Pedal Update

Issue 124, April - May 1998

Next year is BISA's 25th birthday and we're looking for ways to celebrate. Please contact Margaret Day with your ideas and suggestions.

Cycling Black Spots

BISA has made 7 nominations for federal government Black Spot funding. Black Spot funding is made available for reducing accident costs on specific areas of road. The criteria for selecting areas to receive Black Spot funding is based on the number of deaths or injuries in a location and on economic return when the cost of roadworks is compared with the potential saving on injury costs.

BISA nominations reflect areas where cyclists have been injured between 1992-1996. Statistics from metropolitan and country areas were considered. Projects to be funded during the 1998/99 financial year should be announced shortly.

Alex Sims

1998 AGM 1998 AGM 1998 AGM 1998 AGM 1998 AGM 1998 AGM 1998 AGM

Thursday 23 April, 1997
Federal Box Factory Community Centre
59 Regent Street South, Adelaide
Starting at 7.00pm.

Trish Worth MP, member for Adelaide, will be the guest speaker representing Senator the Hon Robert Hill, federal minister for the environment.

Examples of ways to cycle with children will be on display.

And there will be cake! Please bring a mug for tea or coffee.

Agenda

Welcome and opening
Apologies

Minutes of the AGM held on 8 May 1997
President's Report

Treasurer's Report
Election of Officers
Appointment of Auditor

Other Business

Trish Worth MP - Guest Speaker

BISA Office Holder - Nomination Form

I _________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
(member's name and address)

being a current financial member of the Bicycle Institute of South Australia Inc. nominate

__________________ for the position of ________________
(candidate's name)  (position)
for the election at the BISA 1998 Annual General Meeting.


I accept this nomination _______________________________
(candidate's signature)

Completed nomination forms should reach the Secretary by Thursday 16 April 1998.
Post to BISA, GPO Box 792 Adelaide or Fax 8346 7534

Statement of receipts and payments for the year ending 28 February 1998

(Unaudited)
Receipts
membership fees 16459.00
maps/books/shirts/posters 1976.50
sponsorship 1350.00
donation 143.00
refund - ride to work day 122.60
BikeSouth 6549.60
library sponsors 357.00
interest 1413.06
Total Receipts
$28370.76
Less Payments
post/phone1514.82
copying/printing3766.45
BFA/Australian Cyclist magazine6183.00
insurance/rent1410.00
stationery594.55
maps/books/shirts2160.90
DoT contracts/ANBI3034.61
campaign sponsorship/donations1333.00
library books374.15
sundries1242.01
bank fees70.67
Total Payments
$21684.16
O/s cheque $87.00 ARRB Books
Surplus for the Year
$6599.60
Represented by:
Deposit accounts CPS Credit Union
S1 Access Savings Account $3354.28
S15 Special Purpose Account $31179.70
34533.98
Sundries:
Ride to Work Day 750.00
AGM expenses 41.00
VEH Expenses 107.16
hardware 343.85
1242.01

Sharing the Road for safer cycling

Safer cycling and wider public recognition of cyclists as legitimate road users are prime goals of a new cycling safety campaign launched in early February by Minister for Transport and Urban Planning, Diana Laidlaw. Share the Road is a long term campaign developed by BikeSouth to actively raise community awareness of cycle safety related issues among all road users with a particular focus on motorists and cyclists.

BikeSouth Manager Terry Ryan said Share the Road is a major milestone in the Government's Cycling Strategy which has a goal of doubling bicycle use in South Australia.

Among the key elements of the Strategy is the need to increase cycling safety as a means of encouraging potential new cyclists and to increase the frequency of participation by current cyclists.

"Although cycling is healthy, economical and environmentally friendly way to get around, research suggests that some non-cyclists are discouraged by their perceptions of safety," Terry said.

The campaign promotes the view that SA's roads and footpaths are for everyone whether they drive, ride or walk. In particular the campaign encourages motorists and cyclists to understand what they must do to make the streets safer for all road users.

