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
Monday, December 17, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Spring Fling 07
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.
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.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Regular cyclists wanted
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.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Challenge Tour - TEAM SARDISTIC
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.
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.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Ride2Work success
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.
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!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Bike Friday - August
Meet at gate 5 (top of Claremont Ave) at midday for a lunch time ride.
Bring a packed lunch.
Bring a packed lunch.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Darwin2Adelaide for the fun of it
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.
Keep tabs on his journey using the Darwin2Adelaide link.
You can also make a donation to this very worthy cause.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Parking fees coming to Waite
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.
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.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Bike Friday this week
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.
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
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.
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.
Monday, April 23, 2007
April Bike Friday morning tea
Liz is bringing some cake to Lirra Lirra, so get there promptly at 10:45 to make sure you get a piece.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Safety promo
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Cornish bike racks
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.
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
Bike Friday is on the 29th.
Join us for breakfast at the Highgate coffee shop on Fullarton Rd at 8am.
Join us for breakfast at the Highgate coffee shop on Fullarton Rd at 8am.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
On yer bike...
On yer bike, SA MP urges
February 21, 2007 02:30pm
Article from: Advertiser
Font size: + -
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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 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."
Sunday, February 18, 2007
February Bike Friday
Meet outside the Taylor building at midday for a lunch time ride to Brownhill Creek. BYO food and drink. Ride leader to be announced.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Car pooling
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?
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
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.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Volunteers wanted - Mitcham
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.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Coast to Coast - possible team entry
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
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
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
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
Monday, January 29, 2007
Happy 2007
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!
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!
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