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No. 203 JULY/AUGUST 2011 ISSN 13211870 www.bisa.asn.au

PEDAL UPDATE

Ever tried cyclo-cross (CX)?

Read Angus Kingston’s story on page 10

Photo: MARK MATTHEW

The Bicycle Institute aims to promote cycling for transport, fitness and

recreation in SA and to represent all cyclists at the local, state and national

levels by working collaboratively with other interest groups and governments.

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from the chair JEREMY MILLER

As this Chair’s Report comes together, it

is the season of the Tour de France.

Watching a documentary about the

formation of the Slipstream Garmin

team, I recall one of the riders saying

that you cannot call yourself a true

cyclist until you’ve broken your

collarbone at least once. So I guess as I

dictate this report, my arm in a sling, my

body full of painkillers, I might finally call

myself “a real cyclist”, having on the

weekend indeed broken mine.

That aside, there is much going on for

The Bicycle Institute currently. At our

AGM just past, we were excited to hear

the vision of Integrated Design

Commissioner Mr Tim Horton talk about

his role and the impact that cycling will

have in the future form, patterns and

design of our city.

The Bicycle Institute also made some

important decisions about the way we

can restructure our membership in order

to provide a more consistent income

stream. We also made decisions

concerning our ongoing policy position,

rebranding, a new logo and website look

and feel. We also examined which

cycling publication we distribute to

members, considering magazines that

more appropriately reflect the goals and

objectives of the organization.

This investigation is mainly in response

to whether the current Australian Cyclist

magazine fulfils this. BISA as an

organization is continuing to work closely

and collaboratively within a cycling

policy framework that interfaces with

local and state government planning,

transport and design agencies. We are

increasingly positioning ourselves as a

stakeholder organization of cycling

“experts” capable of providing real world

cycling advice and feedback.

Our AGM also saw Sam Powrie, who has

been a long time supporter of The

Bicycle Institute through roles as

Chairperson, committee member (and

shadow committee member!), and Pedal

Update Editor, step down from this last

role which he has served for the past few

years. Sam will continue to be in the role

of “Editor-at-large”, with the Editor’s

role now being filled by Nicole Dowling.

The previous copy of Pedal Update was

Nicole’s first edition.

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changes to pedal update and

magazine subscription

Over the past year or so the committee has been

discussing the pros and cons of changing the

magazine we offer to our membership. During this

time a new cycling magazine was launched called

Treadlie. So after much debate we decided …

lets give it a go!

This magazine is a quarterly magazine which means

our newsletter Pedal Update will now also be every 3 months. We hope that by

doing this we will offer a better quality newsletter. We envisage Pedal Update will

become more story based, but continue to be a format to communicate to our

members on our latest advocacy work. We are always looking for content and

would love to get more contribution from you all!

As some of you do not currently receive Australian Cyclist, would you now like this

new magazine, or alternatively do not want to receive it. And over the coming

months we would appreciate feedback on these changes. Do you like the magazine?

Do you think the Bicycle Institute should continue supporting it?

Please contact me editor@bisa.asn.au Nicole Dowling (PU editor)

The previous Committee were re-

elected, but joining us are Katie Gilfillan

as Vice-Chair, and Brian Jenkins as an

ordinary committee member. The

Bicycle Institute thanks Katie and Brian

and looks forward to their input over the

coming year.

The AGM was held at the Plympton

Community Centre where the newly

established (and by the time you read

this, now open!) Community Bicycle

Workshop has a home. Thank you to the

Department of Premier and Cabinet,

Conservation SA, and the City of West

Torrens for supporting this initiative. We

look forward to members getting behind

the Workshop and making it a big

success.

Right now I am starting to think of

summer and cycling away some of these

winter injuries. Hope you enjoy this

edition.

Happy cycling,

Jeremy Miller Chairperson

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The integrated design commission and Adelaide City Council have announced a

new strategy called 5000+ intended to give communities a platform to have a voice

about the future of inner Adelaide . This project is a joint Council, State and Federal

Government project which is about city redesign and renewal and covers Adelaide

City plus the seven adjoining councils.