Already Share the Road has sparked a lively debate in the community with Letters to the Editor running hot on a range of car and cycle issues from registration fees to the rights of cyclists. Terry Ryan believes this is a healthy sign that Share the Road is being seen and heard in the community.

"This campaign highlights the fact that we must share the space on our roads and the cycling community is encouraged to join the debate through Letters to the Editor and calls to talk-back radio. "The whole community pays for roads, they aren't the exclusive preserve of any single group. Cyclists have a right to use the roads and to be treated with respect by other road users ... and vice versa."

The initial phase of Share the Road has combined television advertising with promotional activities to create awareness of the campaign and appropriate, safe behaviour for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. In addition to news media coverage of the campaign launch, a 30 second TV commercial has been screened extensively, the Share the Road leaflet has been delivered into 360,000 SA homes through the Sunday Mail and a radio promotion on MMM has been used to reach a younger, male audience.

Over the next two years the campaign will highlight specific issues with the aim of bringing about changes in cyclist and motorist behaviour. For motorists these will include the need to understand that they cannot drive or park in bike lanes and that they should give cyclists at least one metre safe clearance when overtaking. For cyclists important messages will include the need to obey the road rules and to carry proper lights when riding at night.

Share the Road also has a major role in raising the profile of cycling as legitimate transport. The campaign is, therefore, an important step in the effort to nurture a growing cycling culture which recognises the health, environmental and economic benefits of a cycling-to the South Australian community.

Chris Booth
Michels Warren

The proof is not in you

Since Oct/Nov 1996 when Pedal Update published a few words about remembering not to admit liability immediately upon being skittled by a car, some truthful members of BISA have been unable to prove their innocence of liability, all for want of a witness.

If a case gets as far as court, the court wants evidence that corroborates the cyclist's story. This is so for the big personal injury claims. It is so for the little property damage claims. Corroborative evidence of personal injury or property damage can be gathered by cyclists, from doctors or photographs and other sources, but for liability, in all but exceptional cases, a back-up story of who was right or wrong on the road, must be got from someone else who saw it happen.

Bystanders who bear an expression of interest and/or sympathy, should be identified for future contact, especially the ones who offer their version of the facts. This means catching them before they disappear, for that is the way of many an eye witness. The direct question is the best method, that is to say, "I need a witness. Please will you be my witness? What is your name? How can I get in touch with you? I'm not thinking very well, can you write it down for me?" Try to gather as many as you can, because there will always be the one who will not or cannot do it on the day, through changing address, or severe nervousness, or the influence of a loved one.

You might have with you at the time of the accident, a lover or friend in tandem, or alongside. Courts can reject the evidence of people close to us. An independent witness on the matter of fault, will still be necessary. You might hope to settle out of court. That also works only if the full set of tools for the court hearing, are communicated as being available to be laid before the opposition. Not only the courts, but also the opposing driver or insurance company, want that independent proof of fault. Next time you're knocked off your bike, just remember:-

Do not admit liability.

Collect the details of someone else who can help you to prove liability.

Margaret Minney
Co-ordinator, BISA Free Legal Advice

40km/h precinct speed limits

The traffic control standard for 40km/h precinct speed limits was launched a year ago by the Mister to allow for the introduction of a 40km/h limit in refined residential areas, provided certain traffic criteria are met.

BUGS might want to support the introduction of 40km/h precinct in their area. For a copy of the standard contact Hans Penning on 8261 5222.

Hans Penning

Roundabouts and other devices - your chance to have a say

A large part of the Code of Practice for the installation of Traffic Control Devices in South Australia 1996 is devoted to the design and installation of devices including humps, slowpoints (or chicanes) roundabouts and so on, intended to reduce speeds and volumes of traffic in residential streets.

The desire to slow traffic represents the hate component of the love-hate relationship society has with the motor car. People do not want (other people's) cars speeding past their front door.

It is therefore not surprising that the Code is based on the motor car. Other modes such as public transport, pedestrians and cyclists come off second best.

