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Now you know what a bike bus is, if you live in Sydney you can join one, check out the details at http://www.bikebus.org.au/I don’t know of any operating in Adelaide, though with the smaller volume of traffic, and generally better conditions for cyclists there may be less demand, though I expect that it’s only a matter of time before they get going here.
Via Pedaller.
Update: Not a bike bus, but there is something happening in Adelaide that’s worth mentioning, a Bicycle Users Group (BUG) is being established for the Western Suburbs, read about it at the What’s On in Adelaide blog. Not my area, but there has also recently been established a BUG for people like myself who work in the North Terrace precinct (ie the Universities, RAH etc). You can sign up to the mailing list here if that sounds like you.
I’d hope that BUGs could extend to all around Adelaide.
FYI, here is my letter to Bicycle SA which I have yet to receive a reply to. I would think it’s up to groups such as Bicycle SA to consider initiatives and lobby for them, otherwise who else to write to? Apologies for its longwindedness:
Hi Bicycle SA,
As a keen suburban cyclist and Bicycle SA member I thought I’d write to you with some initiatives which I believe are worth lobbying for.
Linear Park (and other shared cycle paths)
– Lighting on Linear Park, particularly on the north side of the river in the Adelaide City Council and the south side of the river in the Norwood, Payneham and St. Peters Council area.
– It is extremely dark and therefore dangerous in these stretches after the sun goes down. The lighting in Port Adelaide-Enfield council area and Walkerville council area (unfortunately plagued with stairs), both on the north side of the river, are excellent examples of good lighting on the track.
– Usage signs printed on the track such as: “Keep Left / Cyclists Ring Bell”.
– This will hopefully avoid confusion between users of these shared paths making it clear to pedestrians and cyclists what their obligations are. A similar system exists in Brisbane to great advantage to both groups.
– A mapping system, also printed on the track, that makes it apparent for cyclists to know which path to follow and which bridges to cross as they cycle from Athelstone to Henley Beach without getting lost or having to carry bikes up stairs on the way.
– Plenty of frustration exists for leisure cyclists who get lost along the way. This can in turn discourage them from getting on the saddle again as their attempts to reach a destination fail.
Adelaide End-of-journey facilities
– Adelaide needs some quality End-of-Journey bicycle facilities in urban centres such as in Rundle Mall where one may lock up their bike, get changed, and hire lockers in a similar way people can drive into the city and leave their car there. Shower facilities could also be considered. These should get some level of subsidy from local, state and federal governments and sponsorship could also contribute to the costs to achieve an affordable alternative and green alternative to driving into the city.
I know you have some lobbying power which you have exercised well in the past (and present) so I thought I’d run these ideas past yourselves in the aim to get more people riding more often. I don’t know what the best way of achieving these objectives short of writing to various councils and MPs however a more united approach is going to achieve the best synergy from all major stakeholders.
Good suggestions The Don. I particularly like the idea of some maps and signage to help where the path splits. As you know I’ve gotten lost on the way to your place a few times (though admittedly I wasn’t following the river on all of those occasions).