1. Next YarraBUG Meeting
2. Glass/Objects on Roads
3. Yarra Social Rides
4. MelbourneBUG & DarebinBUG Social Rides
5. Bicycle Buddy Program
6. Cyclists in the Media


1. The next YarraBUG meeting is Tuesday 16th August,
7.30pm at Suede Bar, 284 Smith Street, Collingwood.
All welcome!

2. Glass/Objects on Roads:
As well as glass, it's been mentioned cyclists are
having punctures with the proliferation of metal
'stynes' or 'hairs' breaking off the streetcleaners.
When contacting the council, please mention the
location, time, problem (see below) and please cc. any
correspondence to yarrabug-owner@yahoogroups.com. If
this problem persists we will take it up at the next
Yarra Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting in August.
http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/council/vision/bac05.asp

Bicycle Victoria: Detours and path closures:
http://www.bv.com.au/inform.php?a=5&b=27&c=357

City of Yarra: General enquiries:
info@...
Mailing Address: PO Box 168, Richmond VIC 3121

Report pot holes & maintenance items:
http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/environment/roads/potholes.asp
Yarra Road Services: 9205 5540, After Hours
Emergencies: 9205 5555

Roads & Footpaths - Report problems:
http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/environment/roads/potholeform.htm
Use this online form to report dangerous situations
involving road surfaces, street furniture and
footpaths within the City of Yarra which require
maintenance.


3. Yarra Social Rides:
Do you want to have a social ride, riding companions
or already have a training ride or weekly ride? Then
please feel free to let us know & we'll advertise
them. Contact: yarrabug-owner@yahoogroups.com


4. MelbourneBUG & DarebinBUG Social Rides:
See here for more information
http://melbournebug.org/rides.html
http://www.darebinbug.org.au/rides.html


5. From Eliot Bicycle Buddy Program:
Hi All,
I work at North Yarra Community Health on a Healthy
Transport program. Its called Bicycling for Health and
Transport. It aims to help those that wish to cycle
but don't have the financial means or knowledge to
start. We provide participants with a freshly serviced
bike, new helmet, lock and lights as well as a bicycle
instruction program. We really need the help of
experienced bicyclists (you guys). We will have weekly
rides (thursday afternoon) and it would be great to
have other experienced riders to help out. Also, a
Buddy system will help inexperienced riders when they
encounter simple problems like a flat tyre. All you
need to do is offer your phone number that a
participant can call if they get themselves in a
tricky bike situation.

The participants are primarily poor people having
recently arrived in Australia. This program will give
them a new skill, a cheap form of transport, improved
health and a brighter future generally. I welcome any
support Yarra BUG members are able to provide.

Thanks,
Elliot Fishman, email: elliotfishman@...
Mob: 0438 547450


6. Cyclists in the Media:
Recently there's been far too much hyperbole and
misinformation in the print and tv media. Here's
several links and useful tips to counter the recent
negativity, and help keep events in perspective. Even
if you're not a cyclist, read on and increase your
awareness of what we have to encounter. If you're a
cyclist, brush up on your knowledge. Remember -
cycling is fun!

*Want to get involved with the Wheels of Justice
group? Subscribe via:
wheelsofjustice-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Wheels of Justice: http://wheelsofjustice.com.au
Bicycle Justice: http://bicyclejustice.blogspot.com

*Victorian Road Laws For Cyclists: Part 15 - Victorian
road laws for cyclists:
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/vrpdf/randl/part_15.pdf

*Bicycle Victoria - Harassment and road rage – What
you can do:
http://www.bv.com.au/inform.php?a=7&b=35&c=199
It can be a frightening and intimidating experience to
be harassed while riding your bike. Most bike riders
are shaken and angry after an incident but feel
powerless to do anything about it. Depending on the
exact nature of the behaviour there are a number of
steps you can take.

*Bicycle Institute of South Australia: Road Rage and
Road Abuse:
http://www.bisa.asn.au/roadrage.html
Road rage, in which one road user aggressively injures
another, is extremely rare. Injuries due to other
causes are much, much commoner. Road Abuse, which is
where cyclists experience abuse or rude behaviour but
not injury, is more common. It's unpleasant, but very
very seldom escalates to road rage. Nevertheless, we
need to know good ways to handle Road Abuse.

*How to Not Get Hit by Cars by Michael Bluejay
http://www.bikesarefun.org/bicyclesafe.html
This page is reproduced from BicycleSafe with
modifications for Australia. This page shows you real
ways you can get hit and real ways to avoid them. This
is a far cry from normal bike safety guides, which
usually tell you little more than to wear your helmet
and to follow the law.

