDE -- SATURDAY 12 JULY
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Moon riders! It's time to chase that glowing orb again through the
wilds of Westerfolds Park. The night-time picnic at "halfway hill"
has become a feature, so don't forget a little something sweet or
savoury to share. Only torrential rain will stop us and it's always
nicer outside than you think, just ask our regulars. The wombats
await, so don't be late: Meet at 8 pm in the car park next to
Eltham Station, Saturday 12 July. (If you catch the Hurstbridge
line train from Flinders St at 7.05pm, you will arrive at Eltham just
before 8pm.)
CITY OF MELBOURNE SEEKS FEEDBACK ON CANNING ST
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canning St in Carlton is one of Melbourne's great bicycling
routes -- it carries almost 400 cyclists during the morning peak
hours alone. A calm street in the midst of the hustle and bustle
of the crowded inner suburbs, it is known to many riders as the
"Bicycle Superhighway". But adjacent to the Dan O'Connell Hotel,
the bike superhighway meets its congested motorised
equivalent, Princes St.
To help cyclists continue their journey along Canning St safely,
pedestrian lights are installed at the crossing on Princes St. If
you're a regular rider of this route, you'll know that recently the
City of Melbourne reconstructed the pedestrian crossing to make
it easier for cyclists to cross -- the "pram ramp" was widened to
allow easier movement of bikes and a larger cut-through was
installed in the median strip. The City of Melbourne's
Engineering Services Dept is seeking feedback from cyclists
about these changes. Do you like what they have done? Could
they do more to assist cyclists at this crossing? Any other
comments you'd like to make about the crossing, or Canning St
in general? Email your comments to info@...
and we'll pass them on to the City Council.
In other Council developments, the bike lanes on Elgin St in
Carlton were being painted last week, and should be finished by
now. One MBUG member even stopped to congratulate the
painting crew as they were doing their work! Also, the footpath on
Princes Bridge has been re-opened for bike access, after it was
closed off while restoration work was being done on the bridge's
facade. New separated footpaths are now marked on both sides
of the bridge, and shortly the roadway will also be marked with a
bike lane.
JOIN THE MBUG EMAIL DISCUSSION LIST
----------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the strengths of MBUG is the wide variety of knowledge
and skills that our members possess. As a group, we can work
very effectively when we share that knowledge and contribute to
each other's ideas. To help MBUG members get in touch with
one another, and to act as a forum for discussion of all
bike-related issues, an MBUG email discussion list has been
created. The list is also a great way to raise issues which you
would like to see MBUG address, and get feedback from other
members. Currently, there are 19 subscribers to the discussion
list, but more subscribers will mean more ideas and livelier
debates. We'd like to build MBUG's virtual meeting place into
vibrant on-line cycling community. To join the discussion list, go
to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/melbournebug/
CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME FOR MBUG'S NEWSLETTER
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Is there a burning issue which you want to get off your chest? A
letter of praise or a brickbat which you want to write to MBUG? Or
do you have a lyrical story to tell your fellow cyclists about a great
bike riding experience -- something that made you think "bikes
are fun"? MBUG has its own soapbox, and it's open all
members. We're talking about our monthly newsletter, "City
Rider". A new edition will be published soon, but there is still
time to submit articles and letters. The newsletter is one of
MBUG's main promotional activities, and it is sent to 100 MBUG
members and supporters via email. Additionally, 500 printed
copies are distributed at bike shops, community centres and
libraries in the City of Melbourne. So if you ever wanted to see
yourself in print, here's your chance. Send all contributions to
info@... with "City Rider" clearly indicated in the
subject line.
PARKING METER PARTY!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
In the lead-up to World Car Free Day on 22 September, MBUG
are planning a Parking Meter Party in August. The idea behind
these parties is that a group of people pay the meter and occupy
a parking space but have a party there instead of parking a car.
By doing this on a Sunday in a busy place like Lygon St or
Brunswick St we can demonstrate to lots of people that you can
fit many bikes in the space one car takes and you can have a
good time doing it. Party activities could include free bike repairs,
a game of Twister, face painting, creating chalk artwork on the
asphalt, and giving away "free fuel" which is in fact vegemite on
toast (because that's fuel for a human-powered vehicle!)
Extroverts required and all welcome. Good time guaranteed.
This will be the test run for a larger Parking Meter Party in the
CBD on World Car Free Day. For more information about Parking
Meter Parties, check out this website from a sustainable
transport group in Canada:
http://www.hwcn.org/link/tlc/tlcaction.htm
STOP PRESS!! -- CALL FOR RETURN OF CARS INTO
SWANSTON STREET
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just as this mailout was about to be sent, MBUG heard news of
a fresh call for car traffic to be re-introduced into Swanston Walk.
According to "The Age", Jones Lang LaSalle (one of Australia's
largest real estate firms) has branded Swanston Walk a "brave
but failed experiment". Yesterday Jones Lang LaSalle's regional
director said the street closure had been derailed by politics and
meddling planners. He said the gradual reopening of the street
to traffic at night, and bicycles and other vehicles during the day,
had destroyed the original Swanston Walk concept. Lord Mayor
John So, when asked for a comment, hinted that the issue of
cars would be revisited some time in the future. The Lord Mayor
has tried, but failed, to re-introduce cars in the past.
It is bizarre that people still believe that cars are the answer to
revitalising Swanston Walk. Do they not remember the horrid
smog-choked sewer that the street was before cars were
banned? Do they think that the way to create liveable
communities is by filling our cities with congested, smelly
car-filled streets? And while Swanston Walk is Australia's
busiest cycling street with over 2,400 trips per day, Jones Lang
LaSalle seems to suggest that cyclists are part of the problem
not part of the solution! Unbelievable!
