The week’s top bike news from around the world, brought to you every Wednesday.
Local news
Australia’s biggest cafe crawl
If you’re keen to try some of the bean bars included in our ‘Australia’s top 50 bike-friendly cafes’ post, Steve Bennett has them all mapped out. Thanks Steve!
Rule of the road
Confident you know the road rules? Put your knowledge to the test with this road rules for riders quiz from The Age. (Note: some rules covered in the quiz apply specifically to Victoria, so check what applies in your state.)
Darebin Bridge
After 19 years, tenders have finally been called for the building of Melbourne’s Darebin Bridge, with ground expected to break mid-year. The project will form a vital link in Melbourne’s bike network.
International news
10 reasons to love your bike
If the cooler weather is sapping your motivation, check out these top 10 reasons to get rolling from The Guardian UK.
Paid to ride
Londoners may soon be able to get cash rebates when they walk or ride to work rather than catch the tube. The proposal, which explores a number of options for flexible public transport ticketing, is currently open to feedback, and, if successful, would be implemented from January 2015. Mayor Boris Johnson has welcomed the proposal, stating: “I will certainly ask TfL (Transport for London) to examine if we can encourage Londoners to walk and cycle to work as part of this offering from 2015.”
Weighty issue
Since 2000 the UCI has required that bikes raced in its events be a minimum 6.8kg in order that they be safe to ride. However, this rule may soon be replaced with bikes instead required to meet a minimum safety standard.
Health
10 ways to get active for free
Going to the gym can not only become monotonous, it’s expensive. Huffington Post has put together 10 suggestions for boosting your fitness for free, without feeling like you’re exercising. Needless to say, bike riding is on the list.
Video
Book your leave now
If you haven’t booked your annual holiday yet, now’s the time to chat with the boss because this year the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride is heading to Bright and the High Country to take on some of Victoria’s most picturesque cycling routes. Entries open for Bicycle Network members on Monday, 12 May. Save the date!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn4Okv8MQPs?list=UUUlLW2ZGNXEi5PFezwQuPPg]
Upcoming events
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