The week’s top bike news from around the world, brought to you every Friday.
Local news
Why aren’t Australian bike share schemes as successful as those overseas?
Many jump to the conclusion that Australian bike share schemes struggle as a result of mandatory helmet laws. However, The Urbanist blogger Alan Davies argues that this is reductive.
Mapping Melbourne’s black spots for bikes
Using CrowdSpot technology, The Age has updated its interactive map where Melbourne bike riders can record the site, date and cause of accidents, helping other riders and authorities identify problem areas.
SA invests in safer streets
A $100 million road safety fund has been outlined in SA’s new State Budget, which will go towards a number of projects, including more speed cameras, an upgrade to the notorious Britannia Roundabout and improvements to key intersections. According to Premier Jay Weatherill, the upgrades will benefit motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Great Guy champions trail
Victorian planning Minister Matthew Guy has overruled opposition in Boroondara Council to ensure the Yarra Bridge gets built. The bridge will form a vital link in Melbourne’s bike network, linking the Darebin Creek Trail to the city’s eastern bike network. The project initially received the green light after 17 years of campaigning from Bicycle Network.
International news
Best foot forward
Over the years the Tour de France has attracted some strange stunts, and the 100th race is no exception. A team of six riders will kick off the race a day ahead of the General Classification, riding all 21 stages on footbikes (imagine a scooter with a bike wheel on the front). They expect some of the more challenging stages will take around 17 hours to complete.
Bike to feel better
According to UK charity Sustrans, getting workers commuting by bike could save £13.7 billion in sick leave each year in the UK. According to their research, the average employee takes 4.5 sick days each year, while those who commute by bike take only 2.4.
Little bird calls the cops
A UK motorist who collided with a bike rider in a hit-and-run has been tracked down by police after boasting of the incident on Twitter.
Bikes blaze bright future for Cambodian girls
Disadvantaged girls in Cambodia often don’t progress beyond primary school, with the nearest high school too far and dangerous to walk to, given the high rates of violence against women in rural areas. However, Lotus Outreach International is giving bikes to girls in need, allowing them to travel quickly and safely to school to further their education and eventually rebuild the nation’s educated class.
Health
Get back to nature
People are spending more time than ever indoors. However, there’s a growing body of evidence that suggests that spending time in nature is a key element to good health for both adults and children and can enhance creativity and learning ability.
Video
Getting tricky in Edinburgh
There is no limit to what some people can do on two wheels.
inspiredbicycles Danny Macaskill on Pinkbike
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