Tim Horton, the Integrated Design

Commissioner here in Adelaide, was our

keynote speaker at The Bicycle Institutes

Annual General Meeting in May. In his talk

he outlined the commissions’ role, current

projects the commission is working on, and

where bicycle use and integrated design fits

into all this. If you were unable to come to

the meeting the transcript and podcast of

Tim Horton’s speech is available at

bisa.asn.au, and here are some key quotes.

"I walk to work. On two or three occasions each week I find myself thinking, I really should

get bike. It's the success of people like you that has convinced my brain that I should go

and get a bike."

"5000+ is a project about city re-design and city renewal. It's a process of collaboration and

cooperation between the people who care about Adelaide's future, design and planning

professionals, cultural producers, state and local government, business and industry."

“Let's start to imagine a new city, in five, ten, and fifteen years. How can we then, by

having a design ambition that sits behind it, start to ask state agencies to pull in behind it

to make it happen?"

Interesting times, and certainly a project that The Bicycle Institute will be keen to

be involved in

www.integrateddesign.sa.gov.au

5000plus.net.au

5000+ how can we make adelaide a more livable city?

how can we make it a more vibrant city?

how can we make it an evergreener city ?

Jeremy Miller and Tim Horton at AGM

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picture adelaide Picture Adelaide is an opportunity to share your views about the City where

you live, shop, work and play. Adelaide City Council wants to know what

ideas you have, what you would like to see created, what you love and what

you would like to see improved for your City. Your feedback will be used to:

Prepare a Strategic Plan for the City for 2012 – 2016.

Build a Structure Plan under the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. The Structure

Plan will guide development of the City.

Develop an Integrated Movement Strategy so it will be easy to get around the city on

foot, by bike, by public transport and by car.

And inform the Integrated Design Strategy (5000+).

So come on all you bicycle riders, get involved and have your say!

www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/council/consultation/picture-adelaide.html

adelaide community

bicycle workshop The Adelaide Community Bicycle Workshop is now

set up! On our first day a dozen people showed up -

we changed a sprocket wheel, fixed broken spokes,

shortened a chain, mostly with parts salvaged from

other bikes. The workshop is at the Plympton

community centre, 34 Long Street, Plympton. But to get things under way we need some keen

people, to open up shop, and be available for time

slots for when the workshop starts opening

regularly. If you are interested in helping get things

going email Jeremy Miller - chair@bisa.asn.au or go

to http://adlbicycleworkshop.posterous.com/

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On July 4th The Advertiser reported Patrick Conlon’s (Minister for Transport) announcement of the opening of two new pedestrian crossings, one at the junction of Marion and Daws Rd and the other at Greenhill Rd, both being part of the new Southern (or ‘Merino Rocks’) Greenway.

This 15km route forms “a safe, direct, continuous and attractive cycling and walking route between Adelaide and Marino Rocks following the soon to be electrified

Noarlunga rail line. It will link the southern suburbs with dedicated paths, signalised arterial road crossings and suitably treated suburban streets.”(1)

For those unfamiliar with the Adelaide Greenway initiative, it’s a concept that has been consistently and actively promoted by the Bicycle Institute for several years. Indeed, starting with a ‘rider’s survey’ of the proposed City-Outer Harbour route in 2005, the Bicycle Institute and the Port Adelaide BUG simply revived a ‘Green Travel Corridor’ idea that had already been proposed for well over a decade.

So how might we benefit from Greenways? Adelaide’s existing Bike Direct Network (2), while extending over most of the city, consisting of a ‘recommended’ on-road network of arterial roads and local streets, based largely on an ‘integrated’ approach to bicycle planning and the capacity of bicycle users to ‘filter through’ the existing transport network in ways impossible for car drivers. Developed over a decade ago, the BikeDirect Network is arguably out-of-date and in need of review.

