Click here for:- News 1997
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SUBMISSION, DRAFT PROJECT BRIEF, QUEENSLAND CYCLE STRATEGY: 11th December 1998.
CBUG has made a submission on the draft project brief for the State Cycle Strategy. Key members of CBUG commented on the draft document. Overall, members would like to see a more structural and official representation of regional cyclists on the Reference Group which will be established to support the Steering Group for this project. We highlighted where we would like more reference made to the Regional Cycling Project. The strategy does try to provide for regional consultation but regional representation is inadequate. The aim of the strategy to increase cycling to 8% bicycle trips, has been questioned in that no reference is made to existing % of bicycle trips. CBUG suggested that the aim should be to "double bicycle trips in Queensland by the year 2011".
MEETINGS MEETINGS AND MORE MEETINGS: CBUG has attended the following meetings:-
CBUG had the pleasure of meeting with the Townsville Bicycle User Group on Monday evening and then attending the Townsville/Thuringowa Forum on Tuesday morning. This is the first regional forum in Queensland and more regional centres will be visited by the State Cycle Committee over the next two years. The aim of the forums are to establish Regional Cycling Committees, encourage bicycle planning across Queensland and to integrate bicycle transport into all transport planning and strategies.
CBUG attended this meeting and handed in a submission which included the maps presenteted at the Southern Cairns Study and also maps showing bicycle facilities on Main Roads from Cairns to Palm Cove. These maps help to identify what facilities exist and what works are needed to make cycling efficient and safe in the Cairns area. We did not confine our comments to bicycle issues. Other suggestions we made were:- 1. Warrants for road funding should not only rely on vehicle counts but also on the wealth generating areas of our very large state. Equity of access and services are vital issues for rural Queensland and effects the health, economic viability and well being of rural and regional Queenslanders. 2. A major problem for rural road users is distance. Some roads are not sealed and the road from Hughenden to The Lynd was used as an example. People then have to decide whether to use the rough short route to the north or the longer and sealed route via Charters Towers. Just as in bicycle planning, short cuts in the city environment is good for cycling, so too short cuts for motorists to avoid long distances would be more economical and efficient.
Likewise, CBUG attended the meeting. An official submission was not required because bicycle transport issues were reported to the Southern Cairns Study. However, we did not push for bicycle paths up the Kuranda Range. We believe that this would not be practical considering the space that would be required and the speed that cyclists can achieve when riding down steep declines. We did suggest that the construction of road shoulders on the Range Road would be a more practical and safe facility for all road users. Large transport vehicles, buses with school children and the increased volume of motor traffic, warrants the upgrading and increased safety of this winding and steep highway. Road shoulders benefit all road users, increases safety, access for emergency vehicles and breakdowns and reduces road maintenance costs especially in a hot, wet tropical climate.
As well as CBUG attending the meeting, a submission was produced outling the basic requirements for bicycle transport and explaining the important roll non-motorised transport plays in and through our communities. Maps were produced to show existing bicycle facilities on main roads such as shoulders, paths, crossings, traffic lights and approach bicycle lanes at intersections. Also shown was sections of road that need shoulder sealing. A list of works was included to show what needs to be improved for bicycle transport from Cairns city to Gordonvale.
RIDE TO WORK DAY - Thursday 8th October 1998: Ride to work and get a free breakfast at the new Council Chambers cnr Spence and Draper Sts, Cairns, between 6.30 am and 8 am. You must be riding a bicycle to qualify for your breakfast of vege burgers, sausage sizzle and fresh fruit. Lucky Prizes will be drawn from names of all participants. Sponsor is the Cairns City Council and assisted by the National Heart Foundation, Cairns Bicycle Users Group and chaired by Councillor Fran Linsday. Prizes will be donated by Cairns businesses. Speakers will address the gathering and CBUG will hold a membership and information stall. Ride to work day is held in conjunction with Queensland's TRAVELSMART WEEK 4TH - 11TH OCTOBER.
FEDERAL ELECTIONS 3rd OCTOBER 1998: Cyclists, please send a letter, phone call, fax, email to your candidates and request a reply. Here is a letter to help you. This is an appeal to all candidates who have nominated to represent Australians in the Federal Parliament to please answer our communications.
