The Cycling Promotion Fund is an Australian bicycle industry supported advocacy group that reaches out to the general public as well as political decision makers. They have recreated a 1991 photo taken in Münster, Germany which was used to promote alternative transport.

“As Australia’s population swells and our cities experience ever increasing congestion we need to get smarter about how we use existing road space” comments Mr Hodges “including investing more in alternatives such as public transport and cycling—if we are to move people more efficiently and effectively.”

The photographs are available for free to help promote the message of more efficient transport.

“Eight out of ten Australian adults still use a private motor vehicle to travel to work or full-time study, just 14% take public transport, 4% walk and a mere 2% cycle, with 30% of these trips in the cities under 3km” Mr Hodge said.

Australian Motorised Mentality
This week, a Sydney local newspaper reported Greenwich Public School digs in over bikes. A donation to fund bicycle racks at this North Shore public school was knocked back with the school responding “…the topography around the school is also very steep and generally not suitable for cycling, especially for young children.”

While safe cycling is important, existing infrastructure often doesn’t accommodate for cycling and the attractive short term option of forgoing cycling results in a long term disadvantage. More cyclists mean less cars and congestion, particularly when safe cycling routes are developed and motorised traffic is split from pedal powered traffic. The long term benefits of cycling also include a lower environmental impact and a healthier more active society.

Car drivers and Cyclists Head to Head
One of the biggest issues facing cyclists is that some car drivers feel impeded by cyclists on public roads. Even when the overwhelming majority of cyclists as well as car drivers (etc) obey the law, often drivers who feel obstructed will argue the rights cyclists. This is also reflected in government policy from the lack of spending on cycling infrastructure to (sometimes) half-hearted attempts at building infrastructure ignoring cyclists.

Though cyclists whether commuting, recreational or sporting only make up a small percentage of road users, creating facilities such as better cycleways or cycling lines not only affirm the legal rights of cyclists, but also draw more cyclists away from busy routes and onto cycle lanes and cycleways – a coexistence that both cyclists and motorists would welcome.
The Cycling Promotion Fund photo can be downloaded and used for free by organisations, groups and individuals for the promotion of cycling. More details on this photo are on the CPF website.

Asia-Pacific-Cycle Congress : 10-13 March 2013
This Gold Coast (Queensland) event is in its second year and positions itself with a slightly more global approach. Backed by the Queensland government it brings an underlying aim of increasing cycling participation and growth in the cycling culture. Guest speakers, presentations, think thanks and panel debates will be used to explore key themes:
• cycle planning, safety and innovation
• education, health and behaviour change
• community, industry and tourism

The organisers are currently seeking abstracts for inclusion into the program.
Further details: www.cyclecongress.com

Bike Futures 2012 : 18 – 19 October 2012
In its forth year, Bike Futures is presented by Bicycle Network*. The event is promoted as “Australia’s leading bike conference for national and local leaders, planners, architects, urban designers and builders who use bike transport and recreation to advance their communities.”

The themes are similar with overall approach recognising growth in cycling and looking at the transport and planning response that is now required. A featured guest speaker in 2012 is Johan Diepens from the Dutch transport and mobility consultancy Mobycon. Workshop themes for the conference  include: new and innovative bicycle treatments, bicycles and public transport, motor vehicle speeds in neighbourhoods, cycling and liveability, bike planning, shared paths and shared spaces, cycle tourism and bike separation.
Details and registration: www.bikefutures.com.au

*Bicycle Network is not to be confused with Bicycles Network Australia who have been around longer under this name.

Mikael Colville-Andersen is known as Denmark’s Bicycle Ambassador and lectures around the world.

“If you give your citizens the opportunity to ride, by providing separated bike lanes and facilities, they will ride,” he said on his cycling blog. He uses Copenhagen, renowned for being the world’s most bicycle friendly city as his case study. “If you help present cycling as easy and fast and accessible, branding it as an acceptable form of transport, they will ride. Less focus on safety – people aren’t stupid – more focus on the benefits of cycling – personal and societal – and you are planting the seeds of bicycle culture.”
Following Mr Colville-Andersen’s presentation, the Melbourne Cycling

Forum will take place featuring expert commentators who will explore the possibilities for redefining our cycling landscape with a focus on city cycling – to and from work – presenting it as a viable and sustainable mode of transport.

The speech will be held on Saturday 24 July and is part of the Design for Everyone state festival in Victoria. Tickets cost $22 and can be booked online: www.stateofdesign.com.au/tickets