Many roads marked as ‘preferred bicycle routes’ are now far busier and carrying many more heavy commercial vehicles than they were 10-15 years ago. However what is more significant these days is the major change in community expectations regarding the ‘right to ride’ and what we expect of bicycle facilities! Whereas 15 years ago every-day bike riding was the domain of the enthusiast or experienced bike user, most of whom were content to depend on their wits and a modicum of common sense to get by, the situation in 2011 is very different. Daily bicycle use is now regarded more and more as a preferred personal transport option, especially for younger people and for those working in Adelaide’s city centre.

adelaide’s greenways a step closer SAM POWRIE

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With every TDU we are told that more now seek to use their bikes for daily transport, and inevitably not everyone feels comfortable (or indeed is able to) compete for road space with motor traffic! And that’s where the Greenway concept comes in.

While the BikeDirect Network would benefit from a major review and update, the Greenways will provide a framework of highly accessible and bike-friendly routes, connecting suburbs and localised bike networks across most of the city. Providing both a structural ‘backbone’ connecting local networks and enabling easy access across major roads and other similar barriers to safe ‘inter-suburban’ bicycle use. They will also allow access to a broader range of bicycle routes and allows for a much wider range of bicycle users.

While ‘filtering through’ local streets is a fine concept for local cycling (and for the European cities where the idea originates), when it comes to cycling any distance between suburbs or across the city, bicycle users in Adelaide have to contend with many major road crossings and intersections (where most bike lanes disappear), regularly negotiate ‘squeeze points’ where they are forced to occupy what are often single-width car lanes and ride amidst vehicles travelling at speeds that are lethal for vulnerable road users in the event of a collision!

When complete the Greenways system will go some way towards remedying this situation and will make day-to-day bicycle use far more attractive to the general public.

Building the Greenway Network will not solve the disappearing bike-lane issue, nor will it ensure that all sectors of the city receive appropriate consideration for ‘bike treatment’, (the entire Eastern side of Adelaide is very poorly served by the proposed Greenway Network, the only route currently identified being the Linear Park Bikeway following the Torrens Valley). And Adelaide still lacks the sort of detailed and prescriptive bike plan that all other Australian capital cities have benefited from for years!

Despite these shortcomings, I believe that it is important to get behind the Government’s current Greenway efforts (3). When finished, Adelaide Greenways will surely be a source of inspiration that will encourage further application of the concept. There is already discussion (for instance) of mapping a Greenway route up through the middle of Norwood and other possible routes extend to TTG and up to Blackwood. Seeing thousands of riders of all ages and capabilities putting the Greenways to daily use will enable the non-cycling public to really start to understand the potential for bicycle use as a mainstream and mature component of the city’s transport system!

REFERENCES:

1: www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/major_projects/greenways_project/marino_rocks 2: www.sa.gov.au/subject/Transport,+travel+and+motoring/Cycling/Cycling+maps 3: www.beecoswebengine.org/servlet/Web s=2060570&action =downloadResource&resourceID=174793596

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alice springs

to adelaide

the home stretch. The first half of the trip the toughest

challenges were created by Mother Nature. Riding in pouring

rain, road flooding, blasting headwinds and the bites from

mosquito plagues were a few of the challenges faced.

The second half of the trip

brought unforeseeable

events that changed the trip.

A tire blow out on my

unicycle caused a bad fall,

cracking my rib and smashing

my nose. Each day care was

taken to maintain the

injuries I had and ride in a

way that wouldn’t make

them worse. Ordering a new

custom 36” tire out in the

boonies was pretty tough.

There was no choice but to

patch up the shredded tire

and ride on it. 2 weeks later

the new one reached us.

SMAN

SMAN after the tire blow out

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With winter approaching,

days were turning to night

much faster, with just 10

hours of light a day. Fires

played a huge role in this

part of the trip. It was so cold

and having a toasty fire at

the end of a cold, windy day

was spirit lifting (and 2 mi-

nute noodle warming!)

Looking back at the tough

times and challenges faced,

I would still do the ride again

in a heartbeat. The scenery

and wildlife that changes day

by day is indescribably

beautiful. Seeing the little

lizards, frogs, emus,

wallabies, snakes and

kangaroos was magical.

Being amongst and camping

by this day by day is

something I will treasure for

the rest of my life.

