BUG stuff

Lynton to Belair, car free

2010-10-07T14:49:00.002+10:30

At long last. While not officially open, the new bike path linking Lynton and Belair is good to go.

It's steep, but that's what gears are for!

Ride2Work 2010

2010-10-07T14:43:00.000+10:30

Wednesday 13th October is Ride2Work day

Once again there will be a free campus breakfast for those who ride to work.

8am outside the WIC building.

Please bring along a donation that will go towards Camp Quality

See you there

Ever been swooped by magpies?

2010-02-01T17:08:00.003+10:30

Put together by our CSIRO colleagues in Canberra, these videos make for intersting viewing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wHreVKgOT4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES_n4DgJDHs

Ride2Work 2009

2009-09-16T16:43:00.003+09:30

Ride Free – Join the Commuter Evolution

Hello all,

Join in the fun of Ride to Work Day Wednesday 14 October 2009.

Organisation Team Code Coordinator Email

SARDI 106612 liz.drew@sa.gov.au
CSIRO 508855 ryan.farquharson@csiro.au
DWLBC 149533 sarah.lewis@sa.gov.au
AWRI 110012 marcel.essling@awri.com.au
SLS (Adelaide Uni) 573140 jock.churchman@adelaide.edu.au
ACPFG, Ag, Food and Wine (Adelaide Uni) 749688 gwenda.mayo@acpfg.com.au

If you’ve ever thought of riding to work, this is the day to give it a go. Thousands of new riders are expected to join in from all parts of Australia. Regular riders will be on hand to help you plan your journey and provide invaluable tips. Just ask me and I’ll do my best to get you started. There’s also a host of information and resources at www.ridetowork.com.au

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five great reasons to give it a go:

Be part of a big event
Look good, feel great and have fun
Do your bit for the environment
Reduce your chance of obesity, heart disease and diabetes
Save money
If all that isn't enough to convince you, why don't you calculate the health, environmental and financial benefits.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Register online today and be part of the fun!

Other ways to get involved...

Share your bike commute story and you could win one of 48 commuter bikes via your ABC Local Radio Station
Don’t let your team down! Help your workplace win a cycling hamper courtesy of Trek as part of the National Workplace Challenge.

Your workplace coordinator will send you your Team Code.

But wait... there's more.

Once again we'll be putting of a free breakfast - details to follow.

Belair line track works

2008-12-19T12:29:00.001+10:30

Track works on the Belair line next year will mean that bus services will replace the train. These bus services will not accommodate bicycles which will affect many cyclists who rely on the train to get back up the hill, particularly in bad weather and when carrying a heavy load.

A comment form is available at: http://www.dtei.sa.gov.au/infrastructure/RR/rail_revitalisation/comments_form#Comments%20form

I encourage anyone who cares to fill this out and ask why bike racks can’t be installed on the replacement buses. Bike racks are common on normal bus services in more progressive cities around the world. The train replacement buses would provide an excellent opportunity to trial these racks and to assess the feasibility of introducing bike racks on buses on other services in Adelaide. At the same time it would enable some cycle commuters to continue with their healthy and environmentally friendly transport habits while the track works are occurring.

Physically separated bike lanes

2008-12-05T17:24:00.003+10:30

You might have heard that ACC is spending half a mil on a Copenhagen style bike lane on Sturt St.

If you thought cycling in Adelaide was bad, check this out…

http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/physically-separated-bike-lanes/

Tour Down Under

2008-11-25T14:30:00.004+10:30

Adrian Loschiavo is organising Team SARDISTIC for those who might like to join a team for the Challenge Tour. Give him a buzzz on x39702 if you are interested.

Stay tuned for training rides.

Amy's ride team entry final call

2008-10-15T16:55:00.002+10:30

Those wanting to join our team entry for Amy's ride http://www.bikesa.asn.au/page.php?section=39&mId=42 need to let me know so we can all register before the 24th of October. Teams of 6 get 10% off entry fee, teams of 10+ 15% off. You might consider donating that saved money to the Amy Gillet Foundation.

Ride2Work wrap up

2008-10-15T16:48:00.005+10:30

Thank you for all making Ride2Work day 2008 such a success.

We had a wonderful Breakfast with sweet and savoury rolls provided by Baker’s Delight Frewville, fruit, juice and coffee from SARDI, eggs and bacon from ACPFG and dried fruit from David Ellis.

Thanks to all our sponsors and helpers.

