On yer bike...

On yer bike, SA MP urges
February 21, 2007 02:30pm
Article from: Advertiser
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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 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.

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?

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.

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.