Thank you everyone for the

support and love we

received on our

UniTramps.com blog. It was

heart warming.

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ANGUS KINGSTON

we're all newbies at something in cycling.

Maybe cycling wouldn't hold a life-long interest if there wasn't something new thrown at you now and again. For me it is racing.

I have never raced a bike before in my life. As a kid I used to sail dinghy's in a club. I didn't do that well at it. An occasional place under handicap and some fun but I never possessed that drive to win. So bike racing has never really crossed my radar. I also never considered myself good enough to race -- but this is a load of rubbish! I have excuses -- "I have a young family", but so do other great cyclists who race I've met recently who have been riding their bikes for less time that I have.

Today I gave it a go at the cyclo-cross (CX) event held by Port Adelaide Cycling Club and it was good fun. I didn't hold any great expectations except to bolster the numbers and enjoy the day. I did enjoy it and did better than I expected. I finished which was my first goal and I only hit the deck once which is especially good because I was riding my recently retired road bike with narrow slick road tyres, not the wider knobbly tyres specific to cycle cross - my only CX kit was my also recently retired shoes that are actually MTB/CX shoes.

Cyclo-cross racing has yet to really take off in Australia unlike Europe where there has been a healthy CX winter racing scene since the early mid to late 1970s. Its origins go back to the 1930-40s where road riders would take short-cuts across fields to stay in the race. Today it’s a way of keeping pro cyclists active during the long off season. Racing is conducted across a course of 3 - 4kms with a mixture of surfaces - path, dirt, grass and mud with some obstacles to navigate over usually by dismounting.

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I took it all pretty relaxed really. One test lap of the course, no warm ups, let the pressure out of my tyres a bit and we were off, and as I expected the field shot off ahead of me, but slowly I clawed my way back, passing a few to catch up and surprising myself to be on the wheel of a strong rider I knew, Robert Rau. I was even more pleased to pass him for a brief period of time.

The tour is lost on the descents and the CX race is lost on the turns. A wide, slow turn and a slow dismount and remount around an obstacle can cost you meters and this is where I would focus my training for next time.

My pacer (Robert) stayed ahead of me by 20 meters or so and then he ‘Schelcked’ -that is he dropped his chain in the muddy woods. The spectators and family members supporting us encouraged me to go but I couldn't do a ‘Contador’... so Rob got his chain back on I let him go, the sportsmanlike thing to do, but I made him work to get his margin back. I looked at his face which was dripping in sweat, my heart rate was doing its 90% of max as we belted down the asphalt path taking us to the 'spiral' in the track -- and as Rob exited to the final straight I was back to 20 seconds behind. In the end the final margin was just 4 seconds and I was happy just to finish after 34 minutes of constant riding where there is no chance of a break.

So lessons learnt, humble pie eaten. I will race again - maybe even on the road. It is fun, testing and pushing yourself is worth it and your kids see you as their greatest hero. Thanks PACC, Focus bikes and all the Adelaide Cyclists members who came out to race and show support.

It's been good reading other new cyclists storied about racing and I am glad this is my turn to write my story. The next CX and the City event is on Sunday July 31 at Victoria Park Racecourse.

See http://cx.pacc.org.au/ for full details and how to enter.

PHOTO: ROBERT RAU

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ANGUS KINGSTON

its all about the bike ROBERT PENN

What could be written about the bicycle that hasn’t been

written before? If you were like this author, who has more

bikes than socks, why not write about the adventure of

building ‘the perfect bike’ as a way of exploring the

history of the bicycle and getting a new bike out of it as

well. Not just any bike but the bike that is meant to last

him to the rest his riding days.

Penne writes in detail, and with great passion, about the

sizing of his frame by his chosen master frame builder and choice of material,

(Reynolds 953), handlebars (Cinelli) and drivetrain (Campagnolo) each with its own

machine gun history then over to the US where he seeks out wheel building guru

‘Gravy’ in Marin County, home of the mountain bike, to get the best wheels in the

world. The mountain bike does not escape acknowledgement with a history lesson

from the men who were there in the early days of the MTB such as Gary Fisher.