The final tally was as follows
SARDI: 23
CSIRO:21
ACPFG: 15
AWRI:11

Hope to see you all next year, safe riding.
Liz and Ryan

Ride2Work - 4 weeks to go

2008-09-18T12:14:00.005+09:30

The breakfast details are still being worked out, but it is time to register for Ride2Work day. Go to www.ride2work.com.au and enter your details. Register by 30th September for the chance to win some fabulous prizes

Team Codes
CSIRO Urrbrae - 313933 (Ryan Farquharson)
CSIRO CBD - 222243 (Rebecca Dunn)
ACPFG / Ag and Wine - 322434 (Gwenda Mayo)
SARDI - 584998 (Liz Drew)
DWLBC - 680091 (Sarah Lewis)
AWRI - 470268 (Marcel Essling)

Amy's ride - November 2

2008-08-13T10:50:00.003+09:30

Amy's ride is in aid of the Amy Gillet Foundation. Set up in honour of Amy Gillet, tragically killed in a road accident in Germany, the foundation aims to increase cycling safety - something important to all cyclists.

Amy's ride is on Sunday the 2nd of November. Participants have the chance to ride up the southern expressway. Choose from 60km, or 100km which includes the infamous Willunga Hill.

Follow this link for more info and route maps:
http://www.bikesa.asn.au/page.php?section=39&mId=42

Team entries attract an entry fee discount. The more the bigger the discount, money that you might consider donating to the Foundation. Entry fees range from $70 to $46.75 depending on the number in the team and whether you are a BikeSA member. Entry includes lunch at the finish at McLaren Vale. Coach transfers back to Adelaide are available, but some of us will attempt the ride home too, and there is always the train from Noarlunga.

If you wish to join the WaiteBUG team, please let me know so I can finalise numbers and tell you which team category to enter.

Ride of Silence, Saturday 24th May

2008-05-15T12:51:00.002+09:30

Ride of Silence 2008- please RSVP to chair@bisa.asn.au

www.rideofsilence.org

One of over 200 world wide rides in 2008

Dear Friends of Cycling,
The Bicycle Institute of S.A invites you & your fellow bicycle users, as well as all of your club or association members, to the Adelaide Ride of Silence, 2008.

This will be the 2nd Ride of Silence event organised by BISA. The 2007 Ride of Silence, drew around 150 participants and was judged a success by all involved.

This event is planned to draw the community's attention to the need to Share the Road and look out for more vulnerable road users.

At the time BISA was formed, 1976, safety for cyclists was a major issue. An average of 12 cyclists were killed each year in the 1960's and 1970's.

Today the roads are much safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

More can be done however and your presence will ensure that cyclists remain visible and ensure we are given higher priority at budget time.

When: Saturday morning, May 24th.
Where: It will start from Victoria Square in the city (assemble at 9am, depart 9.30 SHARP)
To: We will ride approx. 8-10km to Wigley Reserve, Glenelg along Anzac Highway (same route as last year).
Time: Approx. 30-40 mins.
Please note:
- that we'll try to keep the speed down this year to around 16kmh!
- the ride will be escorted by SAPOL and as we know this often means green lights all the way!!!

The Adelaide ride of silence is for everyone interested in community bicycle use, whether it be for everyday transport, recreation, fitness or competition. Whatever form our interest in cycling takes, from time to time we all face the same challenges on our roads - lack of supportive infrastructure as well as other road users who sometimes forget to Share the Road as they should!
The Adelaide Ride of Silence is a positive road safety initiative! Each year it sets out to provide the community with a highly visible reminder that cycling is a wonderful and extremely valuable activity, that safe bicycle use is everyone's right and responsibility, and that bicycle users are not going away!

More information on the Ride of Silence Movement is available here:
Ride of Silence International:
www.rideofsilence.org
Ride of Silence Australia:
www.woj.com.au/category/ride-of-silence
Bicycle Institute of S.A:
www.bisa.asn.au

If you are coming please let us know (if you can) atchair@bisa.asn.au or
secretary@bisa.asn.au

We look forward to seeing you on the day and to a successful Adelaide Ride of Silence - 2008!
Ride Safely,
Sam Powrie,
Vice Chairperson, BISA.

Coast to Coast team entry

2008-01-30T14:50:00.000+10:30

We are putting together team entry for the Coast to Coast ride on Sunday the 2nd of March. you have the choice of 100km from Eagle on the Hill, or 120km from Glenelg, and there are buses back from Victor Harbour to the start.

A team of 4 gets 5% off, 6 gets 10% off and 10 or more gets 15% off the entry fee.

Let me know if you would be interested in doing the ride and I’ll get back to you with a team name and captain to register under (ideas / nominations welcome). SARDI/PIRSA people should get in touch with Greg Naglis as he is putting together a team, though we might amalgamate if the numbers don’t work out.