Cycling is mentioned but where cyclist access through certain devices is difficult or impossible the Code is silent. Following a meeting between BISA members and officers of the Department of Transport over a year ago BISA has prepared a draft critique of the Code. This has the aim of ensuring cyclist access through or past each device and, where this is not possible, the selection of another device.

The promotion of 40km speed limits means that we must ensure that speed control devices intended for cars are cyclist friendly.

If you would like to have a copy of the draft (and to comment on it) please ring Hans Penning on 8261 5222

Hans Penning

BISA Library - New Books

Many thanks to Kim Read at BC Tonkin & Associates, to Charles Sheffield at Kinhill Engineering and to Melissa Mellen at Murray Young & Associates for their generous donations to help with purchases of valuable research material for the BISA library.

New reference books include Road Transport and Health: Proceedings of the 10th International Velo City Conference, Sign Up For the Bike: Cycling in the City: Bicycle Parking in The Netherlands, Australia at the Crossroads: Liveable Neighbourhoods: Transport and Health. And a video on Cycle Planning in Rural Areas of Australia, shown at Velo City 97 Barcelona.

Transport and Health: Assessing the Impact, was launched on 24 February in Adelaide at the National Health Promotion Conference by Professor Donald Nutbeam. Prepared as a collaborative project, Beverley Clarke, a BISA member and pedal deliverer, was the Principal Author. Congratulations on an excellent production.

Margaret Day

Revision of BikeDirect Maps

BikeDirect maps are being revised for a possible reprint later this year.

Please send your comments and corrections to the maps to
The Manager
BikeSouth
PO Box 1
Walkerville SA 5081

BFA CONFERENCE & ANNUAL MEETING

Canberra was the location for the BFA Annual General Meeting early in March, hosted by Pedal Power ACT.

One of the benefits of meeting in Canberra was that several delegates had the opportunity to meet with key decision makers on the day prior to the National Conference.

Senator Kate Lundy was the first to address the annual meeting, willingly answering questions relating to political processes and how our advocacy might be most effective.

President Harry Owen gave his report and Ian Roberts spoke of his role as Secretary. These two have worked well and cooperated effectively to prepare many submissions throughout the year.

Reports were presented from all affiliate groups indicating an active and diverse range of work during the past year. Graham Bradshaw from the Retail Cycle Traders Association also had a chance to speak. Others from Canberra, Qld, Vic and NSW attended the meeting as observers.

Election of officers: President Harry Owen, Vice Presidents Bruce Robinson and Annemarie Driver, Secretary Bronwyn Laing, Treasurer Margaret Day. Steve Jay and Michael Yeates were elected to the committee

Ian Roberts was thanked for his three years as Secretary, a position which he lifted to a high level of professionalism with sheer hard work. This included representing the BFA at National Bicycle Council meetings regularly where BFA has observer status but no voting rights and no funding for travel. BFA's voluntary contribution to NBC has included the preparation of the Australian National Bicycle Information (ANBI) database, done by Ian and Rod Munro of BISA. The continuation of ANBI is now in jeopardy as there are no funds available to maintain this important work. It was noted that Terry Ryan from BikeSouth is trying to resolve this matter. Most other representatives of NBC seem to be unwilling or unable to contribute funds to benefit cycling nationally in spite of significant budgets in some states.

BISA's proposal to double capitation fees to support the campaign work of the BFA was overwhelmingly supported, to take effect immediately. Time and attention was paid to key developments, achieved and yet to be achieved. The urgent need for the implementation of a National Bicycle Strategic Plan was a focus of discussion. There was considerable interest in the preparation of VeloOZity conference to be held in Adelaide next February.

It was with regret that the resignation of Neil Irvine, as editor of Australian CYCLIST magazine, was accepted. This is to take effect within a few months. Neil's contribution to the success of the magazine was acknowledged with sincere appreciation, along with the voluntary contribution of his wife, Alethea. The magazine committee is dealing with the imminent task of appointing a successor. Graeme Lothringer continues as financial manager of the magazine.

