Bicycle Queensland News Archive
Countdown to the Coot-tha!
Entries have now closed for Brisbane’s biggest ever day of cycling on 6 April 2008. The BQ team is preparing ride packs and timing chips for the entrants in the BDO Kendalls Brisbane Coot-tha Challenge.
Prizes for The Coot-tha go up and up. The crew at River City Cycles are putting cash and great cycling prizes on the line for the BDO Kendalls Brisbane Coot-tha Challenge:
- $500 for the fastest male & $500 for the fastest female rider up the Coot-tha
- Prize money down to 9th place
- PLUS random draw prizes for all riders including a River City Cycles Gift Voucher valued at $2,000
- Teams of ten or more will have their best 10 finishers times used to make a team time, with the fastest average team time winning $1,000
- The Coot-tha Cup is for the workplace team that records the best average time
Council elections: Brisbane commitments finalised
The local government election are on Saturday 15 March. For the Brisbane mayoral race, BQ has finally received policy information from all three leading candidates.
- The Liberals' commitment: $100 million over four years. (Four times current expenditure).
- The Labor Party's commitment: $100 million over the next four years. (Also four times current expenditure. The Labor document spells out specific projects that would be funded.)
- The Greens' commitment: $40 million per year. (About seven times current expenditure. Includes fast tracking projects currently set down for 2010-2020).
BQ encourages its members (and other cyclists across the state) to continue to let our local government candidates know that spending on cycling infrastructure has many benefits for the community in terms of transport, health and recreation.
Many promises have been made to the cycling community during these campaigns ... here's to a brighter future for cycling across Queensland.
Winning the Tour de France - what does it take?
Dinner with Stephen Hodge
How did a poker face help Miguel Indurain win 5 Tours de France?
In the sporting world the Tour de France is a unique feat of endurance and athletic endeavour, but what is special about a rider who can win five Tours in a row such as Miguel Indurain (pictured), or even seven in a row as Lance Armstrong did? Six-time Tour finisher, Olympian and SBS cycling commentator Stephen Hodge, will explain some of the less obvious mental and team attributes needed to win the 3,500km+ epic, help the winner or simply get to the end of the Tour de France.
'An evening with Stephen Hodge' - three course dinner and presentation (set menu, alternate drop, cash bar). Saturday 5 April 6.30pm @ Rydges Hotel, 9 Glenelg Street, South Bank.
Cost: $79 individual OR $710 table of 10 OR $120 special package also includes individual entry in BDO Kendalls Brisbane Coot-tha Challenge. Bookings essential - see www.bq.org.au/hodge or phone Bicycle Queensland 07 3844 1144.
Rail Trail opening
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is progressing, with a new section opening soon, from Moore to Linville, which will add to the existing section to Blackbutt. A street parade and market is planned for Moore, plus the opening of the trail at 9.30am on Sunday 25 November. Contact BQ member David Pickering (who is a member of the local rail-trail committee) via email: . David advises that he rode the 23km Linville-Blackbutt trail recently and says it's a great ride. The new Moore-Linville section adds 7km of trail, making an off-road round trip of 60km. David advises that the surface is most suitable to mountain bikes, although he rode a hybrid.
Ride to Work Wednesday
Wednesday 17 October was National Ride To Work Day. Many BQ members will already have lined up workplace breakfasts to be part of, and are encouraging workmates to ride for the first time. We're keen to hear your stories from National Ride to Work Day, so please let us know.
If you aren't involved already in a workplace breakfast and you live on the westside or southside of Brisbane, call in at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus's ride to work breakfast. National Ride to Work Day media partner the ABC will be doing a live broadcast from UQ Bicycle User Group's community breakfast, from 6am. Contact UQ BUG for details.
Queensland's biggest ride yet
Mr Steve Wilson, chairman of Wilson HTM Investment Group and the Premier, Ms Anna Bligh, were among the participants on Sunday.
More than 5700 cyclists participated in the Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge on Sunday 7 October. See All Action Photos for pictures from the day.
Stockland Caloundra Great Ocean Bike Ride, Sunday 11 November
Want to ride along the ocean-front at Caloundra with 1000 other cyclists in a big new event? (Without getting sand or salt water on your bike of course!)
BQ will run a great new mass-participation ride on the Sunshine Coast that takes advantage of some fantastic roads and bikeways built by the Caloundra Council, and hugs the ocean edge like no other!