We welcome anyone you know including family and friends to join the team and take advantage of the group discount.

See http://www.bikesa.asn.au/ for a route map and entry form.

Cycling in the media

2008-01-24T09:09:00.000+10:30

Greetings all. Out of personal interest, I have been collecting news items and other tidbits related to cycling. Please send in anything that you find. One day I'll get around to posting it all somewhere.

Of greatest concern to any cyclist is safety. Below is a link to an article regarding cycling fatalities and the stats. Makes for interesting reading.

http://www.australiancyclist.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=2822

The latest from the Advertiser suggests that cycle commuting in Adelaide is increasing, and with all the TDU hoohah I suspect cycling will get a bigger profile and we can expect big improvements in the coming years. Of course we have the usual bureaucracy to get around (state versus local gov responsibility) and there is cultural inertia in this car-loving city that will take time to change, but I can assure you it is happening.

Remember that the best way to improve cyclist safety is to increase numbers of cyclists on the road. That's something each and every one of us can do.

Good luck on the Tour

2008-01-23T16:03:00.000+10:30

To everyone participating in the Challenge Ride on Friday - Good Luck!

The weather this year isn't looking to unkind, so long as the lightning steers clear.
Hope to see you on the road.

R.

Upcoming TDU training rides

2008-01-15T15:14:00.000+10:30

Tuesday (yes today) - slow ride to Crafers via Eagle on the Hill - meet outside PRC at 5:30pm

Thursday - faster ride to Crafers and beyond. Contact the BUG or Ryan for details

Saturday - MegaBike ride 7:30am 102 King William Rd

Sunday - possible ride to Willunga - watch this space for details

Happy new year

2008-01-09T13:20:00.000+10:30

Check out the new BikeDirect maps online. Use the BikeDirect link to the right.

The BUG now has a small toolkit including a floor pump and spare patches for emergency repairs. If you get caught out, or just want to check your tyre pressure, contact Ryan to get access to the stash.

Part of Brownhill Ck road has been resurfaced and is currently a bit ugly for roadies. Will keep monitoring the situation and recommence our picnic ride in due course.

The Tour Down Under will soon roll into town. Check out the link to see whats going on. It's a great time of year for cyclists in Adelaide so be sure to get out there on two wheels rather than four. Good luck to all of those participating in the BreakAway ride. Just 2 more weeks to get that last minute training done. Should be a great ride.

Happy cycling

Waite Rd traffic management plan

2007-12-17T10:07:00.000+10:30

Mitcham Council has released a draft traffic management plan for Waite Rd. The BUG has been involved in trying to get improvements for the Cross/Waite Rd intersection. This plan proposes some solutions to the problem and may be of interest to BUG members. It suggests the provision of bicycle lanes and slowing down traffic, which would be positive outcomes for cyclists and pedestrians.

You can view the plan from the Mitcham Council website http://www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Waite_Road-TMP.pdf

Spring Fling 07

2007-11-19T14:30:00.000+10:30

Spring Fling '07 is about raising awareness of environmental issues. Smart personal transport choices can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Active transport also saves you money, simultaneously gives you your daily exercise, and is a low impact mode of transport.

If this is your first time here, take a look, explore the links, but most importantly, do something positive.

Join the BUG - we're a community of cyclists and sympathisers. We recognise that safety is one of the biggest impediments to getting more people onto bikes. The best way to improve safety for all cyclists is to leave your car at home and cycle instead. We also want to make cycling easier, especially for new comers, and we have a lot of fun along the way.

Regular cyclists wanted

2007-11-08T16:18:00.000+10:30

Harrison Research is carrying out some focus groups on behalf of the Motor Accident Commission about interactions between motorists and cyclists. We are seeking people who are regular cyclists who ride in heavy traffic, including some who ride in the hills or on narrow roads. The group is being held on Wednesday 14 November in Kent Town. It will take about 1.5 hours and there is a $50 honorarium. If you meet the criteria and are interested or know someone who might be please contact Frances, Tab or Michelle on 84904200.

Challenge Tour - TEAM SARDISTIC

2007-11-07T17:26:00.001+10:30

Thinking of riding the Challenge Tour?

Ride 75km or 134km to Strathalbyn on the stage 4 Tour Down Under route before the pros. http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/2008/?q=Stage+4+Map

Register online http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/2008/ or on paper http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/2008/files/MCCT%20Entry%20Form.pdf

Register before the 23rd of November and join TEAM SARDISTIC for a special team jersey.

