Cycling might be just the thing we've been looking for

One thing I'll always commend the Savings & Loans staff on is the way that they embrace new ideas and the passion they have for getting behind worthwhile initiatives. The hundreds of hours they spend volunteering every year is obviously a great example of this, as is the enthusiasm everyone at Savings & Loans has shown to becoming more environmentally-conscious in the workplace: anyone caught leaving a light on in their office is very quickly brought back into line!

Sometimes the deep interest of our staff is unintended, but still very much welcome. When we started sponsoring the Savings & Loans Cycling Team we had no idea of the direction the team would take. In the past few years they’ve moved from a group of amateur riders taking on mainly state-based competition to a professional outfit that has just returned from racing in Japan.

On top of this, many of our staff have taken a keen interest in cycling – both in the recreational and commuting sense. We’ve had groups of staff members take on the Savings & Loans Coast to Coast, events with the Tour Down Under and the epic Around the Bay in a Day. There’s also a growing number of staff riding their bikes into work, which has more benefits than you might realise at first.

One of the cyclists at work sent me a link to a news story a month or so ago about a report that states cycling saves taxpayers more than $290 million a year in terms of health and traffic costs. Now these are obviously some big numbers and I haven’t had time to read the full report but even if the savings are half those listed, getting on the bike could become more important and common as things happen.

You only have to look at the popularity of the Tour de France to see how big cycling is in some parts of the world. And with names like Robbie McEwen and Cadel Evans making headlines here and overseas, it looks like things can only get bigger.

Australians seem to be catching on to the cycling bug, with events like the Tour Down Under and Herald Sun Tour bringing some of the best teams in the world to our shores. I know there’s been discussion lately about tensions in the ProTour, of which the TDU is a part, but I don’t think that will have a big impact on people taking up the sport recreationally.

Infrastructure is obviously an important factor in encouraging people to get use their bikes more. There just aren’t enough bike lanes and cyclists need to be on their toes (figuratively speaking) when riding through city streets. Also, I’ve often wondered what road designers think cyclists are meant to do when bike lanes come to an end – are they expected to turn around and go back to where they came from?

Workplaces need to make accommodation for cyclists, too. Obvious facilities such as bike racks and emergency tool kits need to be available, but if cycling becomes more popular in a workplace then extra changing room and locker facilities are also required. Maybe employers need to become more flexible with start and finish times so their staff can get to work a little later in the morning, or earlier so they’re not riding home in the dark?

Of course, as well as the health benefits of getting more exercise – something many of us could take on board – riding a bike for transport rather than recreation could help relieve some of the pressure of rising fuel prices. It’s probably not practical for doing the weekly shopping (unless you attach a small trailer!) but for short trips it could be perfect. I’m sure we’ve all seen cyclists overtaking us as we’re waiting at traffic lights on the way to work!

Cycling to work obviously isn’t a possibility for everyone (or even in all seasons). I know that a 50km round trip in the wind and rain isn’t really appealing for most people, and your options are severely limited if you live in the outer suburbs. If you ride to work, what are some tips you can offer others?

If you don’t jump on a bike to commute, what do you think could make you change your mind?

Comments

[James]

Good post Greg.

I currently live in Norwood and ride my bike to work in town whenever possible (rain is no fun), as it's cheaper and it keeps me fit. Having said that, I rode to work today... and it seems likely that I will be riding home in the rain.

I ride BMX as a pastime, so I ride my BMX to work... some people may think it looks a bit dorky, but it is a short stop and start ride, and my bike is far more nimble than 26" equivilent.

Bike lanes used to be few and far between through the city, although this is changing... slowly.

I think more important than bike lanes is being assertive and making your presence known. You don't need to be obnoxious about it, but standing in front of of cars in the far left lane at red lights (of course moving out of the way when the light is going to go green) gets most peoples attention, so they are concious of you when the light goes green.

I don't know if this is a tip, or an observation... but if you ride through the city regularly, you're going to get hit by a car at some point. A lot of the time it isn't really very nasty, just a bump and a bruise, but you need to be very aware of what's going on.

One particular blackspot I found when living out north was King William street in town, in particular between North Terrace and the square. Taxi drivers tend to be erratic through there, so watch out for the cab ranks... they pull out without notice. Innatentive busdrivers will sometimes sandwhich you into the curb. Oh and watch out for cars looking to turn left, without checking for cyclists... of course.

One other point I will make is that it's easy to underestimate how long it takes to ride somewhere. Previously living in Northgate, I often found that I would arrive in the city before a bus that I used to catch, simply because I could skip all of the traffic light lineups.... and that was riding a single speed BMX. A road bicycle could probably get there in 3/4 of the time with half of the effort.

And don't forget - you will save money on petrol, and you will get fit.

[Adrian Marshall]

Nice work on the cycling blog S & L! I have been riding from Broadview to the City each working day for a few years now. My experiences are the same but a little different, I agree with all the parts but on the whole I disagree (sorry Simpson's quote). No really, James makes some good points. I definitely agree that being in front and visible is the way to go and on the whole drivers are accommodating when you establish eye contact with them or signal clearly. Time and $ savings are indeed measurable and satisfying. James mentions being hit by cars which is a bit concerning. I find drivers more tolerant in traffic in the mornings, I stick to bike lanes and minor roads in the evenings because drivers seem to be in a hurry to get home.

[Not Given]

Cycling might be what you are looking for...

to divert our attention from your unfair new fee structure ??

You can't take money from member and give it to cyclists just because someone there has a personal interest.
What we are looking for is good value accounts.

[Greg]

I've often thought that it would be good if us people who live in the outer suburbs could take our bikes on to the o-bahn/train etc. This would eliminate the long distance but still allow us to get from home to a central bus station and from the drop off point to work. It's often these short trips that increase the commuting time by the most (eg: pickups, catching a connecting bus, walking time etc)

[Jess]

I think that you can take your bike on the train already, or I know that you could in the past.

My brother lives out by Gawler and I know he has taken his bike on the train to Mawson Lakes to visit his girlfriend, I'm not sure if this is the only one that you can or if it is for all trains.

Buses would be a good place to have this flexibility as well, however as most of us know, at peak times buses can get quite cramped, and there isn't much space to allow for bikes.

It would definately encourage a few more people to ride though, having cut most of their journey shorter with a train or bus ride.

[Greg Connor]

@”Not Given” – I do like to vary the topics discussed on the blog. The post about fees is still available online for members to read.

Our support of the Savings & Loans Cycling Team isn’t just giving money to cyclists – it’s a commercial agreement that helps increase our brand awareness and draw more people to the credit union, which helps make us more efficient. The partnership also complements our environmental initiatives.

[James]

You can jump on a train with your bike.

However, during peak hours you need to pay for a ticket for your bike. I believe that you only require a concession ticket for your bike (not a standard priced ticket).

I cannot recall the peak time for morning trains, but afternoons is 3-6pm. Outside of peak times, no need to pay for your bike.

Buses and trams do not allow bikes on board.

[Rob Tuck]

I think we need to let local Councils and the Dept of Transport know that cyclists are not happy with the way that many bike lanes just end short of junctions and roundabouts.It is just not good enough and shows a lack of care and planning for vulnerable road users. There should at least be signs saying" Watch for bikes" (I have seen existing signs like this), or, "Cyclists merging" at these points,otherwise it gives the message that cyclists are not important enough to make proper provision for at the most dangerous parts of the highway.
The habit of road repair crews of blocking bike lanes with warning signs should surely be stopped as well. Apparently it is acceptable to place them there! The message to motorists seems to be that the bike lane is not important anyway so we can block it if we want to.