The ride is over 30 or 55 kilometres, with a 10k kids ride as an option around Quad Park, Kawana. The longer ride covers the seaside boundary of Caloundra City from Point Cartwright to Golden Beach, with a return leg via the city.
The ride was started two years ago by Caloundra City Council to raise funds for Camp Quality and promote cycling, but the course and date has been changed to maximize enjoyment and make it a little more challenging for long-haul participants.
The ride will offer a good hitout for all levels of riders with a smooth, low traffic route with fantastic ocean and coastal views. Mark in your diaries – a weekend at the Sunshine Coast beckons! Entries now open.
Huge turnout for Vicki
Congratulations to the cyclists of Townsville, more than 1000 of whom turned out for the Vicki Porter Awareness Ride on Sunday 30 September. Vicki Porter was hit by a motorist while cycling in Townsville on the morning of Friday 6 July, rendering her unable to feel from the waist down. See the website for reports and photos from the event.
Normanby link opened
The Normanby Pedestrian and Cycle Link was opened by the Premier, Ms Anna Bligh, on Sunday, 30 September 2007. Photos and reports coming! BQ welcomes this link which provides a good route into the CBD from the north side of the city.
Eagle has landed
Bicycle Queensland has been advised that cyclists won't be banned from the Eagle St boardwalk, as good sense has prevailed. This is a tight and busy link in the Brisbane bike network, and BQ does urge all riders to go slow and be patient, as the vast majority of considerate users do. We will work to see improvements made to this link - with opportunities taken to remove some obstacles (planter boxes etc) and have this bike link enhanced.
Tour fever hits Brisbane
Six-time Tour De France racer Stephen Hodge will be speaking at Ride Inside, 4 Mollison Street, West End, on Tuesday and Wednesday 10 and 11 July, from 6.30 to 8.30pm. The evening costs $35. For that you get the chance to hear Stephen Hodge's inside scoop on his competitive secrets. Stephen will also review and analyse a completed stage, looking at tactics, team organisation, and motivation. Book online at www.rideinside.com.au or phone 07 3844 4327.
Ride Inside has offered to make a donation to Bicycle Queensland for each BQ member who attends, so don't forget to let them know you're a BQ member when you book.
ALSO:
Alliance Francaise and Epic Cycles present Detour de France.
On the eve of the Tour de France, join Alliance Francaise for an amazing insight into the most famous bike race of all.
Daniel Jones, a young Melbourne filmmaker, has made a unique documentary that takes viewers on a magical ride behind the scenes of the great race. Through the eyes of three Australians reporting on the 92nd running of La Grande Boucle, viewers will be outrageously entertained!
Friday July 6th, 6.30 for a 7pm screening, Alliance Française, level 1 191 George Street, Brisbane. The event is free, but rsvp is essential. Contact Alliance Française by phone (07) 3221 7957.
News from 2006
Perrin Park Children's Bikepath Opening
(posted 28 September 2006)
Kids and parents are invited to come along to the opening of the Perrin Park Children's Bike Path in Toowong on Sunday 1st October from 10am-midday. The 527m bike path circuit will give young people the opportunity to ride bikes and tricycles safely off the road. This project was funded by the Toowong Ward Councillor, Judy Magub.
At the opening there will be:
- Free sausage sizzle by the Rotary Club of Indooroopilly
- Competitions and family bike skills activities
- Geckoes Wildlife Display
- Roving entertainer Bobby Dazzler
- Information from Brisbane City Council on cycling and keeping Active and Healthy
- Free bike safety checks for kids by Epic Cycles
- The "5 High Jazz" group
For those feeling active, meet Bushranger Bikes at the Guyatt Park Rotunda at 9:30am for a group bike ride to Perrin Park, arriving at 10:15am. We hope to see you there!
CBD Master Plan
(posted 3 September 2006)
The Brisbane City Council has released the Brisbane City Centre Master Plan (find a copy at: mp3.news.com.au/bcm/ccm.pdf).
It involves many great ideas for making the Brisbane CBD a better place to cycle, walk and even live. Some outcomes improving accessibility for cycling include:
Part B - Action Plan
Major Initiatives & Demonstration Projects: Integrated Transport Network
1(d) Develop minimum standards for new public transport interchanges, including connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, end trip facilities, and safety and design guidelines.