Ride2Work success

2007-10-26T16:55:00.000+09:30

With over 80 participants from various campus organisations, it was an impressive sight indeed as the cyclists rolled up for the free breakfast. This year was very much a team effort with workplace coordinators for each organisation, and lots of help on the day. It all made for a smooth and enjoyable morning in the sunshine. A southerly provided a nice tailwind for some, a headwind for others and a fairly brisk ride in for all.

Baker’s Delight chipped in loaves of bread, walnut and apple scrolls, and date scones. We fired up the barbie and made some delectable French toast and cheese toasties which went down a treat, along with juice, tea and coffee and fresh fruit. After last year’s extravaganza we simplified the menu somewhat, but the punters were no less satisfied and we cut down considerably on the organisation, time required and waste, whilst catering for 2-3 times last year’s numbers.

There were a few new cyclists, lots of regulars, but with the campus wide approach there were plenty of people to meet and some new members for the WaiteBUG which now numbers 85. Spirits were high, there was a noticeable increase in cyclists on Adelaide’s roads and many pledged to ride to work more often.

Congrats to all who participated!

Bike Friday - August

2007-08-21T15:57:00.000+09:30

Meet at gate 5 (top of Claremont Ave) at midday for a lunch time ride.

Bring a packed lunch.

Darwin2Adelaide for the fun of it

2007-06-18T11:24:00.000+09:30

BUG member David Ellis is riding from Darwin to Adelaide to raise money for Camp Quality. We wish him all the best.

Keep tabs on his journey using the Darwin2Adelaide link.

You can also make a donation to this very worthy cause.

Parking fees coming to Waite

2007-06-05T14:33:00.000+09:30

There would be a number of disgruntled car commuters on site, with the recent State of the Waite meeting revealing that paid parking is likely to be introduced in the not too distant future.

The silver lining should be an increase in the number of people walking, cycling, taking public transport and car pooling. Surely this is a good thing?

It has to be remembered that most campuses have parking fees, and one could have seen it coming to Waite for a long time now. It is a growing campus, and we have been spoiled for a long time.

I've made this argument before: on the back of an envelope, calculate how much space a car park takes, multiply that by the going rate for Urrbrae real estate, take a modest 5% pa return on investment and you soon realise that motorists on site are subsidised something like $10 per week. Now wouldn't it be nice if cyclists and pedestrians and car poolers saw an extra $10 per week in their pay packets? Parking is not a right, it has been a privilege, and it incurs expenses that will have to be recouped.

Perhaps motorists should be a bit more constructive and lobby for better public transport, bike facilities and dedicated spaces for car-poolers. Only then will the pressure on parking be reduced, and they themselves might even be liberated from car dependence. Perhaps some of the revenue raised from parking fees can be used to subsidise public transport tickets, set up an on-line car pooling service and provide secure parking for bicycles.

What are your thoughts?

At the end of the day, paid parking provides yet another reason to get on your bikes. It's a very good wake up call, and just a little taste of things to come as the realities of climate change, lifestyle diseases, oil depletion and so on start to rear their ugly heads.

Happy cycling.

Bike Friday this week

2007-05-21T09:19:00.000+09:30

I will be away this Friday.

Please get in touch if you would like to coordinate a BikeFriday event.

It should be a lovely day for a ride.

R.

Ride of Silence - apologies

2007-05-21T09:09:00.000+09:30

Dear BUGers,

Having seen Saturday's Ride of Silence in the news coverage, I arrived at work this morning to find an email from BikeSA about it. It arrived at 6.28pm on Friday, long after most of us would have gone home, and too late to disseminate to you.

Like many of you, I would have liked to have participated in this event, and if I had monitored BISA a bit better I could have let you know a day or so earlier. The Ride of Silence respects those who have been killed in accidents, and as such is not publicised in brochures. But I do think it is important that safety awareness is raised and that there is a lack of coordination and dissemination of information amongst our cycling organisations. I have informed the relevant people.

R.

April Bike Friday morning tea

2007-04-23T17:27:00.000+09:30

Liz is bringing some cake to Lirra Lirra, so get there promptly at 10:45 to make sure you get a piece.

Safety promo

2007-03-30T12:34:00.000+09:30

Your input is invited for a potential safety promotion.

It is in our employers interests that we get to and from work safely, and they are happy to support us in this regard.

I invite your ideas for such a promotion. What would you like to participate in, what sort of advice would you like to hear, what skills do you want to work on, and what items do you think would improve your safety on the road? And are you aware of anyone who may be able to provide these sorts of products and services?

Your feedback and any ideas are most appreciated.

