The week’s top bike news from around the world, brought to you every Wednesday.
Local news
Abbott saddles up
The new PM was quick to get on his bike for a victory ride following Saturday’s federal election, but what will the newly-elected government do for bikes?
Sydney sets a slower pace
The O’Farrell government today announced major extensions to the CBD bike network and new 40km/h speed limits in some areas. Lord Mayor Clover More, a strong campaigner for better bike infrastructure in the city, showed her support for the plan, stating, “This plan will improve the experience of residents, workers and visitors, who between them currently make over one million trips to, from and within the city every day”.
Hobart trials new lanes
A trial is under way this week to extend the Hobart City cycleway to the waterfront. A section of Morrison Street has been converted to one-way traffic flow to accommodate bikes, but if the trial is successful, it will make the docks much more bike-friendly.
International news
Copenhagen wary of new share bikes
The new bike share system proposed for Copenhagen is a technical marvel, but not everyone’s impressed by the shiny steeds.
German e-bike sales power up
It seems all the cool kids in Germany are upgrading to e-bikes, with 2013 sales expected to be up by 13%, which translates to roughly 430,000 new e-bikes. To put that in perspective, in 2012 distributors imported 129,424 bikes into Australia.
ICE, ICE, baby
The ICEdot Crash Sensor is a nifty little device that attaches to your helmet and sends an emergency SMS to your loved ones to let them know where you are if it senses a severe impact. It also has an opt-out timer, so you have a chance to stop the message and avoid freaking out your family in the event of a false alarm. The design has existed for some time, but has now been picked up for distribution in the UK and hopefully we’ll be seeing them in Australia before too long.
Health
Make a list and stick to it
New research from Monash University suggests that if you’re keen to loose a few kilos, planning your meals in advance and taking a list with you to the supermarket is an easy and surprisingly effective way to avoid unhealthy eating.
Video
Prepare for Bupa Around the Bay – Fundraise for the Smith Family with Richard Stubbs
Radio presenter Richard Stubbs helps you get your bike set up for Australia’s biggest one-day bike ride.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6m4SZo67d4&w=560&h=315]
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