3(d) Advocate for enhanced integration between train services and cyclists, for example through provision of a dedicated carriage for bikes on train services.
4(h) Continue to provide for bicycles on buses and expand these opportunities.
Major Initiatives & Demonstration Projects: City Heart
2(b) Establish a cycle centre (large public bike parking facility and end-of-trip service centre) near King George Square.
3(a) Include and on-road bike lane along the entire length of both sides of Adelaide Street.
Major Initiatives & Demonstration Projects: Roma Street
2(a) Support the State Government initiative of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge from Tank Street to Millennium Arts.
2(b) Ensure good direct connections into the CBD from this bridge as well as to the Bicentennial Bikeway and Riverwalk.
Major Initiatives & Demonstration Projects: Western Gateway
3(a) Landscape and enhance pedestrian and cycle access across William Jolly Bridge.
Major Initiatives & Demonstration Projects: Northern Gateway
1(a) Ensure proposals to create a gateway feature at Centenary Park, with associated transport initiatives, improve accessibility and pedestrian and cyclist safety and amenity between the CBD and Fortitude Valley.
Major Initiatives & Demonstration Projects: Edward & Queen Streets
1(b) Provide a contra-flow bike lane along the full length of Edward Street to Kangaroo Point.
2(a) Support the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge from Edward Street to Kangaroo Point.
2(b) Ensure good direct connections into the CBD from this bridge as well as to the Bicentennial Bikeway and Riverwalk.
Major Initiatives & Demonstration Projects: Albert & Alice Streets
2(a) Reorganise the Alice Street traffic network to: [among other points] include an off-road path and cyclists along Alice Street, connecting with Riverwalk at either end, so cyclists are separated from vehicles; incorporate on-street bike parking on Alice Street near the Albert Street intersection.
Major Initiatives & Demonstration Projects: North Bank
1(e) Promote strong pedestrian and cycle links through the North Bank development, linking and enhancing existing networks. For example, enhance the quality and extent of the Bicentennial Bikeway and Riverwalk by extending it between Victoria Bridge and QUT by removing public car parking.
1(g) Investigate demand for secure bike parking (i.e. cage) near the Elizabeth and William Street intersection.
Strategy Initiatives: Transport Strategy
2(a) Redesign intersections to improve convenience, safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. Priority intersections include: William and Queen Streets, and North Quay and Victoria Bridge; North Quay and Skew Street; and William Jolly Bridge.
2(b) Ensure there are appropriate and convenient connections between the Bicentennial Bikeway and Riverwalk and the CBD. Specific connections include: Eagle and Margaret Streets; existing Victoria, William Jolly and Story Bridges (including steep Ivory Lane gradient); Roma Street Parklands to Kelvin Grove; future Hale Street Bridge.
2(c) Provide a safe and convenient cycle network for movement within the city-centre. These initiatives are largely incorporated within each demonstration project. An additional component would include a cycle lane along both sides of George Street if it becomes a two-way traffic street
2(d) Enhance the quality and extent of the Bicentennial Bikeway and Riverwalk by ensuring future work provide uniform paving surface markings and a minimum width of four metres.
2(e) Continue to promote and provide readily available information for cyclists e.g. BCC publications or website, about cycle routes and facilities.
2(f) Undertake education programs for both cyclists and pedestrians about the safe use of shared bike and pedestrian paths. However, continue a works program to separate pedestrians and cyclists where safety concerns are unlikely to otherwise be resolved.
Strategy Initiatives: Public Domain Strategy
2(a) Connect major community destinations with active and green links that support pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
Critical links are from the: Botanic Gardens to Roma Street Parklands; Queen Street Mall, north to Eagle Street and the river; and to South Brisbane. Roma Street Parklands to both the western and northern suburbs.
Strategy Initiatives: Neighbourhood Plan Initiatives (Cyclists)
(a) Ensure development proposals incorporate the full range of end-of-journey facilities including showers and lockers (commercial and retail space) and bike storage (residential) at a rate that meets users needs.
Strategy Initiatives: Neighbourhood Plan Initiatives (River)
(b) Ensure river promenade areas are wide enough to accommodate activities, pedestrians and cyclists and cater for emergency services access.
BQ applauds this document and will work with the BCC to ensure its delivery. Many initiatives were in BQ's submission to the planning process. It's particularly pleasing that many stakeholders in the Master planning who were not involved in cycling were supportive of key initiatives to increase cycling.
