Finally completed one overdue blog task, please refer to the Cycling Blogs of Renown page in this blogs right hand column.
If you can’t see your inspirational scribblings linked on that page, then drop moi a line and a suitable errata will be made. At some point, probably into the far off future, Non-Cycling Blogs of Renown will be overhauled and a couple of RWDB’s will be added next to the Chattering Classes just for jollies. Ok, ok, only kidding about linking RWDB blogs, only a bad jape …
Yes I’ve finally got me head around using basic html tables.
It’s a bad sign, as I’m even starting to dream about editing css files in my sleep.
If all plans are realized and if all top managers from the industry agree with the planned strategy, then the ‘Global Alliance for EcoMobility’ will be founded. This alliance in which the international bike sector can play a big role, is to partner with organizations like the United Nations or the World Health Organization. But that’s not all that’s happening right now on cycling advocacy.
With the start of the Velo City Conference next week in Munich, also the European associations for the bike sector: COLIBI/COLIPED and ETRA announced their ‘Position Papers’ on a European policy for urban transport.
The association for European bike en parts makers, COLIBI and COLIPED, presented to European Transport Commissioner Barrot a Position Paper in which the necessity to fully integrate the bicycle in European transport and other policies is emphasised. One of the recommendations made by COLIBI/COLIPED is to appoint a European Bicycle Officer.
“By appointing such an Officer, the EC would confirm to policy makers on all levels, civil society and the public at large their true believe in the potential of the bicycle as a sustainable, proper and individual means of transport,” claims COLIBI/COLIPED.
The European association for Two-Wheeler Retailers (ETRA) believes that: “Cycling needs to be fully integrated in the urban transport policy. The EU should become the motor that drives the member states to develop and implement a national cycling plan. For all those purposes, we believe it is of paramount importance to set up, at European level, a cycling office that monitors EU policies and drives and assists member states.”
Needless to mention initiatives like this should be taken note of - do we need to be reminded that there’s a Australian Federal Election in 2007?
The “Critical Mass” (CM) bicycle procession held in Budapest during yesterday’s Earth Day celebrations drew upwards of 50,000 participants, which organizers say made it the largest such event in the world, writes origo.hu.
And most of those 50, 000 cyclists took part in Budapest’s bloody huge mass bike lift. A slightly different flavour to the usual CMass franchises, but equal parts jaw-dropping and inspirational! More jaw-dropping videos on YouTube.
The administrative structure reflects this. After the last election, the transport portfolio was split into separate portfolios, with roads given to a strong minister, Tim Pallas, who was formerly Bracks’ chief of staff, and public transport to a weak minister, Lynne Kosky.
Pallas showed his contempt for non-car users and the Melbourne City Council when, within 24 hours of the public announcement, he vetoed a well-thought-out plan by the council to introduce dedicated lanes for bicycles along St Kilda Road. His decision ignores research that shows that both modes of transport benefit from being separated.
Pallas probably doesn’t ride a bike. Or maybe he does now, since Jon Faine strongly suggested he do so during a recent interview on ABC 774.
Bicycle usage is inhibited by cyclists’ justifiable fear of being struck by a speeding car or colliding with opening doors of stationary cars.
Each bicycle carries as many commuters as the overwhelming proportion of cars that enter and exit the city each day. The decision is not even good politics, as increased road space devoted to bicycles will reduce congestion in the central business district, and postpone the need for congestion taxes, as bicycles have outsold cars in the past seven years.
Bracks rides a bike but needs a bigger frame or more suitable fitting. From memory Thwaites and Batchelor ride clunkers, but at least that’s a start. On the subject of mode separation I’m not entirely convinced that either strictly aligning discussions, or indeed, bicycle advocates, into pro or anti separate facilities camps really assists in trying to get utility cycling gently accepted in the public consciousness.
Taking sides sounds too much like toeing the (political) party line, and that’s something I really don’t have the time of day for. Any decisions regarding planning for transport infrastructure should be taken on a pragmatic needs basis, taking into consideration road architecture, existing conditions and shared user requirments. In short, the slightly fluffy term Sustainable Transport would be better served by referring to more accurately as Integrated Transport. That’s probably the subject of a lengthly discourse if anyone is suitably interested. I need a coffee.
Finally completed one overdue blog task, please refer to the Cycling Blogs of Renown page in this blogs right hand column.
From Bike Europe: 
The European association for Two-Wheeler Retailers (ETRA) believes that: “Cycling needs to be fully integrated in the urban transport policy. The EU should become the motor that drives the member states to develop and implement a national cycling plan. For all those purposes, we believe it is of paramount importance to set up, at European level, a cycling office that monitors EU policies and drives and assists member states.”
From The Age: 