CBUG GENERAL MEETING: Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 30th September 1998, 7 pm, at 17 Gordon St, Earlville, Cairns.
CAIRNS BIKEWAY STRATEGY WORKING GROUP: Next meeting, November 1998 , at the new Council Chambers, cnr Spence St and Draper St.
28th September 1998
YOU "ORTA" CYCLE TO THE GAMES!!!!:This is a report from the President of the Bicycle Federation of Australia, Dr Harry Owens:-
A letter from the the office of Olympics Minister, Michael Knight, to the Bicycle Federation of Australia raises my disquiet about the lack of infrastucture planned to facilitate access to the 2000 Olympics by bicycle. OCA, ORTA and the RTA seem to be systematically discriminating against the most efficient transport mode we have, the bicycle. They must not overlook that structural change to encourage walking and cycling over car-use wherever possible is Government health policy.
The mass transit focus to the actual Olympic Games venues is quite understanable but current planning for the 2000 games fails to consider a critical issue; access to the nodes feeding the mass transit!
I visited Atlanta in the lead up to the 1996 Games and noted the lack of provision for bicycle transport. Afterwards it was clear that the officials regretted not making greater use of cycling as a transport mode.
I repeat the call to invest in cyclist-friendly infrastucture, not just to facilitate access to the Olympics but to leave Sydney with a health-promoting transport inheritance when the Games are over.
September 1998
STATE CYCLE COMMITTEE: Wednesday, 3rd September 1998, Transport House, Brisbane. Townsville will be the regional representative at this meeting.
August 1998
NATIONAL BICYCLE STRATEGY:
This is a report from National Review Workshop: CBUG, Projects and Reports Officer, Lenore Evans attended the NBS review "National Workshop" in Sydney on the 31st August as a member of the Bicycle Federation of Australia. This is great news and a great honor for cyclists. More information on National Reports.
MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY There are calls for registrations of interest to be part of the community consultation phase for the National Bicycle Strategy. Those who register their interest will be invited to attend a workshop (to be held in each State/Territory) and/or comment on drafts of the strategy as it develops. The Bicycle Federation of Australia urges cycling groups and individuals to actively participate in the consultation process.
Queensland Workshops: Thursday 13th August 1998, 1.00 pm - 4.30 pm, or 6.00 pm - 9.30 pm, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Cnr Leichhardt Street and Wickham Terrace, Brisbane.
The NBS Revision Web Site is:- National Bicycle Strategy Revision.
You can register your interest by phoning 1800 005 533 or sending an e-mail to cyclingaust@roads.sa.gov.au.
8th July 1998
STATE CYCLE COMMITTEE: Wednesday, 8th July 1998, Transport House, Brisbane. Mackay will be the regional representative at this meeting.
6th July 1998:
REVISION OF 1993 NATIONAL BICYCLE STRATEGY: At the March 1998 meeting of the Standing Committee on Transport, a decsion was made that Austroads, in association with the National Bicycle Council, be directed to revise the above strategy. The new Strategy is to be submitted to the Australian Transport Council in November 1998 for approval.
In brief, the 1993 Strategy failed to provide the targets, time frames and clear accountabilities to enable implementation and therefore facilitate an increase in cycling use in the future.
You are encouraged to register your interest in participating in the revision, which will involve providing comments on draft documents and/or attending a work shop.
Please call 1800 005 533 (business hours cst) or email cyclingaust@roads.sa.gov.au to register your interest. Terry Ryan, Manager, Bike South.
CAIRNS CITY COUNCIL BUDGET 1998/99: Cyclists are pleased that $100,000 Council's CAPITAL WORKS BUDGET will continue to fund Section 5.9 of the Cairns Bikeway Strategy. This amount is for works to construct:-
1. The final path of the Brinsmead Shopping Plaza project- foot bridges and connecting paths from Springfield Crescent.
2. Construct connections at the closure of Chattaway St and McCoombe St.
3. Construct foot bridge and path to connect Talisman Cl and Akbar Cl, Edmonton.
CBUG has requested that the Council considers funding Section 5.6 "other council programs", the SHOULDER SEALING appendix 5.6(a). These on-road works are vital for creating a safe and efficient bikeways network for commuter, sporting and young cyclists. Funds for on-road works in conjunction with bike paths is very necessary. Hopefully the Council will action some of the shoulder sealing works that are Priority A, from the ROADS BUDGET.