Pedal Update feature

2007-03-30T12:06:00.000+09:30

The BISA 'Pedal Update' editor wants us to be first BUG featured in their newsletter. Your input is needed:

Hi Ryan and friends,
I have been re-elected to the position of Chair of BISA. before you all start the 3 cheers business I must say there wasn't a lot of competition! However that doesn't mean that I'm not taking the role as seriously as ever! To cap off the madness I have also taken on the role of Peedal Update editor. I figured it was only a short step beyond what seems to be my role as 'lead author'!
It's in the editor role that I write to ask the following:
- I would really like to have a semi-regular feature in which readers can hear from the various BUGs that have been set up around the place. I'd like to start with the Waite BUG if possible. What I'd really like is:
- a little story - maybe around 300 words of so - telling us how you got started, as individual riders and as a group, what your inspirations and aims have been, what you have achieved or the benefits you have noticed from coming together as a BUG, what having a BUG at work means (ie; formal, informal etc).
- 1 or 2 photos of cycling activity at the Waite (someone riding in etc), BUG members, parking and car pooling facilities or initiatives etc
- something about what it took to set up your really great Waite BUG Blog! I'd really like to see something similar for every BUG in Adelaide!

I'm looking forward to your input.

R.

Cornish bike racks

2007-03-29T11:25:00.000+09:30

At long last, the bike racks in the Cornish under croft have been installed.

A special thanks to the staff in the Cornish building for giving up two parking spaces. We can now accommodate up to 18 bikes where once only two cars could park, plus we have opened up the entrance to the building.

Thanks also to Toney Hirnyk for installing the racks, and Keith Fernandez and CLW for helping with the funds.

Please make use of these racks rather than clogging up office space or chaining your bikes to fences.

Bike Friday

2007-03-29T11:24:00.000+09:30

Bike Friday is on the 29th.

Join us for breakfast at the Highgate coffee shop on Fullarton Rd at 8am.

On yer bike...

2007-02-21T16:16:00.000+10:30

On yer bike, SA MP urges
February 21, 2007 02:30pm
Article from: Advertiser
Font size: + -
Send this article: Print Email
POLITICIANS are often told where to go, but not often how to get there.
Enter South Australian Greens MP Mark Parnell, who wants his parliamentary colleagues to travel by bike.
The former environmental lawyer today launched the Parliament House Bicycle Users' Group, which will encourage MPs to use bikes as viable forms of transport both within their local communities and for getting to work.
Mr Parnell said more politicians on bikes could only be a good thing.
"The best way to appreciate cycling and the needs of cyclists is to get out and get on a bike," he said.
"There's already a committed group of us from all sides of politics.
"I hope that by setting up this group, even more pollies and staff will be encouraged to give it a try."
Mr Parnell said parliament house in Adelaide offered good facilities for MPs and staff who cycled, with showers and secure, undercover parking for their bikes.
But he said it lacked decent bike parking for visitors.
"One of the first things we will be pushing for is bike racks outside parliament house," he said.
"What a fantastic message that would send."

February Bike Friday

2007-02-18T14:43:00.000+10:30

Meet outside the Taylor building at midday for a lunch time ride to Brownhill Creek. BYO food and drink. Ride leader to be announced.

Car pooling

2007-02-08T10:13:00.000+10:30

A simple car pooling system has been set up in the Taylor foyer. A map of Adelaide is provided, with numbered pins for you to mark your place of residence, and a spreadsheet to put your name and contact details so that you can network with locals who are also willing to car pool.

Not everyone can walk or ride or catch public transport to Waite, and this provides an opportunity for the rest of us to cut car use and the associated financial, social and environmental costs. By sharing a ride with another single occupant driver you can essentially halve your greenhouse gas emissions, fuel bill and vehicle maintenance costs plus relieve road congestion and parking pressure. Share with 2 or 3 others and the impact is even bigger.

Of course, car pooling cannot be outdone by the humble bicycle - which costs next to nothing to run, is truly carbon neutral, does not constrain you to leaving at certain times, can zip past traffic queues, gives you your daily exercise and gets you where you need to go at the same time.

Why wouldn't you ride?

Waite / Cross Rd intersection

2007-02-08T09:57:00.000+10:30

Many of the BUGers will remember the noise we created last year regarding the Waite / Cross Rd intersection, including letters to MPs, councils and the local Messenger newspaper. There have been a number of accidents, including a fatality, at this intersection over the years, and traffic volumes are increasing. This is set to continue with the expansion of the Waite campus. It is particularly dangerous attempting to turn right out of Waite Rd, or simply crossing Cross Rd for pedestrians and cyclists. I have personally been shrouded in debris from an accident whilst standing in the pedestrian island at this intersection. You feel very vulnerable sitting there, and it is not uncommon to see the guard rails crumpled and glass and plastic strewn on the road. A most unsatisfactory situation, considering the close proximity to the campus, local schools and aged care facilities.