The vision of a great city, and state, being one where bicycles are easily used and popular, is becoming increasingly well-respected amongst many. We look forward, and will keep working, to see it become the norm!
New Subcommittees off to a flying start!
(posted 27 August 2006)
BQ has been overwhelmed with the level of interest from members and others wanting to be on our new subcommittees. As we told you in last Qld Cyclist, BQ has instituted a series of subcommittees on membership, cycling development and events, to help the management committee and get more people involved in our development.
The Cycling Development and Advocacy Subcommittee meet in early August. This nine member group, with two guests, includes ac couple of civil engineers, an economist, a Professor of Medicine, and a great range of other backgrounds and interests. The initial meeting was bought up to speed on BQ, and discussed a range of topics and ideas. The lively and robust discussion about all manner of things, bodes well this creative group coming up with some good ideas to advance the interests of cycling.
TOP ROW (standing):David Minter, David Russell, Emma Scragg, Bruce
Mawhinney, Liam McCarthy, Craig Thompson BOTTOM ROW (seated): Bill Loveday,
John Wright, Andrew Whitby (& on speaker phone Chris Del Mar)
The Membership Subcommittee met the next night, and its five members, and guest, had a similarly entertaining and productive meeting. This subcommittee includes three very astute women of media and communications backgrounds. They intend to look at some ways of promoting and improving aspects of the membership side of BQ. Members, include Christine Mullins, Jana Novak, Andrea Ferris, John Franklin, Bill Loveday and Michael Hogan.
The third subcommittee to examine the Events side of BQ's operations will meet in December. It is gratifying to see such an active interest in cycling and BQ from its members, and we will report further on the doings of these groups. Watch this space!
National Ride2Work Day 2006
(posted 19 August 2006)
Whether you're a regular cycle-commuter or you're just thinking about having a go, now is the time to start planning for Ride to Work Day on Wednesday 4 October 2006. Join riders from all states and territories as they discover the fun of starting their day another way.
Workplaces from around Australia will run workplace breakfasts to encourage new riders and celebrate commuter cycling. Participants will have the opportunity to win prizes and take part in the launch of Australia’s first national commuter cycling event.
Ride to Work Day 2006 is being co-ordinated by Bicycle Victoria with national funding assistance from the Australian Greenhouse Office and the Department of Health and Ageing. Bicycle Victoria will supply promotional posters, postcards and support material for new riders. Bicycle Queensland will work with you at the local level by providing cycling route maps and advice, help with cycling workshops and assistance with organising your breakfast (including financial assistance if necessary.)
How to get involved
- Go to www.ride2work.com.au and find out more about how you can make Ride to Work DayTM go off with a bang in your workplace. There are loads of prizes and incentives on offer to individual participants and workplaces around Australia.
- Make sure your participation is counted so we can build the event in 2007 and beyond. Register as an individual participant at www.ride2work.com.au and go in the draw to win prizes including a commuter bike valued at over $1000.
- Order a free promotional kit for your workplace at www.ride2work.com.au.
Opportunity To Get Involved In Making BQ More Effective
(posted 23 June 2006)
Bicycle Queensland Sub-committees
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
BQ is seeking expressions of interest from members to participate in a number of sub-committees to help advise and assist the Management Committee, in the execution of its duties and to allow detailed consideration of matters. Sub-committees will be chaired by a committee member but may include: any member of the association, employees or any other person with desirable experience and skills. Proposed sub-committees are:
- Cycling Development (5-7 members) first meeting - August 2006
- Membership (5-7 members) first meeting - August 2006
- Events (6-8 members) first meeting - December 2006
Cycling Development & Advocacy
Will meet bi-monthly and its responsibilities are:
- research cycling development in other locations and organisations and identify strategies, programs and resources useful to BQ
- build BQ’s knowledge base
- provide material useful for ongoing development of BQ
- on request assist in the preparation of submissions for specific matters
Membership
Will meet twice a year and its responsibilities are:
- research possibilities and prioritise preferred options for improving member services
- research possibilities and prioritise options for generating growth
- research and prioritise options for ways of engaging the membership in BQ’s activities
Events
Will meet twice a year and its responsibilities are:
- assess past events’ performance
- improve marketing of future events
- assess event demand and participant perception
- assess operations for potential improvements
- assist in planning sponsor recruitment
Expressions of Interest are called for by all and any interested persons.