FEDERAL BLACK SPOT FUNDING: Cyclists are over the moon with the completion of the shoulder sealing project by Main Roads of the Capt Cook Hwy, in May this year. Shoulders have been constructed from the Air Port Access Rd to the roundabout with Machans Beach. This link has been very well received by cyclists who commute to work and shops, train for cycle sports (one cyclist boasted how many minutes he can travel faster) and tourists riding to the northern beaches. THANKYOU Main Roads and the Federal Black Spot Funding Program. Thanks also go to people who ensured that our nomination was successful, Queensland Senator Bill O'Chee and Bicycle Institute of Queensland representative Ben Wilson, who saw that our nomination was successfully passed through the Queensland Consultative Committee.
QUEENSLAND STATE ELECTION: Cyclists are encouraged to lobby our new Minister of Transport and your newly elected member NOW! Phone, fax, email, write. For your assistance, you may like to use this letter:- State Election 98.
9th May 1998:
CAIRNS GRAND BICYCLE RALLY: Approximately 53 people attended the Rally. Cyclists of all ages, a lady in an electric wheel chair and a young lady on a roller blade gathered together to celebrate bicycle and other modes of transport.
Dignitaries who spoke and/or rode bicycles were:- Cr Fran Lindsay (Cairns City Council, Patron of CBUG); Lyn Warwick (State, Barron River); Naomi Wilson (State, Mulgrave and Minister for Families, Youth and Community Care); Desley Boyle (State, candidate, Cairns); Myles Thompson (State, candidate, Cairns); Cr Chris Lewis (Mayor of Mareeba) and an apology from Cr Jan McLucas (Cairns City Council).
The weather was ideal, a little shower of rain to cool the air, a breese and cloud cover made the ride very pleasant. It was a little disappointing that more cyclists did not support the Rally considering the achievemnts that have been made for cyclists over the past year. Actually, what we see being actioned now on our roads and highways is the culmination of reports over the past fifteen years. In the early 1980s we had the Honary Queensland Road Safety Council, then in 1986 the Cairns Bicycle Safety Advisory Committee. This committee chaired by Michael Bryan, initiated the Cairns Bikeway Strategy. From 1996 we have the Cairns Bikeway Strategy Implementation Working Group, facilitated by the Cairns City council, responsible for co-ordinating works at all levels of government and with other agencies.
The route through arterial roads and bike paths demonstrated some of the locations where improvements have been made for cyclists. The first stop was demonstrated at Givens St where the bicycle detection at traffic lights is on a trial with Queensland Transport. Cyclists could see how well this facility worked and we hope to have more actioned in Cairns. The second stop demonstrated the median crossing at James St with a rider showing how the hand rails make it easier and safer to stop while watching out for traffic. The final stop was at the new foot bridges behind the Brindsmead Shopping Plaza. Cr Fran Lindsay cut the ribbons, green, gold and blue, the Cairns City Council logo colours, to allow cyclists to ride the last section of the route back to where we commenced.
Comment: CBUG and our community are hopeful that our three levels of government will continue to action the works that are documented in the Cairns Bikeway Strategy.
WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT BICYCLE TRANSPORT? - EVERYTHING!!!!!
WHAT IS BAD ABOUT BICYCLE TRANSPORT? - NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!
6th May 1998:
STATE CYCLE COMMITTEE: Lenore Evans, our CBUG Projects and Reports Officer was the first regional "cyclists'" representative to attend this State Cycle Committee meeting in Brisbane. This committee was initiated last December 1997 and is faciliated by Queensland Transport with the secretariate administered by Graham Fraine, behavioural scientist.
