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A cycle of illogical decisions

Sophie Mirabella

by Sophie Mirabella

21 May 05:55am

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Filed under: Congestion, Cycling, Planning, Traffic

84 comments

At the outset I declare that I am unashamedly pro-bike.  Cycling is a great sport, a clean form of transport, and has undoubted health benefits for those who regularly ride.

David and Goliath.

Most years the annual “pollie pedal” route is through my electorate – as was the case this year.  Had I not been heavily pregnant, I would have ridden with the team again (albeit for a short distance).

But I have to say: what’s the deal with designated bike lanes?

I certainly get the theory behind it – a safe, purpose-built area for cyclists to travel.  But I am growing increasing concerned that the proliferation of those white lines with little white bikes neatly painted in them is becoming confusing, dangerous and in some cases utterly pointless.

The placement of bike lanes defies logic in many areas.  These lanes can appear in very short sections (I’ve seen just a 2 metre long line with enough space to print one little bike and nothing for kilometres either side) and disappear just as quickly.

I’ve noticed 200 metres of bike lane on a road almost literally in the middle of nowhere and hours away from any town – again flanked either side by kilometres of no lane.  What is the point?  Are avid bike riders being dropped into this remote zone to cycle for a few minutes and be picked up?

I think Government investment in recreational bike paths is really worthwhile. A great off-road bike network can be a wonderful asset for any town – urban or regional.

One part of the Rudd Government’s stimulus spending was $40 million for the National Bike Path Project.  Ostensibly to “create jobs” with the added benefit of safer cycling.

But the proliferation of mere sections of bike lane that disappear as mysteriously as they appeared serves no real purpose than to add another few metres to an arbitrary tally somewhere.  To enable the Government to crow about “creating another 250 kilometres of bike lanes”.

I suspect there are whole teams of public servants out there identifying any section of Australian road wide enough to squeeze a bike lane in – and sending out the painting team to make it thus.  Nothing is “created” except a white lane in the middle of nowhere and the cost of maintaining a pointless paint job.

I also think there is a great deal of confusion when it comes to bike lanes – when can a motorist drive across such a lane? Bikes have right of way, don’t they? What if there’s a bike lane, but a bike rider chooses not to use it?

For example, in Victoria “The legal status of a bike lane depends not on the road markings but the roadside signs” and “Whether or not cars are allowed to park in bike lanes again depends of the parking restrictions defined by roadside signs and on the type of bike lane.” (Bicycle Victoria website)

Right.  So we must keep an eye out for those roadside signs with the bikes as well as the coming and going bike lanes then?

We also have many bike lanes now being painted green in order to improve the visibility (though there’s debate about whether they actually reduce it at night).  An in some cases these have a different status.

The rub is that overseas studies have shown that designated bike lanes on roadways actually lead to more accidents.  Research in Helsinki found that cyclists were much better off taking their chances cycling in traffic than using the 800 kms of cycle paths.  And a Berlin study found that the 10% of Berlin roads that have cycle paths produce 75% of all serious cycling injuries and fatalities.

I personally think that bike lanes have become fashionable for Governments at all levels because they represent a relatively easy “green” initiative.

There’s been a lot of rhetoric about the Environment from the Rudd Government but, as we know, very little action.  It was saddening to see $11 million stripped from the practical Landcare program in the budget last week - a practical initiative that actually delivered real benefits in local communities.

I can’t help thinking that the random sections of bike lane that pop up everywhere are yet another example of Governments wanting to “be seen to be doing something”, rather than achieving anything of real value.

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Most commented

353"Gifting", "journey" and other words we hate
309Thomson didn't answer the question everyone is asking
246A big day for Thomson, who thus far is guilty of nothing...
242They must pay for one's bitter disappointments
230Craig Thomson speaks. Meanwhile, in Australia...
230South Australia. It's the middle bottom bit.
224The most laughable, err, spoof since Einfeld
224Punch on: Open thread 17/05/2012

84 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      07:33am | 21/05/10

      Well the dribble coming from the Liberal side of politics just gets worst. I mean really if this is all you can come up with Sophie, perhaps you should try taking up cycling instead of having your nose stuck in the trough. It more healthy for you. What a waste of tax payer money this stupid woman is.

      Reply

    • Saskia says:

      10:53am | 21/05/10

      You are wasting your holiday Bobby.  Or is this the highlight? Are you wearing your Kevin07 T-shirt when you post too?

    • Jack says:

      12:55pm | 21/05/10

      Give it a bone Saskia

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      01:35pm | 21/05/10

      Saskia; actually I’m at my lappy studying along with keeping my eye on the Lib (lost In Babble) spin being posted on this site!!!  Punch on!!
      So not much of a holiday…. sometimesit what you have to do if you want to get ahead in life. Dont have a Kev07 t-shirt but hey I’ll stick my hand up for a Kev 2010 issue!!!!!!

    • Ben81 says:

      01:41pm | 21/05/10

      What the hell is wrong with you, Rob?  Just stop posting for everyones sake.  What an absolutely useless comment.

    • Lycraphobe says:

      01:56pm | 21/05/10

      Well as this is a scripted piece we will just have to believe
      Sophie when she said she taken part in previous Pollie Pedals.