On behalf of all city cyclists, MBUG will fight to keep cars out of
Swanston Walk. We will immediately be making our feelings
known to the City of Melbourne Councillors about this issue.
MBUG members will be kept informed of further developments.
Swanston Walk Resources:
--------------------
Read the the full article on "The Age" website:
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/07/02/1056825457282.h
tml
Download Bicycle Victoria's report on Swanston Walk (PDF file
- 346kb):
http://www.bv.com.au/download/Swanston%20June%202002%2
0and%20beyond.pdf
How You Can Help to Keep Cars Out of Swanston Walk:
--------------------
Write emails to Councillors expressing your opposition to the
reopening of Swanston Walk:
Lord Mayor John So -- lordmayor@...
Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley -- susril@...
Cr Anthony Nicholson -- antnic@...
Cr Catherine Ng -- cathng@...
Cr David Risstrom -- davris@...
Cr Kate Redwood -- katred@...
Cr Kevin Chamberlin -- kevcha@...
Cr Kimberley Kitching -- kimkit@...
Cr Irene Goonan -- iregoo@...
Hi Justin
Sounds most promising.
Looking forward to the next one!
Thanks
Kelly
--- justin_m_au <juz98@...> wrote:
> Hi Kelly --
>
> The Inaugural Meeting got MBUG off to a great start.
> We had an
> attendance of 36 people, and signed up 11 new
> members.
> Membership now stands at 56. We had an introduction
> to MBUG
> from Simon Vincett & I, followed by a talk from
> Harry Barber
> (Bicycle Vic Gen Mgr) about how BUG's & BV can work
> together.
> Next up was Cr David Risstrom (City of Melbourne),
> who gave
> MBUG his full support and briefed us on the City of
> Melb's
> commitment to cycling via their Bike Plan, plus
> talked about
> some of his own experiences in helping lead the
> fight to keep
> cars out of Swanston Walk (at least during the day).
> We followed
> this with a brefing from me on some of the major
> bicycle capital
> works which are happening in the City of Melb, such
> as new
> cross-CBD lanes, and Simon mentioned ways in which
> members can get involved with MBUG's activities
> (e.g.
> suggest/help run campaigns; write articles for the
> newsletter;
> come to meetings and participate in discussions;
> bring trouble
> spots to the attention of the BUG; join the
> committee). We ended
> with a 20 minute session where the floor was opened
> to general
> discussion, which generated some good ideas for MBUG
>
> activities, such as a campaign for better traffic
> enforcement/line
> marking of the Queensberry St bike lanes, and an
> idea for a
> series of "urban cycling" workshops for
> less-confident riders.
>
> We will be putting together a full set of minutes &
> action points
> from the meeting, which we will post to this email
> list very soon.
> And don't despair about missing the opening meeting
> :) I
> appreciate your support, and hope that maybe we can
> catch up
> at our next meeting on Monday July 14.
>
> cheers
> Justin
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In melbournebug@yahoogroups.com, Kelly Wickham
> <k2kyinmel@y...> wrote:
> > So how was it?
> > Said I was going and missed
> > yet again.. SORRY! What's on the cards then?
> >
> > Cheers
> > k2kyinmel
> >
> > --- justin_m_au <juz98@h...> wrote:
> > > Hi everyone --
> > >
> > >
> > > There's a new, clear voice for cycling advocacy
> in
> > > the City of
> > > Melbourne -- Melbourne Bicycle User Group (BUG).
>
> > >
> > > Melbourne BUG's INAUGURAL MEETING will be held
> on
> > > Monday, June 16 at 6.30pm at Ross House, 247
> > > Flinders Lane,
> > > Melbourne.
>
> <snip>
>
>
__________________________________
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Hi Kelly --
The Inaugural Meeting got MBUG off to a great start. We had an
attendance of 36 people, and signed up 11 new members.
Membership now stands at 56. We had an introduction to MBUG
from Simon Vincett & I, followed by a talk from Harry Barber
(Bicycle Vic Gen Mgr) about how BUG's & BV can work together.
Next up was Cr David Risstrom (City of Melbourne), who gave
MBUG his full support and briefed us on the City of Melb's
commitment to cycling via their Bike Plan, plus talked about
some of his own experiences in helping lead the fight to keep
cars out of Swanston Walk (at least during the day). We followed
this with a brefing from me on some of the major bicycle capital
works which are happening in the City of Melb, such as new
cross-CBD lanes, and Simon mentioned ways in which
members can get involved with MBUG's activities (e.g.
suggest/help run campaigns; write articles for the newsletter;
come to meetings and participate in discussions; bring trouble
spots to the attention of the BUG; join the committee). We ended
with a 20 minute session where the floor was opened to general
discussion, which generated some good ideas for MBUG
activities, such as a campaign for better traffic enforcement/line
marking of the Queensberry St bike lanes, and an idea for a
series of "urban cycling" workshops for less-confident riders.
We will be putting together a full set of minutes & action points
from the meeting, which we will post to this email list very soon.
And don't despair about missing the opening meeting :) I
appreciate your support, and hope that maybe we can catch up
at our next meeting on Monday July 14.
cheers
Justin
--- In melbournebug@yahoogroups.com, Kelly Wickham
<k2kyinmel@y...> wrote:
> So how was it?
> Said I was going and missed
> yet again.. SORRY! What's on the cards then?
>
> Cheers
> k2kyinmel
>
> --- justin_m_au <juz98@h...> wrote:
> > Hi everyone --
> >
> >
> > There's a new, clear voice for cycling advocacy in
> > the City of
> > Melbourne -- Melbourne Bicycle User Group (BUG).
> >
> > Melbourne BUG's INAUGURAL MEETING will be held on
> > Monday, June 16 at 6.30pm at Ross House, 247
> > Flinders Lane,
> > Melbourne.
<snip>