27 Feb 2011: SEQ: Integration the key to unlock CityCycle potential

[ozbob]

Media release 27 February 2011

SEQ: Integration the key to unlock CityCycle potential

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters suggests that integration and an expert review are the keys to unlocking the potential of the CityCycle scheme.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Courier Mail recently highlighted the state of Brisbane's flagship CityCycle scheme and plans for expansion. A review into the scheme by external transportation experts would be prudent and helpful for finding ways to make the scheme more accessible and better patronised before further expenditure on expansion (1)."

"What appears to be missing is proper integration and supporting policies, and we note striking parallels of similar experiences overseas (2). RAIL Back on Track really would like to see more people use the scheme and integration with TransLink and go card could be considered for the CityCycle scheme and the existing bicycle cages (3). Co-ordination and integration is necessary to avoid cycling becoming a competitive mode, taking people off buses and off footpaths rather than out of cars. Bicycle-bus and bicycle-rail integration may be something to consider."

"We note blog comments to the Courier-Mail's article, which integration with go card could potentially solve, as well as other low-cost 'soft' measures such as helmet vending at key locations and greater ability to access the scheme 'at will' (4). It is worth printing out and reading. Comments to the Courier-Mail have questioned why go cards are not accepted, the lack of ability to use 'at will', the lack of helmet access within proximity and credit card use and pricing scheme."

"Perth has recently integrated their SmartRider public transport card to open and close bicycle cages (5). If the authorities take some time to listen to the people who do NOT use the scheme they will find solutions to change the CityCycle 'product' to get more customers."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

References:

1. CityCycle bikes sitting idle but council plans more stations
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/citycycle-bikes-sitting-idle-but-council-plans-more-stations/comments-e6freoof-1226012270739 Robyn Ironside, The Courier-Mail

2. Cycling and Public Transport: The Legacy of the White Bike
Transport for Suburbia, Dr Paul Mees, pp.188-193

3. Integrating Bicycling and Public Transport in North America
http://policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/pucher/PUCHER_BUEHLER.pdf

4. Cheap helmets could be sold and the commuter could just keep them for future use.
If it were integrated with GoCard, people could visit the newsagency, activate their GoCard with
bicycle access, pop down and ride. Newsagents could sell helmets to keep if there was demand.

5. Lock and Ride bike shelter upgrade
http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/UsingTransperth/BikesonTransperthservices/LocknRideBikeShelterRegistration/tabid/485/Default.aspx

[ozbob]

CityCycle discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4398.0