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      02:14pm | 21/05/10

      Ben81 says:01:41pm ; Is that the wind again tsk…tsk..tsk…

    • persephone says:

      02:40pm | 21/05/10

      I know there have been three Pollie Pedals through her electorate.

      She didn’t take part last year or this year, so maybe she did the first time.

    • David says:

      07:38am | 21/05/10

      I agree.

      Presumably you’d prefer Australia to be more like true cycling nations, such as the Netherlands and Denmark, which have high quality off-road cycle paths and protect the cyclist through legislation.

      And sure, Berlin and Helsinki roads are just like Sydney and Melbourne. Right. There’s someone who’s never cycled down Elizabeth Street in peak hour.

      Reply

    • persephone says:

      07:44am | 21/05/10

      I was going to vote Labor at the next election, but this revelation has changed my mind.

      Cutting edge commentary, Mrs Mirabella!

      Reply

    • Rob r charteris says:

      08:32am | 21/05/10

      persephone says:07:44am; giggle

    • Freeman says:

      11:11am | 21/05/10

      Psersephone,
      Although I don’t think sophie is actually a cycling advocate as she claims,and that her criticism should be pointed at state goverments, and that her comments would hold more weight if the libs we proposing better cycle infrastructue, She’s right when she says that the bike lanes are random. NSW state labor are crowing about the 100’s of kilometers of bikeways “created” (when in most cases they’ve just painted a picture of a bike on the breakdown lane) I’m all for cycling infrastucture, I ride to work frequently. but these cycle ways are so typical of any labor project. Costly, ineficient, un-practical, and then heralded by labor as a success.

    • DDD says:

      08:14am | 21/05/10

      “Cutting edge commentary” - that must be tounge in check right?
      This is a whinge with not even is glimpse of solution or proposal - but I forgot, that is the operating model for all oppositions in this country - negative, negative, negative. 
      And if you quote stats and facts from research plse provide at least the name of the study - not that a politician would ever, ever not tell the gospel truth.

      Reply

    • Nigel Catchlove says:

      08:18am | 21/05/10

      Here you go persephone ... a chance to air your sycophantic defence of everything Kevin07 says, does or touches.  We have just suffered the biggest five day drop in the value of our currency and here’s a quote from the Australian; “There definitely has been a tremendous amount of offshore focus on the potential impact of the resource super tax by some longer term investors in the Australian dollar and we are seeing some signs of softening in China,” Westpac chief currency strategist Robert Rennie said.

      I’m sure you know more than he does.

      As for Sophie’s article, yes it’s a little lightweight but politicians of all creeds do have a job to be aware of, and responsive to, the concerns of their constituents that do include other than economic issues and issues of national social importance.

      Reply

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      08:52am | 21/05/10

      Nigel Catchlove says:08:18am; Firstly the fall in the dollar has nothing to do with the mining super tax. Secondly it has not been reflected in mining share prices which will be the proof in the pudding. It doesn’t take a whiz kid to figure that out. In fact there was a slight drop then a rebound after mining exec’s themselves were talking themselves down.

    • persephone says:

      09:37am | 21/05/10

      Um, Nigel, given that Mirabella’s constituency is a rural electorate with very few cycle paths (a couple of bike riding trails) she is scarcely reflecting the views of her constituency.

      I’m sorry that’s she let you down with such a poor piece, but I suppose it just demonstrates how little the Opposition has to say.

      I would remind you that, with Costello as Treasurer, we got all excited when the dollar looked like it might possibly hit 70 cents US:

      http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/22/1066631507552.html?from=storyrhs

      - a 25% rise in its value, and its highest mark since Costello took the keys to the Treasury (under Labor, the dollar had been consistently averaging 70 cents against the US).

      Under Costello, the dollar dropped to 47 cents.

      Of course, a low dollar is good for exports, so miners should make even more profit.

      Do I really need to explain world money markets to you? That the US dollar is seen as the standard, safest currency, and that, whenever there’s a bit of panic in the market - no matter who is in goverment in Australia, or what they’re doing - traders sell off other currencies to invest in the US?

      And that currency rates and mining investments are only tenuously linked (at best)?

      The fall in the Euro and the uncertain economic situation there is having far more impact on currency (because, d’uh, it’s actually connected to currency values) than any proposed mining tax.

    • JA says:

      09:51am | 21/05/10

      Persephone the only “let down” about this refreshing and reflective article is your own unreadable dribble the continues to confirm what everyone knows, you will suck up every opportunity to promote a failed Labor government and criticise every conservative commentary.

      It beggars belief that you fail to acknowledge the damage done to Australia by those who’s feet you kiss.

      I vote that you be limited to one comment per thread, that way an interested reader can avoid the tedium of skipping over your endlessly boring self-reinforcements to get to more interesting reading.

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      09:58am | 21/05/10

      Stated on the business channel this morning as BHP for an example for every 1 cent the AUS$ drops represent a $50 million dollar increase in profit, it has dropped roughly 12-13 cents over the last month. We’ll let Nigel Catchlove work out the figures on that one, but i think he might struggle. But trust a lib supporter to turn a bicycle path article into a mining issue… perhaps he think the both are connected.

    • Tails says:

      10:04am | 21/05/10

      Seconded, JA.

