The week’s top bike news from around the world, brought to you every Friday.
Local
Victoria rallies against broken promises
Bicycle Network Victoria have announced a second bike budget rally for midday this Sunday (29 July) to remind the Victorian Premier of the commitment he himself made twelve months ago to build the bridge that will remove the troublesome Gipps Street steps in Abbotsford from the Yarra Trail.
Riders are asked to bring a blue ribbon to tie to the rails of the steps as a sign that the fight to bring back the bike budget continues.
Melbourne bike groups push for a better biking city
In addition to Sunday’s rally, key bicycle advocacy groups have outlined five major areas where funding and new legislation are needed to improve Melbourne’s riding conditions and get more people riding more often.
Crossing the painted line
Painted bike lanes often prove more hazardous than helpful, but for councils they are the cheap and easy option for expanding bike infrastructure and keeping up the appearance of catering for riders.
Light up
A new survey of crash victims has found that riders without lights are three times more likely to be seriously injured in a collision.
International
Wiggins won the yellow jersey, but who won the pink?
Cycling fans all over the world cheered on the Tour de France, but how many watch, or even have access to pro women’s racing?
Your guide to the Olympic road race
The Games kick off with the men’s road race, where Aussie Cadel Evans will be fighting to reassert his dominance over the Brits after Bradley Wiggins stripped him of the yellow jersey in France last week. Tune in again on Sunday for the women’s race and watch our Aussies pedal for gold. For details about other Olympic cycling events, check out our Olympic guide.
Theatre on wheels
A new, interactive production of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland sponsored by Bikeminded has performers leading audience members through London’s backstreets on bikes.
The video camera is the bike’s “black box”
Riders in the US are increasingly recording their rides to deter motorists from intimidating them, to clear their names when wrongfully accused of misusing the road and to force police to take action against drivers who cause collisions. If you’re thinking about investing in a bike camera, we have some recommendations.
Clip of the week
Izhar cardboard bike project
Last week we brought you the fabric bike, and it seems making your ride out of unconventional materials is the new big thing.
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