BQ is looking for interested people with experience/expertise in cycling, organisations, event management or areas of related interest. Applicants should have enthusiasm, drive, a love of cycling and want to be part of Queensland’s leading cycling organisation as a volunteer. Any interested person should submit an expression of interest (maximum one page) outlining what they can bring to the organisation, by 14 July 2006, or direct further enquiries to:
Bicycle Queensland
PO Box 8321
Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Fax: 07 3844 7094
Email: president@bq.org.au
The Subcommittee EOI is available as a pdf.
$4 Million for Toowong-Mt Coot-tha Crossing
(posted 1 June 2006)
Bicycle Queensland has welcomed an announcement by the State Government to build a north-south crossing for cyclists and pedestrians at the Toowong end of the Western Freeway.
The $4 million project will see either a pedestrian overpass or underpass linking the Western Freeway Bikeway at Toowong with the Botanic Gardens and Mt Coot-tha.
The announcement comes after much lobbying by cyclists and the local community - a recent e-petition calling for a safe crossing was signed by more that 1400 people.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said the present combination of a roundabout and very high traffic flow in the area presented a number of challenges to cyclists and pedestrians wanting to cross the freeway.
"This crossing will make it safer and easier for people to access facilities in the adjoining area," he said.
Member for Mt Coot-tha, Andrew Fraser, said the funding announcement was a victory for the local community.
"The Toowong Roundabout has acted like a giant roadblock for pedestrians and cyclists and this project will greatly enhance safety and link up major local destinations such as Mt Coot-th Botanical Gardens, Anzac Park, the Western Freeway Bikeway and Toowong State School," he said.
"The exact design of the safe crossing is still subject to detailed feasibility and community consultation - but make no mistake here we have committed the funds to build a safe crossing one way or the other."
The project is due for completion in June 2008 and design concept plans for the safe crossing will go out to community consultation next month.
Cycling Is a Solution to Australia's Obesity Problems
(posted 17 May 2006)
A NSW parliamentary inquiry into children, young people and the built environment, was told that the humble bicycle may be a key to solving the obesity crisis sweeping much of the world. Further, obesity rates were increasing in almost all parts of the world except in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr Tim Gill, of the Centre for Public Health and Nutrition at the University of Sydney, said, Australia and the United States had among the highest obesity rates in the world. But even poorer countries such as Iraq were catching up. They're starting at a much lower rate, but their rate of increase is extremely similar in Brazil, Japan, China, India, and South Africa.
Dr Gill added, although the citizens of Denmark and the Netherlands had become heavier in the past few years, they had lower obesity rates than the rest of Europe. He attributed this to their fondness of cycling and walking, and the infrastructure that enabled them to do this. Dr Gill said, "They have poor diets, eat lots of meat, lots of high-fat foods but they have cycling infrastructure and walking infrastructure which is pervasive."
In their submission to the inquiry, Dr Gill and other Sydney University academics said, improved infrastructure such as better cycle ways and playing fields are needed to enable young people to exercise more. Including more cycle ways to sporting venues and shopping centres.
"If we could get everyone doing a little bit more or eating a little bit less, we could prevent the obesity epidemic at the population level," Dr Gill said.
State Of The Art Cycle Centre Planned For The City
(posted 8 May 2006)
May 4 - Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas have announced plans to create a world-class bike facility to kick-start a healthier city heart.
Speaking at the Obesity Summit at Parliament House, the Premier described the end-of- trip facility planned for Brisbane's King George Square car park as a place cyclists can park their ride, freshen up and get ready for work, as well as make bike repairs for the journey home.
"The Lord Mayor and I know only too well the benefits of beginning the day by getting outside for some exercise and it's pretty clear that the best way to get your mind into gear for a busy day is starting with outdoor exercise," Mr Beattie said.
Mr Beattie said the new Cycle Centre planned for Brisbane's CBD would mean more people who worked in the city would soon be able to make getting to work their daily exercise.
"This facility will feature 432 secure storage facilities for cyclists and walkers, shower and change facilities, hair-drying stations, bike repair facilities and a drop off point for laundry. All these facilities will be under the one roof, so it'll be a one-stop shop for the city's health conscious," Mr Beattie said.