    • T.Chong says:

      10:16am | 21/05/10

      JA : you want to limit what people say in public forums? Spoken like a true Brown shirt..
      Try Frontpagemag , you’ll find many people there who also believe that freedom of speech is not for everyone.
      As for “refreshing (pahleeze !!)and reflective”, well ,  I may disagree, but believe in your right to say so.

    • Richard says:

      10:36am | 21/05/10

      re: Rob r Charteris 08:52am; “Firstly the fall in the dollar has nothing to do with the mining super tax. Secondly it has not been reflected in mining share prices which will be the proof in the pudding.” Are you serious? did you even bother to check the facts before spraying these statements? Because they are both incorrect.

      The reason capital is fleeing from our dollar is because investors now see Australia as a riskier and less profitable place to do business because of the gigantic new mining tax the government sprung on us which makes us the highest taxing nation on earth: every single foreign commentator has said as much if you cared to read about such things.

      Secondly, BHP is down 20% from when the RSPT was announced, and is in free fall again today. Don’t pretend to be authoritative when you lack the facts.

    • ex-currency trader says:

      10:57am | 21/05/10

      Totally agree PA

      And persephone, please don’t attempt any more explanations for Nigel. You clearly don’t understand economics or international markets.

    • ex-currency trader says:

      11:09am | 21/05/10

      Sorry, totally agree JA, not PA.

    • persephone says:

      11:11am | 21/05/10

      Gee, crushing rebuttals there, guys.

      I’m very hurt, and will spend the rest of the day crying in my room.

      (Do I assume - once again - that you have nothing but personal abuse to throw at me?)

    • Aitch B says:

      11:25am | 21/05/10

      @Rob

      You keep believing what you want to believe, Rob.

      I watched three financial reports last night on TV and all three included international concern regarding the mining tax as a contributing factor to the fall in the dollar.

      You just keep peddling everything pro-labor and twisting or ignoring the facts to suit your political proclivities. We know where you’re coming from….........

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      12:44pm | 21/05/10

      Richard says:10:36am ; gee I’m surprised you didn’t blame the problems in Europe and the unexpected jobless rate in the US and the downwood spiral currently on Wall street on the super profit tax. Of course none of these has anything to do with the belt the AUS$ is getting. It’s all to do with a tax that doesn’t even come into efect for 2 years.

    • persephone says:

      01:08pm | 21/05/10

      Oh golly, Aitch, it was on the TV! Therefore it must be true!!

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      01:26pm | 21/05/10

      Aitch B says:11:25am ; New Zealand and Canada currency has lost 6% over the same period a similar shift to the AUS$....  mining super profit tax too??? I think you’ll find most serious commentors are pointing the finger at Europe

    • Richard says:

      01:27pm | 21/05/10

      Rob r Charteris says: 12:44pm; well then why has the Canadian currency kept rising in these last few weeks and starting to be regarded as a “safe haven” currency? Our economies and political/judicial systems are pretty much similar, except for one difference~ Canada is reducing taxes and encouraging mining companies to do business in their country; for some misguided and short-sighted reason, our government is doing the exact opposite.

    • The Guardian says:

      02:02pm | 21/05/10

      Ex currency trader,
      Given you are a supposed ex currency trader why have you omitted to point out that a fall in the Australian dollar will actually decrease the cost to foreign buyers who purchase OUR ressources, thus increasing exports (all things being equal). By the way ex currency trader (if thats what you are) you would well know that most currency trading is automated via triggers incorporated into computerized trading systems. Persephone is an ideolog,and isn’t it wonderful to see someone who is so passionate about what they believe.

    • Richard says:

      02:10pm | 21/05/10

      Rob r Charteris says:01:26pm; sorry Rob, you are correct… looks like I’m the one who has to check my facts before posting. Still, the AU$ has dropped by double that 6% figure you quoted from its high of 93c just before the RSPT was announced

    • Aitch B says:

      02:20pm | 21/05/10

      Oh grow up, Persephone.

      Three local independent financial commentators citing comments from overseas experts who are a damn sight closer to international opinion than you or Rob!!

      I see you’re providing links to newspaper articles so by your inference…..

      Get over yourself….......

    • luke09 says:

      02:46pm | 21/05/10

      Oh golly, I’ve read persephone’s long winded argument, it must be true. Persephone, if you don’t believe financial reports on a business tv channel why would you believe a newspaper? Are only written words the truth, if that’s the case you must be a big believer of Tony Abbott considering what he said on the 7.30 report. Hold on, what he said was on tv, so it can’t be true. Confused? I am.  confused

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      03:29pm | 21/05/10

      Richard says:02:10pm; no worries mate! we all makes mistakes as do I. I’m assuming from your honesty your not Liberal, if your are you are a rare breed.

    • Aitch B says:

      04:14pm | 21/05/10

      Rob…. your constant Liberal bashing does absolutely nothing for your credibility. In fact I think you might have just dropped below zero.

      You’re now in the ‘Christian Real’ league…......

    • Ben81 says:

      05:14pm | 21/05/10

      Aitch B, they’re as bad as each other, but at least Christian Real seems to have a grasp of basic spelling and grammar.

      Please learn about the use of “your” and “you’re”, Rob.  Good work not saying “would of” instead of “would have” for a couple of days now, you get a gold star.