Having moved out of the Eastern Courier zone and up into the Hills, I missed the above clipping. Thanks to David G for passing it on. Concept plans for traffic lights are being developed and will be considered in this year's Black Spot funding, amongst many other submissions state wide. We are by no means guaranteed traffic lights at this stage, and I suggest that anyone who is concerned about this intersection to keep the pressure on. I have correspondence from the Minister Carmel Zollo, DTEI and local MPs for further reference should anyone be interested.

Volunteers wanted - Mitcham

2007-02-01T15:42:00.000+10:30

The Mitcham Council is implementing its Mountain Bike strategy. Volunteers will soon be needed for a variety of tasks. If you enjoy the outdoors, aren't afraid of a little hard work and want to see sustainable cycling opportunities in the Mitcham area, go to www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/goto/mtb for more info and to register your interest.

Coast to Coast - possible team entry

2007-01-31T18:06:00.000+10:30

This one is for the roadies - the annual BikeSA ride from Glenelg to Victor Harbour on the 18th of Feb. I've done this one a couple of times, back when I was a little fitter than I am now :)

If you would like to do this ride and take advantage of the less expensive Team Entry, post a comment below and /or mailto:waitebug@gmail.com

For more information n the Savings & Loans Coast to Coast go to http://www.bikesa.asn.au/Events/Events_07/coasttocoast_07.htm or to register online, go to http://www.bikesa.asn.au/events/event_forms/online%20registration/forms/coast2coast/reg_form.php

Bikes Wanted

2007-01-31T10:38:00.000+10:30

Do you have an old bike sitting around that you would be happy to lend out or sell for a reasonable price?

Are you after a bike for a short loan or to purchase?

Post a comment below with details of the bike and an extension number, or mailto:waitebug@gmail.com

Happy 2007

2007-01-29T17:17:00.000+10:30

Can you believe we are already through January? The kids are back to school and the Tour Down Under has come and gone.

We will kick off our regular Bike Friday activities this month, with a morning tea and a lunch time picnic ride to Brownhill Creek - a great way to get some gentle exercise on the last Friday of the month and catch up with your fellow BUGers. All are welcome.

There is some exciting news on the horizon regarding bike parking. I have been given the OK to go ahead and order some new bike racks. We will convert two parking spaces in the Cornish under croft to bicycle parking for up to 18 bikes. It's a great problem to have when there is not enough bike parking around due to more and more people riding to work, and very satisfying to get rid of two parking spaces to meet the demand. Well done everyone!

Towards 2007

2006-12-13T16:22:00.000+10:30

It has been quite a year. The BUG has grown to close to 80 members, and for a fairly loose and fledgling group we have managed to achieve quite a bit. Breakfasts, morning tea, lunchtime picnic rides, road safety lobbying, Ride2Work day and our good friends at the PRC have successfully lobbied for more bicycle parking (well done Tim and Liz!). On the agenda for next year is a secure bicycle parking in the Cornish building undercroft (we have verbal support), continue the pressure on Waite/Cross Rd, a bigger better Ride2Work day, group entry to BikeSA events and anything else our members, want. I will be contributing part of my CLW environmental award to continue to grow the BUG, and have some groovy pro-cycling designs that I want to get onto t-shirts.

In the mean time, The Tour Down Under and associated events are coming to town (16th to 21st Jan). Check out www.tourdownunder.com.au for all the latest. For those wanting to participate on two wheels, the Challenge Tour (128 or 84km) is on Friday the 19th and the Fun tour (20km) on Sunday the 21st of Jan. Check out the website for details. Hope to see you at some of the events.

For now, happy and safe holidays to you all, and see you in the new year.

What's your story?

2006-10-31T14:54:00.000+10:30

It's official. Having thought about it and spoken about it for years, I've finally sold my car. We're a car free household!

It's been an interesting journey. In the last few years it has been very rare indeed that I ever drove alone, and on those occasions that I did use my car it was for trips into the country for mountain biking, bushwalking, rogaining and the odd interstate trip, and usually with others in the car too. Trips around town were essentially by bike, even the grocery shopping at the central markets, and the times that it was inconvenient to pedal I car pooled.

JP and I have set ourselves up marvelously for a car free lifestyle. We live at Linden Park, across the road from the shops, library and cinema. It's an easy bike ride to work, even easier to town. The swimming pool is up the road, and the Adelaide hills easily accessible for walks and runs in Chambers and Waterfall Gully. We don't even have a tv, but there is never a boring moment. Life is too busy to watch telly anyway!