Councillor Newman said Brisbane had a wonderful subtropical climate with some of the most tempting parks and riverside stretches begging for people to get outside and enjoy. "Delivering a first-rate cycling centre in the heart of our city will be another step on the road to realising one of the key goals of the Draft CityCentre Masterplan - creating a smart thinking, pedestrian and cycling friendly city," Cr Newman said.
Cr Newman said a lack of suitable storage and change facilities for the city's growing number of joggers, walkers and cyclists had been a major impediment for people who wanted to cycle or jog to work.
"The construction of a world class end-of-trip cycling facility was one of my key policy initiatives and I'm delighted to work with the State Government in a collaborative and cooperative way to deliver important social and green transport infrastructure for our city and its visitors," Cr Newman said.
Minister Lucas said Governments at all levels were realising the benefits of cycling and other green modes of transport.
"The development of an end-of-trip cycling facility is a great way to tackle head-on some of the 21st century's increasing community problems, like increasing obesity and declining health condition and fitness levels," Mr Lucas said.
Mr Lucas said there were also wider benefits to the community and workplaces - with studies showing cyclists were generally more punctual, take less sick days and have increased productivity.
"This is a win-win for workers and their employers," Mr Lucas said.
Mr Lucas said construction of the proposed Cycle Centre would coincide with the construction of the final link of the Inner Northern Busway (INB), which is another joint project between the Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government.
"The INB will improve journey times for buses servicing the northern suburbs," Mr Lucas said.
The facility, due for completion in 2008, is expected to cost about $4.6 million.
Intrigue With A Dash Of Chaos: 10-speed dating
Written for us by a 10-speed dating participant ...
(posted 9 March 2006)
Ready to start speed dating on wheels.
A new addition to the colourful events at bike week was the intriguing 10-speed dating event. Despite the mystery around how such an event would work, a solid turnout of over 50 expectant cyclists of all ages arrived at the Pagoda at Southbank. A mixture of wheel-sizes and getouts offered plenty of diversity for prospective pedaling partners. Some shone in racing lycra, others wore thongs (on their feet), some arrived in work garb and one dressed in brown to tie in with the 70’s theme that goes with 10-speeds.
Having never been on any form of organized dating, I was intrigued to find out how the 10-speed version would go. I think my curiosity was shared by the BQ organising team. The logistics of the ride were sorted out as we went. After issuing of name tags and a slightly chaotic start, we headed off in formation - two lanes, one of women, one of men. Slow pace and encouragement to spread out (for privacy’s sake) created a noisy bike train which twinkled red and white as the daylight faded. When the horn on the loudspeaker blasted, it was time for the men to move forward to the next contender and talk bikes and biking or more personal things.
The dating route followed the river to Hill End and back, allowing plenty of time to meet most of the opposite line and exchange all sorts of information. The riding pace was slow but avoided prangs between riders deep in conversation or those intent on making good eye contact.
Time with each rider shortened as we neared the end of the ride at the far end of Southbank, where a long table awaited us for more lingering conversation. Helmet hair (or not) was revealed as our skid lids were removed and bikes stowed in a clump on the boardwalk. With everyone still smiling at the long table, under brighter lights, we refuelled after the gentle ride and were able to assess the scene.
I’m not sure what the statistical outcome of the ride was (in terms of pairing up) but could be running hot over the next few days.
Ride to Work Day
(posted 8 March 2006)
King George Square covered with a sea of bikes and riders.
About 1000 commuting cyclists were rewarded for their efforts with a free breakfast in King George Square, Brisbane, today.
Ride To Work Day 2006 lived up to its role as a reminder to political decision makers of the growing voice of cycling. Federal and State MPs and local Councillors rode to King George Square ... some from as far away as Jindalee.
Keith Murfet from Springwood won a 'Yeah' folding bike from Epic Cycles, the major prize of the day.
Riders munched on the free breakfast courtesy of sponsors Queensland Transport and Brisbane City Council, sipped free Merlo's espresso coffee, slurped down 800 free Emma & Toms Juices, gulped chocolate milk and yoghurt from Pura, and ate 900 free sausages cooked by Kippa-Ring Lions Club. We hope they still managed to fit through the front door at work after all that free food!
Plenty more great Bike Week events over the next couple of days: free movies! free leisure rides! free seminar on getting into road racing! For more information about everything that is happening in Bike Week please see the Bike Week Events Page.