*From the urbanbicyclist project © :: top tricks 'n
hints for RIDING IN TRAFFIC :: Melbourne City Rider
Guide, text reproduced here by permission (ta!)
Urbanbicyclists quickly learn to beat city traffic to
get around safely & quickly. When riding in traffic be
confident & visible but prepare for evasive action!
http://www.urbanbicyclist.org/

Use the Street Space
· Use sightlines to find gaps in the traffic and look
ahead and around corners.
Changing Traffic Lights
· Ride over black circular traffic light sensors at
intersections to change the lights.
Take the Lane / Share the Lane
· Depending on lane width and traffic speed use the
remaining space or take the whole lane.
Positioning In the Traffic Flow
· Be aware of drivers' blind spots next to rear doors.
Use vehicles for cover at intersections (cross tram
tracks at wide angles). Be aware of what’s behind you.
Look for any gaps in the traffic pattern and immediate
street environment such as spaces between parked cars,
kerbs and buildings.

top tricks 'n hints for WET WEATHER URBANBICYCLING
Preparing Your Bike
· Make your own mudguards using drink bottles or
plastic folders. Keep a plastic bag stuffed under your
seat for waterproofing when parking in the rain. Clean
your brakes & rims after rain.
What to Carry
· Get a good waterproof jacket, don’t compromise on
style!
· Spray your shoes & bag with waterproof sealant.
· Carry a spare pair o socks in a plastic bag.
· Keep a change of clothes at work/uni. Get a good
bag. Use plastic bags inside for your books etc.
Riding In the Wet
· Watch out for slippery metal grates and covers,
especially when turning.
· Beware! Puddles may be deeper than they seem.
· Remember you and others will have a longer braking
distance.

top tricks 'n hints for RIDING AT NIGHT
Bikes can get you home long after the trams 'n trains
have gone to sleep.
· Don't be afraid to go out in the early hours of the
morning. There are few cars and the streets are empty!
Lights
· Use front beam lights to see and flashing lights to
be seen. Lights on your helmet are more visible.
· Buy lights that take standard battery types. (AA or
AAA)
· Carry spare batteries in your puncture kit.
Being Reflective
· Add reflective material, tape and stickers to your
helmet, clothing, shoes, bike and bags.
· Reflective tape, fabric and stickers can be sourced
from hardware stores, boating and cycle shops and road
construction sites.
Riding Behaviour
· Watch out for drunk pedestrians who may lunge at
you.
· Look for car headlights at side streets and from
behind.
· Riding at night can be LIBERATING!

top tricks 'n hints for LOCKING YOUR BIKE
Which Lock To Use
· Cable locks are easily cut.
· Get a good d-lock, the more you spend, the better
the lock.
· Use a cable as well for extra security.
Where 'N How to Lock
· Don't lock to poles that can be lifted out of the
ground.
· Lock in visible areas with lots of light and
pedestrian traffic.
· Check your lock before leaving.
What Does Your Bike Look Like?
· Remove your lights etc or secure with super glue or
cable ties.
· Disguise your bike with stickers; wrap the frame
with electrical tape or old inner tubes.
· Replace quick releases with bolts or secure with
hose clamps.
· Get your bike engraved (free) by the Bicycle Police
9247 5517
If Your Bike Is Stolen!
· Report it to the police visit pawn shops with a
photo/description of your bike. E-mail the
urbanbicyclist project

top tricks 'n hints for DODGING DOORS
Scoring the Door Prize
· Parked cars can be more dangerous than moving ones.
· Car doors are the number one cause of bike accidents
in the city.
It's Illegal to Open Doors into Traffic
To avoid doors look:
· through CAR windows for heads
· in mirrors of trucks and vans
· at cars that have just parked
· at cars' tail lights
Riding In the Door Zone
· If you can't see into cars, ride slower or move out
of the door zone.
· Be aware of what's behind you if you have to swerve
out.
Don’t be afraid to take a lane if you're being forced
into the door zone
If A Door Opens In Front Of You!
· Don't waste your time fiddling with a horn or bell,
go for your brakes and scream!
· Move out but don't swing into traffic.
If You Get Hit
· If you get doored and injured or damage results, it
is a traffic accident and details must be exchanged.
Report uncooperative motorists to the police.

ACCIDENT?
You will go into shock
· Although it is difficult to prepare for this,
understand you and others involved will not behave
rationally after an accident.
Ensure the scene is safe before taking further action.
· You must give assistance to any injured person. Call
for police and an ambulance if required. Dial 000 on
any phone. Record the number Plate, Model and colour
of all cars involved in the accident. Include a
description of the drivers. Before people leave
Collect names and phone numbers of as many witnesses
as practically possible.
Exchange details
Names, addresses, vehicle registration and vehicle
owner details should be exchanged with all involved.
Collect insurance details from all motorists involved.
Record All This on Paper Keep a Copy for Yourself

© 2002 The Urbanbicyclist Project
urbanbicyclist@...
This material may not be used by private or public
organisations without permission; we will happily and
promptly arrange permission for non profit use!


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

www.yarrabug.org






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