Gravy recommends Continental GP 4000 tyres so it’s off to Germany where Penn

gets to take his own ‘hand made’ tyres from the oven at the Conti factory. With all

the components in place the dream bike is assembled with the addition of a Brooks

B17 narrow saddle. Penn’s frame builder would accept nothing less, so Brooks

Saddles also has its deserved and long history told.

As cyclists we’ve all researched and bought a bicycle but rarely today in the global

marketplace do we have the opportunity to have a bespoke bicycle made and with

every component perfected suited to us the rider. We compromise and It’s All

About the Bike, that is not a heavy or overwritten, gives us the reader something to

ground us, inspire us and educate us.

book reviews

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pedaling revolution JEFF MAPES

If you really look at cycling success over recent

years you could be forgiven for saying Copenhagen

should take out the gold, but the US has been the

surprise dark horse success story. In Pedaling

Revolution Mapes examines the growing bike

culture that is changing the nature of some of the

US’s biggest cities. Mapes acknowledges the

attention that sporting heroes like Lance Armstrong

has brought to cycling but the main focus of his

book is on cycling as a form of transport.

Mapes, a resident of cycling utopia city of Portland, documents the story of how

cyclists created a political movement and how cities like Portland, Davis (California)

and NYC looked to Europe for answers and in his words ‘built it and they came’ with

the perspective of the 1970s oil shock and explosion of the mass media. A story I

liked is how in the late 1960s most kids would ride bikes to school - one study

showed 87% of those living within 5miles of school rode, in 2001 that was just 15%

(I suspect we wouldn’t even be that much!). But then stories, both fictional and

real, about kidnappers, serial killers and stranger danger spooked parents who be-

gan driving children to school leaving bikes unused. Today, when the call is made

that kids should ride to school, parent’s responses are that the roads are too dan-

gerous with too many cars on it (especially around schools).

But the book is not just Mapes point of view, its backed with some detailed facts

and figures and interviews with some major players in cycling advocacy. This is a

great perspective, and evidence of how advocacy can happen in the world’s most

car centric country.

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Angus Kingston –committee member

I am a relatively recent resident to Adelaide. I moved here

with my young family in 2007. As a regular commuter cyclist

in Sydney I found Adelaide cycling a dream. Soon I discovered

the rest of the jewels in the city's cycling crown - the hills,

beaches and wine regions.

In 2009 for a reason I still cannot really work out I started a

social networking website for cyclists in Adelaide --

www.adelaidecyclists.com and through that I have met some

wonderful like minded people including the membership of The Bicycle Institute.

I work as an online producer for the ABC and I am married with two boys.

Brian Jenkins –committee member

I’ve left regular employment. My current

commitments are cycling matters,

Neighbourhood Watch, and a little home-

help for my parents. My car is used only to

get the bike elsewhere (e.g. the Flinders

Ranges).

I have one main bike - a MTB. It's set-up for

anything, having been on five RFDS outback rides. It makes for a slower commute,

but so what. It doesn't attract bike envy, but for me it's comfortable like the old

shirt (which covers the seat). I'm happy on it, whether I'm in Aroona Valley, tailing

Critical Mass in the CBD, or making my way to the Wheaty.

My favourite local riding is wandering the quiet backroads in the Hills. It could be

anywhere within the triangle of Gawler, Callington and Victor Harbor. With

bushland and forests, vineyards, orchards and fields, lovely views and native fauna -

idyllic. ... with my apple and a small Iced Coffee."

who is the bicycle institute? Well you of course! And these characters.