And so I would pay registration and comprehensive insurance for my 1991 VN Lexcen to basically take up space in our garage. 15 years old, and less than 140000km on the clock. I'd done less than 10000km over the last two years, and that included a trip to Melbourne via Sydney and Canberra, and numerous highway jaunts for my recreational pursuits. There are a lot of fond memories in that car, and so I was a little emotional to let it go. Funny, coming from someone who lives and breathes bicycles and so openly encourages others to ditch the car and bike instead.

I'm not sure how many times I exclaimed "I've sold my car. I've sold my car" during those first two days after letting it go. I took my driving test in that car 10 years ago, almost to the date. Living in western Sydney back then you 'needed' a car. I would commute 3 hours each day, a trip that included the train and a bus, but to get to the train I had to drive. With those long days as a science undergrad at UNSW it was impossible catch the bus between home and the train station, especially since they stopped running at 6pm and were notorious for not turning up at all. It was almost worth moving out of home, except I would have to spend all those saved hours working to pay for exorbitant Sydney rent.

And so I was presented with a panacea on arriving in Adelaide. Cheap rent. Great food. A compact, flat city and relatively uncongested roads. Wow. It was actually conceivable to ride my bike to uni. How novel. And I fell in love with it. I've gotten to the point that I start to feel sick sitting in a car around town. And I feel like a wreck if I don't get that daily pedal, even though it's only 15 minutes each way. And so it was a surprise when I found myself confused, uncertain, and very insecure when I watched the new owners drive away in MY car.

I've settled down now. And am starting to like the idea of all that extra space in the garage. My lifestyle hasn't actually changed all that much since I was so unreliant on the car in the first place. No doubt I will start to appreciate not having to fork out for insurance and rego soon too. I must confess that I do have a backup. My partner has a car and it seems that most places I ever go that I couldn't really pedal, she's going there too, so it is a bit easier for me than it should be. Nonetheless, it was a big step, and one which I will not regret - even though that Lexcen has been very good to me over the years.

What's your story?

It's very refreshing and encouraging to hear what people are doing to reduce their reliance on cars. As the BUG co-ordinator I get to hear a lot of these stories. It's a real boost, highly motivating and I think we should be sharing them. Just yesterday morning a BUG member told me that not only did he ride to work, but his wife and three kids rode too! And a new cyclist from our first car-free breakfast is turning into a repeat offender - fantastic news!

Please email the BUG or me directly with your story, and I will post it. Or else click on 'comment' below, use the anonymous option and type to your heart's content.

Cheers
Ryan

October BikeFriday

2006-10-25T11:39:00.000+09:30

Just a few drops of moisture and a very pleasant ride along Brownhill Creek Rd. 6 of us found a lovely spot down off the road next to the creek for a very pleasant lunch.

We'll do the same next month, weather permitting, so put it in your diaries.

10% off accessories at Bicycle Express

2006-10-13T14:04:00.000+09:30

In support of Ride2Work day, the Bicycle Express city store gave us a heap of key rings giving a 10% discount on accessories.

Send an email to waitebug@gmail.com to organise your key ring. First in best dressed.

Cycle Parking

2006-10-05T14:40:00.000+09:30

A rudimentary calculation of a 5% p.a. return on investment on the Urbrae real estate taken up by a parking space is around $300-$600 per year. Using basic bicycle parking (a metal rack) you can easily park 6 bicycles (up to 12 using hanging facilities) in the same area - so we are looking at $50 - $100 per year.

Should motorists be paying the difference? If not, should cyclists, public transport users and pedestrians get a $250-$500 bonus in their pay packets each year?

Fat chance. But we should at least have appropriate facilities to store our bikes. It is evident that the Holmes bike racks are near capacity, and the number of bikes in offices and chained to posts and fences around the place is increasing.

It is no coincidence that 3 people have independently suggested that the Cornish Undercroft carpark be converted to a secure lock up for bicycles (thanks to Marc and Kerryn!). This is a brilliant idea. All it would require is 3 sides of fencing, some racks, and a gate with swipe card access. Throw in a few hooks for wet weather gear on a rainy day and we have solved some of the biggest obstacles to bicycle commuting at this site.

What are your thoughts?

Ride2Work success

2006-10-05T14:33:00.000+09:30

We had around 40 people join us for breakfast. It was great to see some non-regular cyclists giving it a go, despite the hot weather. All particpants recieved a key ring giving them 10% off accessories at Bicycle Express.

We raised $160 for Camp Quality, courtesy of a raffle for two vouchers from Bicycle Express. A great effort.