CBUG presented a submission to the committee that bicycle provision starts and finishes at a local level. It is our local governments that commission "bikeway strategies", co-ordinate and drive works, BUT they need funding to implement their programmes. Even before local governments consider commissioning a bikeway strategy, local bicycle user groups have identified what cyclists need in their community. This is why it is very important that the Bicycle Institute of Queensland encourages and supports an increase of "bicycle user groups" throughout Queensland. Ben Wilson, BIQ, has been funded by the Brisbane City Council as a "devopment officer". This will probably mean that his duties will be restricted to Brisbane. What we need is state funding to help BIQ support and encourage Queensland BUGs. This type of funding is very cost effective because it is "FREE" information and research actioned by cycling volunteers that is available to governments.
Funding is still to be approved for a State Cycle Unit, Task Force and the development of a State Bicycle Strategy. CBUG suggests that local governments throughout Queensland are encouraged to adopt their own "bikeway strategies" from where all the INFORMATION will come from to develop a "state bikeway strategy" and provide input into Integrated Regional Plans. Then we can develop a "national strategy". What we need right now is FUNDING for local governemnts who already have a "bikeway strategy" in action and need assistance, to get on with the job. We also need FUNDING to encourage all local governments to commission their own bikeway strategies.
It is pleasing to see that the committee has a "Bikeways in Regional Queensland Project", facilitated by Michael Carter, Principal Advisor (Regional Transport Planning) Integrated Transport Planning, Queensland Transport. "The project aims to prepare an inventory of existing and proposed bike facilities in regional Queensland and review processes used by Local Authorities to establish cycle facilities." quote, minutes of SCC, 11th March 1998. The Cairns Bikeway Strategy will be a very important document that will assist in the preparation of this project.
Michael Oxer, Executive Officer, Bicycle Industries & Traders' Association Inc, gave a very good rendition of Alan Parker's paper on cycling statistics as researched from the Australian Census. CBUG asks, How are we going to stabilise and reverse travelling trends. The grafs show more women and children are travelling by car and bicycle use is declining. SIMPLE - we need funding to provide bicycle lanes and shoulders on roads, efficient and well maintained bicycle paths and efficient connections such as foot bridges, bicycle detection, median crossings, access through closures, that will create a safe and efficient bikeway network.
Comment; So do we need to wait until all the meetings, processes, projects etc etc are funded before there is any funding to implement what has already been identified, documented and approved by Local Government? How much funding do we need? WE NEED 10% OF TRANSPORT BUDGETS - NOT THE MEASERLY 1% WE GET NOW!
Michael Yates, the Bicycle Federation of Australaia, Queensland representative, is the convenor and researcher of the "BFA Cyclists Urban Speed Limit - Task Force".
ARE WE DRIVING TOO FAST FOR THE UNEXPECTED? YES!!!!!! Our speed limits are too high! How can we advise motorists to slow down when the speed limit is too high?
Michael says, "Most of the deaths and serious injuries to cyclists, pedestrians and motorists occur on the larger, non-local roads. Reducing the speed limit only in 'residential' streets and not across whole urban areas will therefore only address the small minority of fatalities and severe injuries."
The next meeting will be held on the 8th July 1998.
28th April 1998
BLACK SPOT FUNDING:Sheridan St and Capt Cook Hwy; The Federal Minister of Transport, the Hon Mark Vaile, met with CBUG and inspected this location. In 1997, CBUG nominated a request for shoulder sealing of Sheridan St, adjacent to FOXWOOD at Cairns North, near the turn off to the airport. Later CBUG nominated a request for shoulder sealing of the Capt Cook Hwy from Cairns North to the Barron River bridge. BOTH NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED. Main Roads has contributed some funding along with the federal funds to see this project completed. This is a good example of all levels of government working together which is how our Bikeway Strategy is compiled.
20th April 1998
EDMONTON:Mill Road, between new roundabout with Mt Peter Rd and old roundabout with Hambledon Dr. Four members of CBUG attended a meeting, arranged by Main Roads public relations officer, with Transport Technology and the Cairns City Council engineer. CBUG submitted on three occasions, a report, inspections and maps of Mill Road, Edmonton. CBUG also submitted to the Queensland Minister of Transport for intervention and reasessment of the plans. THERE WERE NO BICYCLE LANES ON THE PLANS FOR A NEW ROAD CONSTRUCTION. Eventually this meeting was held and the engineer conceded that bicycle lanes were necessary because:-
1. Lanes are needed on this section of upgrade so that the next section to be done sometime in the future will also continue with bike lanes.