    • john says:

      05:17pm | 21/05/10

      lets get a few things right.. the mining tax is 2 years away but it may as well be tomorrow in financial markets speak.. value of a company is determined by future earnings discounted back so increase in tax will decrease profits therefore value.. dollar down yes good for miners AUD profit looks better, however lower commodity prices has countered this.. decreasing dollars is not good for imports which means a lot of everyday things we buy.. but if you thought it was going to stay over 90cents you are a little foolish.. now yes in part the RRT has decreased the value of the dollar due to the investment uncertainty it has created about australia, but so has the euro crisis, commodity prices and the general fact that the USD is and will always be king. once Australia starts looking weak which the RRT has not helped money will flow out of AUS.  Australia was in the fortunate position of not going into recession when the GFC hit.. that is the reason why the dollare went up so much because Australia was the safe haven under a stable govt.. this tax has changed everything.. well maybe Krudd can fund the states to create more cycle ways as part of this ETS save the planet dream.. then I can ride my bike in safety.. cheers to those having a drink.. tough week on the markets.. btw i was once a labor voter then i got an education.. go the libs.. and stop these personal attacks its so rude..

    • Christian Real says:

      06:26pm | 21/05/10

      Persephone
      It appears a typical liberal trait to hurl abuse at you and also at others when they are unable to find any answers for their comments,so they attempt to dumb people down instead..

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      08:30pm | 21/05/10

      Aitch B says:04:14pm; I’m a zero kinda guy, but in saying that I have never been one for imaginary friends like the mad monk so perhaps lets not go there eh’

    • ex-currency trader says:

      12:24am | 22/05/10

      The Guardian, thanks for your year 11 economics explanation on demand and supply. You obviously know less about the actual currency markets than persephone.

    • persephone says:

      05:48pm | 22/05/10

      Which part of the article don’t you believe?

      - that the dollar was at 47 cents under Howard/Costello;

      - that it was majorly exciting when it finally got over 70 cents, after several years of a Coalition government;

      - that it averaged 70 cents under Labor.

      All facts, whereas a commentator (or commentators) saying that markets are reacting to the mining tax is simply an opinion.

      It appears that the dollar will always be higher under a Labor government (which is not necessarily a good thing!)

      So, Nigel, please explain - why is it bad when the dollar drops under Labor but it wasn’t bad when the dollar was low under the Coalition?

    • Maurie says:

      08:22am | 21/05/10

      You’re dead right Sophie - Government these days is about seeming rather than doing.  The local government just painted up a new bike path at a busy intersection near my place and everyday you see cars braking suddenly from 80km/hr to give way to a bike travelling at about 5km/hr.  This is nothing to do with road safety - it is everything to do with some misplaced belief that this is somehow “green”.  And if someone dies ...

      Reply

    • Chris says:

      08:29am | 21/05/10

      Perhaps David needs to understand that the European nations with cycle facilities see them as a safe comfortable way to get around on largely flat terrain.
      More important they are predominantly used by individuals riding unexciting bikes in their day clothes.  Over-aggressive would-be racers with their bums in the air and the noses down are simply not tolerated and prosecuted in the same way over-aggressive drivers of any vehicle quite reasonably are.

      Reply

    • David says:

      09:42am | 21/05/10

      Having lived and cycled in Europe, Chris, yes I do understand, thanks for your concern.

      If Sophie does want to get more of us everyday folk riding unexciting bikes, she and politicians of all stripes need to get fair dinkum about providing proper facilities and protection.

      Of course, as this would involve infringing on road space I don’t seriously expect them to.

      And yes, aggression on both sides by drivers and cyclists gets us nowhere.

    • Dingo says:

      11:02am | 21/05/10

      David, that is the point Sophie is making . Be fair dinkum about the cycle paths or stop claiming that you have “constructed” x kilometres of cycleways.  Just another example of the Gospel truth from the Rudd Government.

    • David says:

      11:32am | 21/05/10

      I’m not sure it is, Dingo, as she’s suggesting cyclists will be safer cycling in traffic.

      If she is advocating for proper facilities, all power to her. And this isn’t a party political issue unless it’s that both Labor and Liberal governments are crap at this kind of work.

    • Dingo says:

      12:16am | 22/05/10

      David, I agree neither party has made cycle ways a genuine priority. I have to admit it is not at the top of my agenda. I’m working on my 6 km commuter triangle - live, work, and shop with a 6 km radius of your home.

      I think Sophie’s point is, by painting these random lanes the Rudd Government is making it more dangerous. Given the state of the Federal budget, I can’t see any money going to the construction of proper facilities anytime soon, so let’s take the least dangerous option of sharing the road. Sounds like non-spun boring common sense.

    • Joe says:

      08:59am | 21/05/10

      Also these boke lanes - or should they be called bike lines as they are just lines on the road - are right along parked cars so you can get wiped out by cars opening doors.


      Thank God for the Brisbane City Council which is actually building more dedicated off road bikepaths and networks. When they can make new connections then they can actually create new enticing ways to ride which cars can’t match.

      A bike line is not a bike lane.
      A bike line is not a bike lane.

      Reply

    • Get a car says:

      09:03am | 21/05/10

      How you can ride a bike to work in your business suit is beyond me. Or maybe you are meant to stuff it and your business shirt into a bag and wear wrinkled clothes all day.

      You can’t compare us to the Netherlands or elsewhere. You don’t expect me to ride up and down Heartbreak hill twice a day in 35 degree heat only to be drenched in sweat to have to take another shower when I arrive at work in showers that don’t exist at my city office. Amsterdam is very flat. Sydney is not.

      Cycling just doesn’t make sense. It is not a viable option.

      Reply

    • Hermano says:

      09:23am | 21/05/10

      Hi get a car:  You can choose to cycle if you really have the will to do it.  I ride from North Parramatta to Sydney CBD for work.  It takes me 10 minutes longer than if I was to catch the train, and I save 40-odd dollars a week.  I wasn’t a fit person when I started riding, but I am now.  I’ve lost weight, I can eat whatever I like, I’m happier and I pass approximately 500 single-occupant cars on the M4 every afternoon.  Those poor bastards, just sitting there listening to drivetime radio…
      Admittedly, my workplace has showers, but most in the CBD do.
      Let me just say:  Cycling just makes sense.  It is a viable option.  You’re just too lazy to see it.

    • Craig Lambie says:

      09:46am | 21/05/10

      @Get a Car - Get a life.
      You are obviously one of those disorganised types…. can’t find a suit bag for your suit. etc.  I ride to work everyday for over 4 years now, in London and Melbourne, I wear a suit even sometimes on the short trips.  I live in Melbourne which is much flatter than Sydney, but still there are hills here. 
      My office has end of ride facilities, but even if it didn’t there is a great place down in the Banana alley vaults to lock up your bike and take a shower, put your stuff in a locker, I am sure there are some in Sydney too given the support cycling is getting at the moment.

      Cycling to work is without a doubt the best way to A. Keep Fit, B. Get around C. Arrive awake and alert and ready to work.
      I would recommend asking your boss for some end of ride facilities and seeing the difference in Productivity!  It makes plenty of sense!

      As to you political staffers whining: Maybe you shouldn’t be playing the party politics BS that the pollies do and look at each individual issue and choose what is best for the world.

    • Albie says:

      09:52am | 21/05/10

      Australia is not Sydney - jeez get over yourself.

      For those who can ride to work (I am one of them - good topography and adequate locker/shower facilities at work), it’s a great thing!

      But bike lanes are a false comfort. I reckon either have dedicated bike paths or just have bikes share the left hand lane with cars in a respectful way. Having lanes just next to parked cars that open their doors without looking (not blaming them, I do the same thing when I’m in a car), is more dangerous than us just being on the road.

      If cyclists share the road then everyone is aware of everyone else. With a white line painted on the road people assume a certain level of security that just doesn’t really exist.

      Good observations Sophie

    • Winston says:

      10:58am | 21/05/10

      Good call.  We need better public transport not bike lanes.  We are not small and flat like Holland.

      No more money spent on bike lanes so that inner city chardies can ride to city jobs and then waste company water on showers, start work late and stink the office out while wearing wrinkled shirts.

      We need trains, trams and tubes.  Ride you bikes in parks on weekends.

    • Hermano says:

      12:42pm | 21/05/10

      Hi Winston:  While I agree that we need better public transport, we also need more people on bikes.
      Putting on my holier-than-thou hat, I ride 26kms to work and the same home again.  I don’t cause ANY traffic jams cos I’m sensible.  I don’t take up any space in an already crowded train.  I’m making life better for you all you PT users.
      As for cars, geez they suck.  Can you believe I passed hundreds of metres of cars, all sitting there, taking up 3 lanes, going nowhere?  Imagine how many bikes/buses could have fit in that space.  Just imagine…

    • barking toad says:

      09:17am | 21/05/10

      A good call Sophie.

      We have the same problem in the ACT where some stretches of bike lane start in the middle of nowhere, go for less than 100 metres then stop. No connection to footpaths, no logic to the placement. Apparently the cyclists get dropped off then collected by helicopter.

      Contractors must be laughing their tits off.

      Reply

    • David says:

      09:46am | 21/05/10

      I see your Sydney and raise you an Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth. All reasonably flat.

      Seriously, if you think the main reason lots of people cycle in the Netherlands is because its flat, then you’re not even close.

      Up until the oil hike of 1973, cycling rates in the Netherlands were declining just as they were through the rest of the Western world. At that point, the Dutch government made a decision to provide for the cyclist and the cycling culture you see there now is as a result of this.

      That required, oh, what’s the word? Tip of my tongue, just haven’t seen it in Australia for such a long time….. that’s it! Leadership.

      Reply

    • Shifter says:

      11:50am | 21/05/10

      Reasonably flat? We’ve got one of the flattest countries on earth here. If we didn’t have such urban sprawl in our major cities it’d be the perfect place for cyclists.

    • persephone says:

      09:55am | 21/05/10

      And I have to comment on the sheer cheek of this:

      ‘There’s been a lot of rhetoric about the Environment from the Rudd Government but, as we know, very little action.  It was saddening to see $11 million stripped from the practical Landcare program in the budget last week - a practical initiative that actually delivered real benefits in local communities.’

      Given these cuts proposed by the Liberals:

      Cut Renewable Energy Future Fund   -  $653 million
      Reduce funding for the Green Car Innovation Fund - $278 million
      Discontinue the Carbon Trust and Climate Change Foundation Campaign
      - $256 million
      Reduce funding for the Carbon Capture and Storage Flagships Program - $200 million
      Remove funding ? International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative - $178 million
      Discontinue the Low Emission Assistance for Renters - $131 million
      Discontinue Ausaid Climate Change funding - $15 million

      So your side is ripping over $1633 million out of the environment budget and critising Labor for a cut of $11 million!

      Are you proposing to return the funding taken from LandCare? It hasn’t been mentioned in any of the Coalition’s three budget replies so far.

      Reply

    • Scott Glennon says:

      10:03am | 21/05/10

      What pisses me off the most about bike lanes and bikeways is that the people who use them don’t pay registration. The Brisbane bikeway would be better used for motorbikes to and from the city, at least they’d be recieving some form of payment for the utility and our rego paying motorbikes would have a safe trip to and from work.

      Reply

    • Hermano says:

      11:44am | 21/05/10

      Hi pissed-off-Scott: you do realise that only a very, very small proportion of your rego dollar goes to constructing roads, don’t you?  Most road constructions come out of general revenue, and all local roads come from either rates or from the federal govt general revenue slush fund. 
      If you want to bicker about cyclists not being licences go right ahead, but there’s a million reasons why that is a bad idea too.
      So, that cyclist using that cycle lane has as much right to be on that, or on the road, as you do on a stinky, noisy, dangerous motorbike.  And they’re a hell of a lot less likely to die, despite all the scaremongering from anti-cyclist stooges.

    • Tom says:

      12:27pm | 21/05/10

      I worked this out the other day. I pay $285 a year to register my 1350kg car. At this ratio my 7.5kg road bike should cost $1.58 a year to register. If the RTA wants my $1.58, they can have it. I’ll even round it up to $2.

      And while we are at it, let’s tax pedestrians as well - after all, they don’t pay for all those footpaths and crossings.

    • Bron says:

      01:10pm | 21/05/10

      I would quite happily pay an annual rego fee for my bike-but then I would expect a full lane of the road to ride in, not shoved over on the road shoulder. Bet the motorists would still be complaining though!

    • Scott Glennon says:

      01:27pm | 21/05/10

      @Tom & you-said-it-yourself-Hermano, bike lanes should not only be paid for by other motorists, cyclists should be required to pay registration and CTP Insurance with a portion of it being spent to build bike lanes. Just as motor vehicle owners do. $1.58 is better then nothing.

    • Anna says:

      02:19pm | 21/05/10

      The brisbane bikeway? Which bikeway is that? The bicentennial? A whole 6 kms of 3m wide tarmac that is also used by pedestrians. I bet that cost them a tonne of money, you know, unlike the coro drive upgrade (which I guess you think was fully funded by your puny registration). Registration for bicycles has been costed and is unfeasible. Would you expect to have to register your child’s bike? Or are you not going to buy them one and they’ll never learn to ride a bike?
      If I were on the road, you’d be in more traffic and we’d need to build more roads. Instead I’m on the bicentennial. Quit the complaining, bikepaths cost nothing and pedestrians use them too. You wouldn’t register your shoes would you?
      I am a motorcycle rider. I prefer my self-propelled one though.

    • Scott Glennon says:

      03:07pm | 21/05/10

      @Anna, The bikeway I refer to runs from Garden City through to the Goodwill bridge. And only a twit would make the statement as follows “Quit the complaining, bikepaths cost nothing”

    • Tom says:

      04:06pm | 21/05/10

      Scott, I do carry third party insurance because like pretty much every vaguely serious cyclist I am a member of Bicycle NSW which has an insurance policy attached to membership (every state has a similar association).

      As for contributing to the costs, be careful what you wish for. Several economic analyses have concluded that the total economic costs of driving (i.e. air pollution, injuries, congestion, damage to the road surface etc. etc.) exceed what drivers contribute in terms of rego and fuel excise. Read Economics at the Wheel: The Costs of Cars and Drivers, by Richard C. Porter for more info. Essentially, if the costs car drivers paid were to match the costs of driving, we would have fuel taxes somewhere around what the British pay - 50 pence a litre. Here is another good article: http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/pay-to-pedal-reflections-on-an-economic-cycle-20100416-sk9r.html

      The amount spent on roads far exceeds what is brought in in registration, and obviously cyclists can’t pay fuel tax beyond GST on some food. The cost of cyclist registration would be prohibitively high just in administration costs alone. Considering we have an obesity epidemic, it seems absolutely absurd to tax any form of exercise.

      Regardless, I would happily pay $50 a year or so if it stopped angry bogans from abusing me and generally driving in a dangerous manner around cyclists, and so they would shut up about us not paying for the roads (as if I don’t pay income tax, council rates, rego on my car etc.). But let’s face it - it won’t happen. Really it is a convenient excuse; I would respect people more if they just admitted they resent cyclists because they are selfish to the extent they see being held up for 10 seconds by a cyclist as a terrible affliction on their day to day existence.

      There are plenty of things your tax dollars pay for that you will never use, it seems odd you pick on the minimal amount spent on cyclists. I don’t know about Qld but the state government here in NSW committed to spend $176 million over 10 years on cycling, a puny sum in the overall scheme of things. After all, they wasted $300 million in one year on an abandoned metro rail project.

    • Anna says:

      08:09pm | 23/05/10

      You’re right Scott, I was obviously an idiot for assuming that you would understand that I was using a figure of speech with “cost nothing”.
      I was on the V1 today, or the “brisbane bikeway” as you call it. I suggest you borrow a bike and take it. And take note of how it’s not continuous (it stops at greenslopes only to mysteriously reappear a couple of ks later after you have ridden across some lights and through a park though how you’re meant to know where to go is beyond me) and how many roads you have to cross to “stay on it”. Also, at best it is one road lane wide and at worst about half a metre across. I can’t believe they had the gall to call it the V1 - like it’s some sort of cyclists’ Valhalla or cyclist motorway, which it is very far from.

      Your idea for using it as a motorcycle route doesn’t take into account how slow you would have to go on it, nor that motorcycle accidents don’t always involve a car. Would putting them all together on a thin, winding, poorly-surfaced cement path really be safer?  I doubt it. Right now I doubt there are any fatalities on the V1. Put motorcycles on it and that would rapidly change.

    • Duncan says:

      10:36am | 21/05/10

      A semantic point - the terms ‘bike lane’ and ‘bike path’ are not interchangeable. Bike lanes are on-road and yes, they suffer from often appearing to have been created by random application of road markings.  Bike paths are off-road, are more work to build and require a conscious decision and some planning. From a transport perspective the limitations of paths include 1) They tend to be shared with pedestrians, dog-walkers, roller bladers and such. 2) They often reflect a recreational rather than a transport mindset, meandering rather than directly connecting destinations.  There are roles for both on-road and separate bike routes in a well planned cycling infrastructure but misusing the terms just makes things confusing.

      Reply

    • Russ says:

      10:46am | 21/05/10

      I assume that Andrew Robb (or was it Tony Abbott or Joe Hockey) announced in Budget-In-Reply that these lanes would all be cancelled forthwith, saving the country $25.3 billion over the next 17 years?  Well done Sophie!

      Reply

    • persephone says:

      01:06pm | 21/05/10

      Oh dear.

      Out of interest, I had a look at the National Bike Paths Projects you refer to.

      http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/regional/national_bike_path.aspx

      None of these involve simply putting bike line markings on to any available space. All had to demonstrate a real contribution to cycling safety.

      Most of the projects approved so far are ‘off road’ or create a trail paralell to the existing road. The few that consist of ‘white lines on the side of the road’ are generally a number of kilometres in length, and link existing networks.

      I would suggest your criticism of bike path markings extending only a couple of metres are best aimed at local government.

      Reply

    • JR says:

      03:00pm | 21/05/10

      I read the agreement that must be signed in that link you gave me. Only clause I could find stated that the project had to meet the departments satisfaction. Thats pretty vague, and honestly pretty poor form for that to be the standard by a government department. However I am busy and may have missed something.

    • persephone says:

      03:28pm | 21/05/10

      Sorry, JR - I was referring to the projects approved under this program, which is linked to from that page.

    • Daniel says:

      01:12pm | 21/05/10

      Lie, damned lies, and statistics.

      Sophie, the increased percentage of accidents occuring in cycle lanes in Berlin can largely be attributed to the fact that more cyclists use the designated lanes than not.  If more than 50% of the cycling populous of a location is using the designated lanes, you are going to see a correlation in accident rates.

      If you have more relevant data linking cycle lanes with accidents, I would be glad to see it.

      Reply

    • persephone says:

      03:33pm | 21/05/10

      ALL of Sophie’s ‘data’ comes from this site:

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segregated_cycle_facilities

      Compare and contrast -

      Sophie: Research in Helsinki found that cyclists were much better off taking their chances cycling in traffic than using the 800 kms of cycle paths.

      Wikipedia: In Helsinki, research has shown that cyclists are safer cycling on roads with traffic than when using the city’s 800 kilometres (500 mi) of cycle paths

      Sophie: And a Berlin study found that the 10% of Berlin roads that have cycle paths produce 75% of all serious cycling injuries and fatalities.

      Wikipedia: In Berlin 10% of the roads have cycle paths, but these produce 75% of fatalities and serious injuries among cyclists

      Sophie is a tireless researcher, in the Julie Bishop mould.

    • John says:

      01:32pm | 21/05/10

      The article is indeed very lightweight but about what can be expected from politicians.  Changing the way we move about is an important part of more sustainable living, but sound long-term transport strategy seems to escape Governments (err, apart from more roads).  I live in Adelaide, which is relatively flat, we have both bike lanes and bike paths, and various mapped routes for cyclists to use.  But you don’t see that many cyclists about so there are obviously impediments to cycling (and esp. commuting) that need to be addressed in order for desired outcomes to be achieved.  I was in Brisbane recently and saw even fewer cyclists, despite the council’s pro-cycling initiatives. It was so refreshing to be in Berlin a few weeks ago to appreciate the high volume of cycling (people of all ages) on well designed shared use paths and elsewhere, and the great tolerance from motorists.  Surely we can borrow well proven ideas and implement effectively in our context, even in cities like Sydney.  Over to you Ms. Mirabella.