A big thanks to JP for once again cooking some choice French Toast. Kerryn McEwan and her 'girls' provided home-grown organic eggs. Thanks also to Marc Praulins and the health promotion committee for supporting this event.

I suspect next year will be bigger and better, with the local cycling associations playing a bigger role in promoting Ride2Work day.

Until then, keep up the good work and push those pedals as much as you possibly can.

Happy cycling!

September Bike Friday Picnic

2006-09-27T08:44:00.000+09:30

In the lead up to 'car-free week' we are having a picnic for Bike Friday lunch instead of the usual cafe breakfast.

This will be a good opportunity for potential cyclists to get some advice, get their bikes set up, and go for a short and pleasant spin on the road.

New cyclists can meet at the entrance to Taylor building at 12:20 for advice on setting up your bike and cycling skills.
At 12:30, Maarten Ryder will demonstrate an easier way to get around on his new electric assisted bike.
12:40 we'll enjoy a pleasant ride to Brownhill Creek for lunch.

Bring some lunch and a drink. I'd be happy to carry it for you in my cavernous panniers. All welcome.

Bike Buddy

2006-09-19T19:15:00.000+09:30

Leading up to ride2work day, we would like to encourage more people to cycle instead of drive. Cycling is a wonderful way to get around, particularly in Adelaide (granted were it not for the cars!) . However it can be quite daunting for new cyclists. Having a bike buddy can help new cyclists learn the ropes, find the best routes, foster friendships and the kindred spirit that we cyclists have.

If you would like a bike buddy, or like to be a bike buddy, post a comment on this post - name, where you ride - and we'll try to match you up

August BUG update

2006-08-26T12:08:00.000+09:30

Bike Friday morning tea was well attended and constructive, with plans for October's Ride2Work day starting to roll, and some great suggestions for the BUG. It was great to see some new faces, and share morning tea with vibrant fellow cyclists.

-I have added links to the Ride2Work website, where you can register and access all sorts of information. It is Victoria centric, and I hope SA gets into the act next year. Do register for the chance to win a bike.

-Our initial plans for Ride2Work day on the 4th will be a free breakfast. We already have some volunteers from the BUG, but many hands make light work so please let me know if you are going to be around and would like to help out. We intend to theme the whole week as 'car-free' and should be able to organize a BBQ lunch for the Friday, which falls on national Walk to Work day. We also would like to support David Ellis who is cycling from Adelaide to Darwin to raise money for kids with cancer. A voluntary parking fee and contributions for the breakfast and BBQ would be great ways to raise money.

-I have added a link to the Bikedirect maps. These are fantastic maps showing bicycle routes and grading roads in terms of their 'cyclability'. The maps are regularly updated but no longer available in hard copy. I have the old version in hard copy in my office if anyone would like to have a look.

-It is wonderful to see so many organisations working hard to promote cycling. There is plenty of information out there, and I have provided some links for your perusal.

Happy cycling!

Welcome to the Waite BUG

2006-08-12T12:33:00.000+09:30

Greetings BUGers,

The Waite Bicycle User's Group has one single aim: to encourage cycling. We promote cycling as a legitimate form of transport, with multiple benefits to the cyclist, the community and the environment. We are a workplace BUG, but welcome all sympathisers to the cause.

We are based at the Waite Institute in the south east corner of Adelaide, home to world class research by the University of Adelaide, SARDI, CSIRO, AWRI and other organisations, and continue to grow. We are a vibrant workplace in a wonderful setting, steeped in history and full of intelligent, fit, healthy, environmentally aware staff and students.

Our current activities include regular 'bike Friday' breakfasts on the last Friday of each month, and a special car-free day in October. We provide a link to South Australia's cycling bodies. We share local cycling news, hints and tips, can co-ordinate group entry to cycling events, and provide advocacy. In reality, who we are and what we do is defined by every individual in our group. Our most important strength is a sense of camaraderie that all responsible cyclists share. We believe that the best way to encourage others to cycle is to actually cycle ourselves, hence our motto, "On your bikes, BUGers!"

So welcome to you all. Remember that you get out what you put in, so ideas and contributions are always invited. This is not a place for your current BUG co-ordinator to self indulge. We should all feel equally able to contribute and should all take ownership of this BUG.

Current BUGers are already on our email list.

Should anyone else wish to join, send an email to waitebug@gmail.com with "membership" in the subject field, or post a comment on this blog.

This blog will be a repository for BUGstuff emails and other information for all to refer to in your own time. Your current BUG co-ordinator is not particularly internet savvy, but if any BUGers out there would like to maintain a website, let us know.

Happy cycling,

Ryan