On the Bicycles

[ozbob]

When I was going home from Greenslopes Hospital yesterday noticed some activity around the forgotten bicycle path.  Looks like finally going to be used ...  another SEQ transport botch,  been going on for years and years ... lol

[colinw]

Daniel Meers strikes again in the Gold Coast bulletin. First it was the light rail, now bikes.  The Bulletin appears to have decided to go for the "shock jock" approach.

[ozbob]

Daniel Meers strikes again in the Gold Coast bulletin. First it was the light rail, now bikes.  The Bulletin appears to have decided to go for the "shock jock" approach.

Response to this from Bicycle Queensland

http://www.bq.org.au/news/bq-response-to-anti-bike-article-in-the-gold-coast-bulletin/

BQ response to anti-bike article in The Gold Coast Bulletin

11 December 2012

Your paper's journalist/opinion writer Daniel Meers' "declaration of war" on cyclists in the Gold Coast Bulletin uses an unfortunate phrase more suited to shock-jocks. Given the dangers exposed in the recent 2DayFM prank disaster – maybe your journo should be more careful with his words, because "declaring war" and "Motorists need to start manning up" (sorry ladies) incites violence as a solution.

We are sorry Daniel takes "about five minutes to drive three kilometres to a friends place" for a jog. Only 36 kph average speed – oh no! Given a 50kph speed limit and a few stops for traffic lights – that is actually a pretty fair clip.

The popularity of bike riding on the Gold Coast will continue to grow because the Gold Coast is a great city with active people who like to ride. Riding is great exercise, good fun, and simply the most efficient way to get from one place to another for trips of less than 5km.

Yes, some very keen riders do get out of bed at 5am to miss the traffic and to exercise before work. Most would see this as wonderful and healthy – overwhelming international evidence point to great cost savings in reduced hospitalisation from obesity and sedentary based diseases in countries that have high cycle usage.

Having people riding bikes for transport and exercise saves us all money. Hospitals are expensive to build and run. Riding a bike is cheap and reduces congestion. It's a win-win in the vast majority of cases.

Daniel's article was light on facts and heavy with opinion. Some crackers:

His opinion: that cyclists wouldn't use bike lanes and other facilities provided by Government and Gold Coast City Council.

The truth: anywhere in Australia where safe cycling facilities are provided, cycling participation rates double or even more. Had he asked the state's peak body we would've provided evidence of this. Or he could look on Google. It is all there.

His opinion: Bicycles are a danger to road safety.

The truth: In societies with high bicycle use, the road toll declines. The more bicycles on the paths and roads, the safer we all are. People 'get' it and drive safely.

The Gold Coast is a fantastic place to live, visit and ride. That's why people live there and ride. Police have enough to do without chasing a small minority of riders who do flout the law, and who endanger themselves far more than anyone else.

Unfortunately some riders do seem angry and even over-react, because they deal with bad attitudes from some drivers who drive threateningly, blast horns and hurl abuse. Both should chill out and enjoy the day.

Our message is to try to enjoy your life Daniel, and please, get a bike. Your six kilometre round trip to run with your friend is part of the traffic congestion problem that is costing us all millions of dollars to ease, through our rates, taxes and car registration, which we all pay.

Ben Wilson, Manager BQ

[colinw]

Great Response by Bicycle Queensland! 

Meers is something of a serial offender it seems.

[Jonno]

He is just an idiot. His 15min of fame will be over very very very soon!

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Forgotten bikeway through Brisbane's southern suburbs to be completed and opened during 2013

[SurfRail]

I'm really amazed there were so many responses to that article, and comparatively few to his LRT rant.  Perhaps cyclists tend to be more politically engaged (to run up another stereotype).

[beauyboy]

I think it has more to do with we have been demonised so much now that we bite and bite with vigor.

Donald

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cyclists in spin over Warne's TAC role

[ozbob]

Copenhaganize --> The Ultimate Bike Lane Snow Clearance Blogpost!

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> There's a definite pecking order among bicycle riders around Brisbane

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Sexism behind over-investment in cycling infrastructure: report

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cyclists without helmets 'likely to be risk takers'

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Reckless cyclists are toying with their lives in a risky race around Mt Coot-tha

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Cycling safety campaign at Mt Coot-tha clicks into gear

[SurfRail]

Welcome to the Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress 2013

Following the resounding success of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress (APCC) in Brisbane, the second APCC will be held on the Gold Coast, Australia from 10-13 March 2013.

The congress promises to be a motivating, dynamic and inspiring event focused on increasing cycling participation and encouraging the growth of the cycling industry.

The congress will showcase Queensland's cycling infrastructure and encourage more people to cycle, more often. Initiatives from the APCC will shape the future of cycle planning and help build a cycling culture in the Asia-Pacific region.

http://www.cyclecongress.com/

---

^ I've been invited to the dinner being held on 11 March 2013 as the finalised GCCC Transport Plan is being released there.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Bicycle Queensland ‏@bicycle_qld

BCC calling for public feedback on two new commuter bikeways. http://bit.ly/ZDdlOI

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Women too scared to cycle: survey

[ozbob]

Grist --> Studies show that bike commuting is one of the best ways to stay healthy

[HappyTrainGuy]

Except in China with their awful air pollution 

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Popular bike route is getting safer and Bicycle Queensland is happy for all cyclists

[ozbob]

Business Insider Australia --> The 20 Most Bike-Friendly Cities In The World

[newbris]

Found this thought provoking --> Do not base policies about cycling on the views and experiences of existing committed cyclists

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Bike helmets: an emergency doctor's perspective

[johnnigh]

Found this thought provoking --> Do not base policies about cycling on the views and experiences of existing committed cyclists

It's a great discussion. The only reason that The Netherlands and Denmark have such high cycling density is their ped and cycle oriented infrastructure, that dates from the late 1960s. In The Netherlands this was spurred by a campaign to eliminate child road deaths; from a country that had car usage similar to that of Australia, UK and USA, it has turned into the ped and cycle friendly country it is today.

Making cycling more dangerous, a policy that continues to this day in Australia, is not going to lead to more cycling and less reliance on congestion.

The jury's decision a day ago to let a concrete truck driver who mercilessly drove over Richard Pollett off scot-free for his murder is merely a symptom of our regard for motor vehicles. Each jury member simply thought 'I could do the same driving home today; no way can I convict anyone for killing a cyclist'.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Because its certainly faster than catching some poor frequency scenic tour bus from Brisbane's northside to the city 

[ozbob]

Crikey --> Are cyclists 'mere obstacles' to motorists?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> 'Ghost bike' a haunting symbol of cycling danger

[ozbob]

Slate --> The Pedestrian–Cyclist Armistice

[ozbob]

Twitter

howard wolfson ‏@howiewolf 3h

That great bike share illustration on the cover of the New Yorker. #bikenyc #citibike http://t.co/mMXBL3N69J

[ozbob]

Underground Bicycle Parking Systems in Japan

[beauyboy]

I saw them years ago on you tube and thought to myself they would be perfect for train & busway stations. I would seriously suggest Culture, Southbank and South Brisbane.

Donald

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> World-first map a boon for cyclists

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> No bike helmet required in certain low-risk areas under Brisbane City Council plan

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> The bike that takes the sweat out of cycling

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> $1.5m slip lanes at Mt Coot-tha intersection increase cyclists' safety

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Research shows cyclists reduce their chances of accidents by wearing reflective clothing

[HappyTrainGuy]

Haven't read the article but going by the headline I think a "Uhh duhhhh" is in order.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Bicycle clearways recommended by Taxi Council

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Unsustainable Cycle Centre seeks sponsor to stem losses at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital