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CSIT RTW Bulletin #23: Nov 2002
http://cs.anu.edu.au/csitRTW/bulletins/RTW.23.Nov02.html
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Its been a very active time cycling-wise lately, with quite a few things to
catch up on...
Shame to the ACT Govt, in particular to Urban Services minister Bill
Woods MLA, who now are saying that they will not repeal NRR Rule
248 (cyclists must walk their bikes across pedestrian crossing),
despite it being a specific election promise.
When
I lobbied Jon Stanhope in early 2000, I clearly remember him saying
of Rule 248 that it was stupid to have a law with zero compliance.
Well Jon, its not any less stupid now you are in government...
The Pedal Power Ride to Work group are putting out their own newsletter,
which get archived as they come in on our
bulletins index page. There are a few interesting bits there, but
anything seeming to be of strong interest will passed on in our own
bulletins (or send around a message on csitRTW@cs, if urgent).
...to the mechanic at The Bikeshed (Braddon), who spotted a crack the frame
when my bike was in for a transmission overhaul. Had it broken
going down Black Mountain or Pierces Creek Hill, the consequences might
have been very nasty... To the mechanic's suprise I got it fixed -
as I have a spare the delay was not crucial, and it is
not that expensive if you can strip the frame yourself
(certainly it was a small amount compared with the eventual transmission replacement).
Steve has since been writing up on more of his adventures on single-track;
see http://svana.org/sjh/rides/,
including the recent Mont 24 hr race (some people are just *crazy* about MTB:).
The bit
in the last bulletin saw an animated discussion on csitRTW
which, with the permission of the contributors (thanks to all!) is
recorded here.
It highlights the fact that there are a variety of conventions (and the
expectations of others) on shared path use, which in itself makes things
the more hazardous, and the lack of any relevant laws so far has not
helped this situation.
Anyway, such discussions are always welcome. Dont forget to cc a response
to csitRTW@cs if you think it of general interest to the list
members.
By the way, DUS have published a pamphlet Enjoying Safe
Cycling in ACT, which advises:
The law requires a bell, horn or similar warning device.
Please use it.
The nasty
bollard I reported in the last issue was promptly removed.
June Hornby said that she had 3 other people reporting the same bollard:
it seems that DUS does act if enough people show their interest!
(none of my un-favourite grab rails have gone yet though):.
- CSIT Ride 9:00am Sun Sep 15:
It was just 4 of the old-timers enjoying a superb spring morning
riding around the western basin (and eastern) basin of Lake Burley
Griffin. The white blossoms near the Aboriginal Memorial (level with Old
Parliament House) were indeed superb, and we also paused there to contemplate
the Memorial. Coffee at Regatta Park and back by 11am.
- CSIT Ride 9:00am Sat Oct 19:
8 riders headed off to Stromlo on this warm and sunny morning,
going at a fairly slow pace, The group spread out a bit on the climb,
so we ended up having a longish break at Red Belly Black,
and enjoyed some wicked cakes with our coffee, and returned to CSIT
by midday.
- Ride-To-Work Breakfast, 6.30am to 8.30am Thu Oct 17:
Again, this was an again an interesting and enjoyable outing, opened by
Bill Woods MLA (I had to restrain myself on the
Crossing Rule though),
The new
Cycle Canberra book was launched too.
4 4 csitRWers attended; congratulations to new addition Jacqui Kempton
for winning a repair kit in the draw.
- Tharwa Challenge, Sun Oct 27:
Just myself from csitRTW fronting up to a chilly 8am start. Starting at
the back of a 150+ strong pack, it was slow at first till we got to the
hills and the pack spread out. Then it was chasing down small groups
and single riders, only to get swallowed up by a group of a dozen riders
that had coalesced behind me. But that made the last 10km to Tharwa,
against a stiff breeze, all the easier.
Taking a 15 min break at Tharwa meant I missed the chance to get in a
viable group on the way back (most riders were gone again in 1 minute),
but in a sense that made enjoying the by now superb conditions and
lovely scenery (you somehow see more of it than from a car) all the
better. And I was able to finish strongly feeling great (the endorphin
rush was just kicking in), getting in a little before 11:30.
- Ride-to-Uni Breakfast, Thu Oct 31 :
This was organized by Stefan Kaufman from ANU Green, and
marks the welcome beginning of an active phase for ANU to support
sustainable transport, of which Ride To Work is a primary
constituent. Stefan himself is now an ANU RTW contact.
I got there 8:30, just missing out on the pastries but in time for the
last quiche. From then till 10am, the event drew a moderate amount of
interest, with 2 other ssitRTWers dropping in.
Expect an announcement for a CSIT ride in early Dec!
(courtesy of Jacqui Kempton)
A piece of bitumen walks into a bar, orders a drink and sits at the bar.
Another piece of bitumen, a little larger than the first comes in to
join it. Finally, an enormous piece of bitumen waltzes in, parks
himself at the bar and orders a double scotch.
The large bitumen then turns to the first two and shouts, "when I turn
around again, I want to see you two putsy bits of pavement having left
my bar!" He turns back to the barman and mutters "are they gone yet?"
The barman replies that one has left, but the small piece is still
there. He then adds, "aren't you gonna beat him up, or at least shout
at him?" The bully bitumen replies, "no way, I'm not gonna mess with
him, he's a cycle path."
Well thats it for these 2 months. Happy cycling! -Peter.
***** If you'd like to make a contribution to the next bulletin, *****
***** please email it to me by the end of Dec 2002 *****
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RTW: sponsored by Pedal Power, HealthPact,
ACT Heart Foundation & Mont Adventure Equipment
oooooooo Be Active for Life ! oooooooo
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