The annual meeting concluded with a high degree of enthusiasm and goodwill among the delegates, determined to work even more effectively on a national approach to cycling. Special thanks were voted to the host group for their hospitality and meeting organisation.

The next BFA AGM will be held in Adelaide immediately after VelOZity when BISA will host the gathering.

Margaret Day

Bicycles - a revolution in health

'Creative approaches to health promotion' was the theme for the tenth national health promotion conference held in Adelaide from the 22nd to the 25th February.

With a theme such as this came an ideal opportunity to present a paper on the cycling for health. The correlation between sedentary lifestyle and transport continues to be overlooked by health departments across Australia and cycling for transport is often not considered by health professionals as an option for regular, moderate physical activity.

Opening speaker Robyn Archer spoke of the important role art has in health promotion and the need to be challenging community ideals and values in order to go forward.

Healthy transport is one area where all those involved in bicycle advocacy, not only health professionals can be challenging the current mode of thinking in relation to bicycle use. Challenging popular opinion can in itself be health promoting and conferences like this provide an opportunity for a valuable exchange of ideas.

The stream 'Healthy Transport' included Lindsay Holmes and Penny Crocker presenting Health Cycles - the bicycle strategy for SA which outlined the strategy that SA has for increasing cycling, followed by the paper titled Burning Fat not Oil from Dr Harry Owen. As always, Harry Owen provided the audience with a stimulating and thought provoking view of why health professionals should be encouraging cycling instead of driving.

My paper Bicycles - a revolution in health briefly outlined the health promotion activities occurring in Wallerawang, Portland and Lithgow NSW. This was complemented by Rosalie Day's paper on research of attitudes to walking and cycling in Adelaide hospitals: Why aren't our hospitals promoting healthy transport? Rosalie's paper also included a bicycle rail project funded by Bike South for the CBD of Adelaide. The rails that have been designed and installed are an excellent example of creativity and innovation in design.

All four papers complemented one another, each presenting a different aspect of healthy transport and at the same time reinforcing the message of cycling instead of driving for a healthier community, an innovative approach to increasing physical activity levels.

Fifteen participants joined in the breakfast cycle held on the Wednesday morning and organised by Rosalie Day.

The response to healthy transport during this conference was overwhelmingly positive and as a result I have made contact with other health workers in NSW who are keen to promote healthy transport within their workplaces as well as initiate bicycle programs as part of Division of General Practice physical activity programs.

During the conference I was able to provide participants with an array of health leaflets, pedal prescription resources, evaluations of my health promotion programs and information about VeloHealth (the national bicycle advocacy group for health professionals).

I acknowledge BISA and Bicycle NSW's generous financial assistance that enabled me to attend this conference. It is of enormous benefit to have support from State cycling organisations in order to promote the health aspects of cycling for transport and I look forward to continuing my work of promoting increased bicycle use.

For more information about health promotion strategies or VeloHealth please me on bicycle@lisp.com.au or phone: (02) 6355 1570, fax: (02) 6355 7524

Bronwyn Laing

... now for something completely different ...

Have you ever wondered how to advance the cause of cycling?

You can do it by promoting a cycling culture and lifestyle. Here are a few of my methods which not only have a serious aspect, but also generate a good deal of humor amongst family and work colleagues.

Graham Brown

Bike to the Beach Sunday April 26

The Henley and Grange Residents Association and groups opposing the development of the West Beach Boat Harbour have organised a bike to the beach rally followed by a fundraising concert.

Contact: Rob Scot, 136 Unley Road, Unley

Deadline for the next Pedal Update issue is 15 May.

Submissions should be sent before the deadline to: Ruth Sims phone 8367 0018 preferably by E-mail sims@camtech.net.au or as text files on 3.5" IBM discs.
Faxes may be sent to 8230 7081 written copy should be sent to Ruth at BISA, GPO Box 792 Adelaide 5000