The week’s top bike news from around the world, brought to you every Wednesday.
Local news
Sydneysiders left in the lurch
Plans to replace Sydney’s arterial College Street cycleway with part-time bike lanes will leave the city without a permanent north-south bike link and thousands of riders stranded. Bicycle Network CEO Craig Richards is urging the NSW Government to preserve the cycleway.
Bunda Street buff up
Bunda Street, Canberra, is getting a facelift in an effort to encourage active transport and reduce residents’ reliance on cars. The renewed street scape, which will form part of the Civic Cycle Loop will feature 20km/h speed limits, and a mall-like atmosphere with more trees, benches and ramps for improved bike and disabled access.
Gabba to Goodwill
With a state election on the cards for early 2015, Bicycle Queensland is calling for candidates to commit to a segregated cycleway from the Gabba to the Goodwill Bridge. Bicycle Queensland says the cycleway is Brisbane’s number one infrastructure priority. According to the organisation’s website: “A segregated bikeway from the Gabba to the Goodwill Bridge will greatly enhance Brisbane’s growing reputation as a great place to live, work, recreate and ride.”
International news
Paris pedals towards more active streets
In an effort to encourage active transport, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is proposing to restrict motor vehicle access to four of the city’s 20 arrondissements. Under the scheme only local and emergency services vehicles would be permitted on affected roads. Hidalgo has also proposed two new cycle routes running north-south and east-west across the city as well as an e-bike share system to build on the existing Vélib bike share.
Compact cargos are coming
Cargo bikes are extremely practical and useful for carting heavy loads, but they’re often bulky and can be difficult to store. Now US bike manufacturer Bike Friday, known for its high quality folding bikes, has designed a compact cargo bike, the Haul-a-Day, that’s easily adjustable (so the whole family can ride it). Bike Friday has been running a Kickstarter campaign to fund the new model, but has already reached more than double its fundraising target.
Portland speaks out against bike theft
Bike theft is on the rise here in Australia and overseas. In fact, it’s become such an issue in Portland, Oregon, that advocacy organisation Bike Portland is today hosting a bike theft summit to better educate riders about how to protect their steeds from theft.
Health
Fat burning fibs
Former Great Britain national and Olympic road coach Dave Smith explains why bike riders should ignore the theories about the ‘fat burning zone’ when trying to shed a few kilos.
Video
Rediscover the Goldfields
In 2015 the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride is heading to the historic goldfields of central Victoria. Take a sneak peek at what’s in store.
Upcoming events
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