2. Presently this section of Mill Rd has no bicycle facilities according to Australian Standards, travelling in both directions. Cyclists are expected to travel on a 3 metre wide one way access Rd, in both directions (illegal). A bike path will be constructed sometime but we don't know when.
3. This road is a major commuter route identified in the Cairns Bikeway Strategy therefore bicycle lanes are required.
It is at the planning stage that it is most cost effective to the community to provide for all modes of transport. Cost cutting by making roads too narrow and not including bicycle lanes is false economy. Our engineer stated that he must spend public money responsibly (for whom?). All modes of transport must be provided for NOT JUST THE MOTORIST. Bicycle transport requires on-road provision for commuter and fast cyclists. Off-road provision is required by children, pedestrians, perambulators, dogs, wheel chairs, slow cyclists. The Cairns Bikeway Strategy states that off-road provision is not to be used as a device for REMOVING CYCLISTS FROM THE STREET NETWORK.
26th March 1998
CBUG - AGM:19 people attended our AGM at the curtesy of the Edge Hill Bowls Club and we thank the Manager, Max, very much.
1. Blackspot funding will provide road shoulders at Cairns North and the Capt Cook Hwy to the Barron River Bridge.
2. Cairns Bikeway Strategy; Footbridges and paths from Springfield Cres to Brinsmead Shopping Plaza and other works.
3. Main Roads; Meetings to inspect maps for bicycle facilities on new road constructions at Edmonton, Brinsmead-Kamerunga Rd and Redlynch bypass.
4. "Recycle the Roads". our action group has been helpful with a deputation to Council in August 1997.
5. Cyclists' Road/Path Reports have seen more action taken by Main Roads and Council. New ramp to foot bridge at Dillon St; Median crossing with hand rails, James St; Bicycle Detector Loops, McCoombe St/Givens st/Kingsford St. Cut out in median at crossing for wheel chair access, Moody St. Bike lanes in Florence St.
6. CBUG has made submissions to; Parliamentary Travelsafe Committee; AUSTROADS review; HEMA Map, bike paths; State Cycle Committee, application for representation has been successfull.
7. CBUG Web Page is our official Newsletter.
Comment:The most poignant statement to come out of the meeting was:- "THE LARGER LOOKS AFTER THE SMALLER". This is an attitude, we were told, that is adopted by the Japanese people. We could well do to adopt this policy when planning for all people on our roads. The smaller and slower users such as pedestrians and cyclists should be protected by larger users such as drivers of cars, trucks and buses. It is a sad reflection on our society when roads are seen to be too dangerous for cycling because many people (drivers) are not responsible towards "smaller" travellers.
28th February 1998
"THE SECOND CAIRNS GRAND BICYCLE RALLY" is on again this year. The date is Saturday, 9th May 1998, at 9 am. The start and finish will be at Brindsmead Shopping Plaza, Pease St, Edge Hill.
So start pumping up your tyres and better still start getting all pumped up for a grand celebration. We are hoping that the Brindsmead bridges and paths will be finished in time for the Rally. Follow the progress of these works, Click here:- Brinsmead bridges and paths
THE FIRST CAIRNS GRAND BICYCLE RALLY - 5TH APRIL 1997
Brinsmead Shopping Plaza
CBUG President, Jim McKie and Councillor Deirdre Ford lead the way. 131 riders turned out for our first rally. Riders from sporting clubs, commuters, children and grandmothers, all enjoyed this grand celebration of non-motorised wheeled transport. How many do you think will turn out this year??????????????
16th February 1998
STATE BICYCLE COMMITTEE: The inaugural meeting of the State Bicycle Committe was held in Brisbane on 17th December 1998. This committee is facilitated by Main Roads and Queensland Transport. CBUG has received the minutes of this meeting. The subject of REGIONAL REPRESENTATION is an issue that concerns Cairns. CBUG will be making a submission to the next meeting which will be held on 11th March 1998.
30th January 1998
CRITICAL MASS bicycle rides are held on the last friday of every month, 5pm, Fogerty Fountain Park, Cairns.