      Reply

    • The Guardian says:

      01:51pm | 21/05/10

      For all the coming and goings of the last week the only thing Sophie can talk about are bike lanes. Good to see your have your eye on the ball Sophie.

      Reply

    • Adrian says:

      02:53pm | 21/05/10

      What a sneaky article; criticising the inadequacy of bike lanes in a way calculated to appeal to cyclists, while simultaneously appealing to motorists opposed to cyclists getting their rightful share of road space.

      What Sophie never mentions is what the solution is; upgrading the bicycle infrastructure to something approaching what they have in Holland. It’s not hard, it just requires money, and seeing as cyclists make up 2% of road users, 2% of the road budget would be a good start, and gee whiz, that’s about 10 times what is currently being spent on cycling infrastructure.  Looks like motorists are getting far more than their share, and for what? Money spent on decent cycling infrastructure will reduce traffic congestion, so the smart motorist would be in favour of it.

      Reply

    • iansand says:

      02:53pm | 21/05/10

      “And a Berlin study found that the 10% of Berlin roads that have cycle paths produce 75% of all serious cycling injuries and fatalities.”  Does this take into account the likelihood that many more cyclists may be using those roads.  Just a thought.

      However, now Ms Mirabella has mentioned Polly Pedal, does she advocate that cyclists on public roads should follow the lead of her Beloved Leader.  I was stuck behind Polly Pedal for a few kilometres south of Bredbo this year, while Mr Abbott and his mates occupied the whole of the northbound lane.  None of this pooncy single file to the left of the road for Tony and his mates.  If I recall one of Ms Mirabella’s earlier contributions on the subject she would advocate mowing him down (Disclaimer:  My memory may be faulty - it may have been someone else)

      Reply

    • indi warrior says:

      03:46pm | 21/05/10

      you know you are in cukoo land when mirabella writes crap like this….and she wants to be deputy pm one day!

      stop wasting your time sophie and get a real job

      Reply

    • Christian Real says:

      06:56pm | 21/05/10

      Though the Polly Pedal appears to be for a good cause, one has to question the dress sense of the Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott wearing pink lycra bicycle pants, and I seem to recall that Joe Hockey once wore a pink tu tu.
      Strange for these two people in important positions to wear colours that are normally associated more with women.
      But then again they might think they look pretty in pink.

      Reply

    • Christian Real says:

      06:21am | 22/05/10

      Sophie,
      While I most probably wouldn’t agree with what you have written, you are possibly an alright person to those who know you.
      Question is, the Liberal government had almost 12 years in government, what did they do during that period and how much money did they put into cycleways?
      Another thing Sophie, I suppose that you cant help it, if you have a Leader like Tony Abbott that tells lies on National television,  on the 7.30 Report on ABC and he was also caught out on Four Corners in 2003 , when he was The Workplace relations Minister in the former Howard Government.
      http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/27/1061663854618.html
      The fact is that Tony Abbott has been caught out twice on the ABC for lying during an interview, goodness knows how many lies he tells when he is not participating in interviews on Television.
      One would find it hard to believe Tony Abbott whether it was written down or spoken, he appears to be a self confessed liar.

      Reply

    • Christian Real says:

      08:11am | 22/05/10

      Sophie
      Tony Abbott has not only lied on the 7.30 Report, he has lied on A Four Corners Programe in 2003 as well.
      http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/27/1061663854618.html
      The fact that he has been caught out only twice lying on National Television, questions whether anything Tony Abbott says or promises is actually the truth, regardless or whether it is spoken or written, it is hard to believe Tony Abbott is fair dinkum at anytime about anything.
      Other thing that I feel questions Tony abbott’s Loyality to the Liberal party is in his profile on Wikipedia’
      “Despite his right - wing leanings,Abbott has acknowledged he voted for Labor in the 1998 NSW state election as he thought “Barrie Unsworth was the best deal Premier that New South wales had ever had”
      “Nevertheless, Abbott then clarified that he has never voted for Labor in a federal election”
      http://en.wilkipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Abbott
      The fact remains Sophie, that in 1998, Tony Abbott was a Minister in the Former Howard government, so how could he be seen as remaining loyal to the Liberal party, it appears to be a betrayal of trust and loyality.
      Ann Sophie, if Tony Abbott has lied on National Television not once,but twice now, how many time has he lied during his spoken or written speeches?

      Reply

    • Arios says:

      11:54pm | 22/05/10

      In Japan people are allowed to cycle on the footpaths - everywhere.
      Hardcore cyclists can still ride on the road, but is certainly way more riskier.

      The footpaths provide a safe alternative for children and slower cyclists. The only downside is that pedestrians have to constantly watch out for bicycles coming through, but the Japanese are very good at ringing their bells to give pedestrians some notice - this doesn’t always go to plan and can be a little stressful for pedestrians at times.

      However on the whole, being able to cycle around freely on the footpaths absolutely reduces the number of serious cycling related injuries and fatalities.

      I honestly believe it would be a sensible and effective thing to introduce in Australia. Actually, I can’t believe that we ban even children from cycling on the footpaths and force them onto the roads. Isn’t that really a silly thing to do just because a few pedestrians get stressed about sharing the footpaths with cyclists?

      I used to agree with banning cyclists from footpaths, but after living over here, I can see the merits of it.

      Reply
 
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