No 50, January 2007

Contents
One Cyclist = One Vote! 1
Bike North at Wine, Women & Wheels 2
Never misses an opportunity 2
Lane Cove Tunnel Project Cycleway 3
A Tale of Two Trailers 3
Our Favourite Rides 4
Fitness Rides: What are they? 5
Intrepid Trio Tryout Tour de Femme 6
Day Tripper 6
North West Rail Link 7
Average Speed 7
Around the Bay in a Day: Melbourne 8
The Hills Are Alive 9
February - March Rides Calendar 9
Calendar
Other Editions

Editor: Jennifer Gilmore
Production:Gary Somers

The views expressed in Chain Mail articles are those of the authors only and do not necessarily represent either the common views shared by a majority of Bike North members, or Bike North policy as formulated by the Bike North Executive Committee.

One Cyclist = One Vote!

NSW Election March 2007 Cycling Promotion Fund Public Relations Strategy

Article by Carolyn New.

The Cycling Promotion Fund is so concerned about the state of cycling in NSW that they have engaged MATRIX Corporate Marketing to develop and implement public relations strategy to raise public awareness of cycling issues for the NSW State election. The primary objective will be to raise awareness of cycling issues amongst politicians and public servants, the secondary objectives are:

  • to create metro and local media interest in the issues of cycling in NSW
  • to further develop community awareness of cycling issues
  • to support existing bike riding advocates and groups in NSW

The strategy will be delivered through four level campaign of: direct letters, media releases, newspaper advertising and internet.

What does that mean for you?

Real impact is made through people power letters, emails, phone calls to your local candidate we will need your help in the month leading up to the election. This public relations exercise will provide the tools for BUG's and others who are keen to see better environment for cyclists in NSW. It will ensure there is consistent message at the macro level and Bike North (and other BUGÕs) will then fill in at the local level with the specific issues that apply in their area. In the final weeks of the election campaign, media releases and advertising will provide suitable environment to trigger discussion and thatÕs when we'll need you to write, make calls to talk back radio, etc.

There will be workshop / information session for BUG's in early February which all local convenors and others active in our workgroups should attend. Details and dates will be published through email news, workgroup lists and our web site. MATRIX has been engaged basically at cost for this project through their Account Director, Councillor Shayne Mallard of the City of Sydney Council, keen cyclist and supporter for cycling in that council area. Bicycle NSW Policy Recommendations Bicycle NSW has released draft of their Policy Recommendation for the 2007 State Election and beyond.

This draft policy states that cycling is one of the healthiest, affordable and ecologically sustainable forms of transport. Cycling has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life in towns and cities, community health, the environment and generate sustainable economic benefit.

These potentials remain largely unrealised in New South Wales, where shortfalls in management and coordination between arms of government have held up progress.

In summary the statement covers the need for:

  1. Whole of Government deliver coordinated 'whole of government' approach to cycling.
  2. Planning complete and implement the NSW BikePlan 2010 and develop dynamic approach to address emerging and 'latent' demand.
  3. Transport implement coordinated approach to infrastructure provision and behaviour change to facilitate the use of bikes as transport.
  4. Environment focus on the need for sustainable transport options.
  5. Health delivery of material reductions in future government spending on the health system through the encouragement of an active lifestyle.
  6. Education Šencourage cycling from an early age.
  7. Treasury and the Economy support the key health and environment policies of the National Reform Agenda.
  8. Community fund and initiate a research driven approach to improving community attitudes and behaviour.
  9. Sport and Recreation introduce effective planning and coordination of land use to provide increased infrastructure for sport, leisure and recreation.
  10. Tourism and Regional Economic Development accelerate the funding and implementation of infrastructure projects that will benefit regional development in economy and tourism.
  11. Government Accountability planning and management of progress to ensure the whole community shares in the benefits of cycling.

For further details see www.bicyclensw.org.au

The next issue of Chain Mail will include more election campaigning tips, questions to ask your candidates and specific issues relevant to your electorate.

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