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Katie Gilfillan – vice chair

My bike and I are just starting to get to know each

other - she's new after a recent accident but I think

it's all going to work out pretty well. We’re still

working on the perfect fit but a swap of the racing

seat for a big cushion gel seat has been a brilliant

step forward in our relationship. I don't own a car

so spend a lot of my time nurturing this important

relationship in my life. At the moment we make

regular stops to look at the gorgeous gum

blossoms around the city. When I'm not riding I'm studying, working or in the

veggie patch. I'm about half way through my Masters in Urban and Regional

planning and am passionate about environmental and social issues - for me I see

bikes as critical to both in our cities. I look forward to working as part of the

committee, on behalf of our members, to improve cycling infrastructure in Adelaide

and increase cycling numbers. What I like most about cycling? It makes me smile,

and I like to share my smiles with anyone who will take them

Sophia MacRae—secretary

I have been involved with The Bicycle Institute since 2008 when I returned to

Adelaide after several years living in Barcelona, Spain. During this time I lived

without a car and was determined to do so in Australia also. My previous life was as

a jazz and showband musician, and for the last three years I have been a full-time

student, mum to Derek, and have been following my interests in permaculture and

cycling for transport.

In 2010 I joined the Bicycle Institute

committee as Secretary, and later that year I

got elected to the Norwood Payneham & St

Peters Council on a cycling and sustainability

platform. I am about to commence studying

a Masters in Sustainability, and hope to be

part of Adelaide's transformation to a lean

clean green cycling friendly city.

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Jeremy Miller - Chair

I have been involved with The Bicycle Institute for

almost half of my life, as an ordinary member, a

committee member, Chairperson in the early ‘90’s, and

as the current Chairperson. I have a background in

Urban Ecology and Sustainability, and have recently

completed a Masters in Urban & Regional Planning,

from which I bring many ideas to The Bicycle Institute.

I look forward to continuing to develop the Bicycle

Institute as a pro-active policy based cycling

organization and major stakeholder in the transformation that needs to occur

within our urban environments - to make them not only sustainable, but safer and

more pleasant environments for all who use them. I live in a car-free household

with my partner and children who range in age from 5 to 16 years. I own more

bicycles than I have fingers and toes, and ride them all as much as possible.

Nicole Dowling - pu editor and membership

I have always had a bike but it is only over the last

few years that I have ridden every day. I don't drive

and have never owned a car, cycling is a way of life

for me. I ride in whatever I am wearing that day

whether a dress and thongs (I know!) or hard yakka

gear with steelcap boots. I ride a single speed pink

bike and red Japanese ladies bike. I love Adelaide and

its cyclists, and it brings me great joy to see new

people on their bicycles. I became a member of the

Bicycle Institute last year, believing it an essential

organisation for everyday cyclists. I have just finished a Bachelor of Science and am

currently doing my honours project on native orchids based at the Botanic Gardens.

In the next issue of PU meet committee members Bonnie, Alan, Stephen and Luke.

ADELAIDE CYCLISTS for everyone who rides a bike in SA

www.adelaidecyclists.com

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need to renew your membership?

Name:

Address:

Postcode:

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Is this a Renewal? or New Membership?

Please indicate membership type:

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view insurance brochure.

** Households can be 2 adults and up to two children under 19 or 1 adult and three children under 19. Additional children can be covered 13 – under 19 $44, under 13 $10 each.

Tick if you wish to receive cycling advocacy updates from us by email.

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Please forward this form and payment by cheque to: BISA, GPO Box 792, Adelaide 5001

You can also join on-line and pay by EFT– visit www.bisa.asn.au

Individual Couple/

Household Concession Organisation

$50 $60 $45 $70

Individual Couple/

Household** Concession

$66 $132 $66

Extra children $

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Come to the Bicycle Institute’s

Community Spring Ride

When: Sunday 30th October

at 10.30am

Where: Victoria Park

Criterium Track, Adelaide

for a short ride around the city, games and picnic in the park

Pedal Update is a newsletter of the Bicycle Institute of South Australia Inc., and is

now published four times per year. BISA is incorporated in South Australia. Material

published in Pedal Update is copyright. Articles and graphics may be copied and

republished by non-profit organisations, provided the author and Pedal Update are

given credit. Opinions published in Pedal Update are not necessarily those of BISA.

We are always looking for contributions, send me any stories, ideas or feedback to

editor@bisa.asn.au

Nicole Dowling - Pedal Update Editor

Road Hazards? Call DTEI: 1800 018 313

Reporting Dangerous Drivers? Call Traffic Watch: 131 444

www.sapolice.sa.gov.au/sapol/road_saftey/traffic_watch.jsp