Back from TOTW

Hi All,

I'm back!

Once I have the CD from the conference I will organise for those of you with an interest in what went on to get a look.

I had a great time checking out cycling events (Tour Down Under), expanding my networks considerably and hearing a very broad array of interesting material.

Over the next couple of weeks I will try to post some of the information here (as time permits).

Cheers
Simon

AORCC

Hi All,

I have spent the morning at the Under 23 time trials at Buninyong.

I took the opportunity to hand out some of the Ballarat Commuter and Tourist maps to spectators and participants. The BUG and City of Ballarat made these available to me for Ride 2 Work Day 06.

If you're interested in the event over the weekend you can check it out at www.aorcc.com.

Cheers
Simon

New date for Cycle Ed course

Hi Everyone,

Gen Ware from the YMCA has informed us that the new date for the Bike Ed course is Feb 19 & 20. To book in contact Wilcare services http://www.wilcareservices.com.au/index.htm
I believe the training will cost $198 and will take place at the YMCA.

If anyone knows of any potential, suitablevolunteers who would be willing to deliver Bike Ed in schools please let me know as we may be able to have some places funded.

Cheers
Simon

Some interesting resources

Hi All,

I found the following links interesting reading!

http://www.travelsmart.gov.au/index.html , which has plenty of resources and discussion around combining travel options and event management.

http://www.abc.dotars.gov.au/Publications_Resources/benefits_of_cycling.aspx , which highlights the benefits of cycling.

http://www.sensibletransport.org.au/ , Elliot is carrying out a number of projects that may support or provide a model for some that we may attempt. I spoke to him last week and he is now on our distribution list. He also voiced that he would be available to present at any events that support sustainable transport usage.

Bye
Simon

Planning meeting

Hi Again,

Thanks to Sally for the following paragraphs following our Walk and Talk planning meeting.


Eight of us sat on the grass in the Botanic Gardens
and explored one another's visions for more active transport in
Ballarat. Much discussion surrounded the many barriers, especially
concerns around perceived and actual safety; adequacy of public
transport and a "time-poor" society driven by economic imperatives.
People were cautious about setting a vision but felt that in ten
years-time Ballarat would be a place where:
-most workplaces had showers and adequate bike-parking facilities;
-schools were linked to safe routes for active transport and had
adequate bike parking facilities;
-intersections and crossings (especially roundabouts) provided for
pedestrians and people using mobility aides as a priority over cars;
-more people using an integrated public transport system.
I'm sure we could expand on this preliminary vision with further
discussion.
It was evident from the discussion that there are a number of
initiatives and actions happening around town that will benefit from
linking people and information dissemination. This will be facilitated
in part by the "blog" site.
The group would like to progress one or two actions in the next twelve
months. These are evolving but are likely to be around:
-ride to school (rider education in schools) and
-"leave the car at home day" in October to encourage people to use other
forms of transport for their usual business (walk, wheel, ride, scoot,
public transport etc). This would correspond to the Australia-wide "ride
to work" day but would be more inclusive of other forms of transport and
of people who don't travel to work.

Cheers
Simon

Thinking on Two Wheels Conference

Hi Everyone,

I will be attending the Thinking on Two Wheels Conference mid January. For those of you who would like to hear about my experiences please let me know and I will catch up with you afterwards. The Details are attached below (28/11/06).

Unfortunately this means I will probably miss the Ride with Champions on the 14th. Remember to enter this one at visitballarat.com.au

Cheers
Simon

A good story

Hi all,

I just found this article. Hopefully all goes well for Mark.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=172555

Simon