Home EmailingsEmailing

Date: 11/6/2024
Subject: Bike North Newsletter 6 November 2024
From: Bike North


6 November 2024	Your Bike North Newsletter

Bike Gains in Council Elections

The recent Council Elections have seen some important gains for bike riding in the north.

In North Sydney, where there was a concerted effort to oppose the Sydney Harbour Bridge Ramp, the supportive Mayor was returned with an increased majority and even the Liberal candidates included active transport in their election platform. A group, formed specifically to oppose the ramp, failed to win a position. This will be the most supportive North Sydney Council ever. Next door in Willoughby, Bike North member, Tanya Taylor, was returned as Mayor, with an increase in support. Bike North member, Andrew Nelson, was elected for the first time to Willoughby Council. Small gains in other areas such as Lane Cove will see an improved overall foundation for bike issues.

Bike North sent letters to all candidates in the election and more than 60 responded with support for active transport. That is half of all lead candidates engaged with our agenda. We would like to think this had an impact on the results of the election and provides a platform for us to engage with the new councils about cycle conditions in northern Sydney.

Do you know a councillor you can talk to about cycle issues? Do you have suggestions about issues the Advocacy Team should pursue? Contact your local advocate through advocacy@bikenorth.org.au .

David Thomson, Advocacy Coordinator

Training to become a Pino Pilot

I hope you’ve enjoyed the recent articles about the Pino tandems. We use these to take people for rides who want to ride but cannot on their own, for example because they are vision-impaired, have MS or are otherwise unable. Then there are people who can ride independently but want to focus on taking photos and videos - the Pino is a videographer's dream moving platform!

The person at the back of the tandem does the steering, braking, gear changing etc. They are called the ‘Pilot’.

Bike North member Gary Hackett is making these bikes available to us and will train anyone who wants to become a Pilot.

Being a Pilot is not for everyone. Pilots need to be competent and confident riders. After all, they are responsible for the person at the front. If you are interested to see what it would like to become a Pilot, Gary is running an introductory Pilot training session for a small number of people. It will be at 8:00-11:00am on 11 November, at Sydney Olympic Park. Nearby parking is easy and the plan is to ride the Pinos to coffee as part of the session.

Please let me know if you would like to attend. I can then give you more details about the location.

Phill Hart, President, president@bikenorth.org.au

Get Your Kit - Bike North Team Shop Now Open

Bike North’s online team shop is now open – visit https://teamshop.cuore.ch/bike-north to place your order for Bike North branded kit by 15 November.

Just in time for summer, we have a range of items that will make you look snazzy whilst protecting yourself from UV rays including our ALL NEW long sleeved jerseys and sun protection arms!

Bike North jerseys feature:

‘Bronze’ cut for a more relaxed design than the previous release, yet still offers body-hugging fit for comfort (order up a size if unsure)
Ultra lightweight sport vent fabric combines lightness, casualness and breathability
Moisture-wicking fabric supports body temperature regulation and comfort
Three back pockets and one small, zippered pocket
Bike North colours and logo
SPF50 material
Available in short sleeve in a range of sizes from XXS to 4XL

Visit our online team shop and order before 15 November for delivery before Christmas. https://teamshop.cuore.ch/bike-north .

If you have any questions, please direct them to projects@bikenorth.org.au .

For Sale

Bike North vest women’s size M. Not worn. $80
Call or text Beth O’Leary 0403243559

The Bikes that Ate Amsterdam

There have been mutterings recently about how bicycles have taken over Amsterdam, making life miserable and dangerous for pedestrians. The mutterings have relevance to my recent Dutch solo, self-supported cycling tour. It’s such a shame that many tourists see only/mainly Amsterdam. Having just cycled extensively in the Dutch countryside, the other major cities, and plenty of towns, I say that Dutch cycling works a treat, including for pedestrians. It’s exhilarating to be immersed in a culture where “Bicycles Rule”, where all drivers are sometime cyclists, their families all cycle, etc.

And The Netherlands is quite scenic and “livable” (climate aside for a Sydneysider).

So why not go for it!

Richard Kelly has written a fascinating and informative article about a recent trip cycling through The Netherlands. For the full article and photos click here.

7000 Cyclists Make a Difference!

Just under 7,000 entrants tackled The Gong Ride on Sunday 3 November. After last year's event being cancelled due to flooding, the "weather gods" gave us perfect weather, with a tailwind for the latter half of the ride.

The official Bike North team consisted of nine riders, although other members also participated. The Gong Ride aims to raise money for MS Australia and it was pleasing to see almost $4,000 raised by the team.

It was also good to see Bike North members Cliff and Helen Brake working as volunteers at Waterfall.

Brian Lynne - Rides Coordinator and Gong Rider

Santa wins the Election!

No matter how you feel about the US elections you are probably needing a distraction and something to look forward to. Here it is - Santa Season wins our vote for Sunday 1 December and the Christmas Big Rides Day!

There are already rides available on the Calendar for you to book but the choice will be growing every week.

Lunch will be provided by the Club( and social committee).

Not planning to ride? No problem . . . but you must book so that you don't miss out . Book your spot as Attending Social (not riding).

All bookings will close 2 days before the ride!!!!

All rides will end at the lunch venue of Hill Pavilion Bicentennial Park where we can meet up with cycling friends to celebrate the year.

Start planning your outfit for you and your bike with a Christmas Theme.

Christmas Big Rides Day - Sunday 1 December 2024 - book the day in your diary!

Inaugural Me Bahn Mi Ride - first to Cabramatta

Ten riders enjoyed the famous Vietnamese bread roll packed with fillings and flavour on this inaugural ride recently.

We wandered through the shops and stalls that were selling Asian fruit, vegies, snacks, & desserts including sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, pearl bubble teas and sesame balls.

Next food & cultural destination is Bankstown in 2 weeks' time!

Marjorie Au, Ride Leader

CHAIN REACTION ARTICLE DEADLINE

Bike North members are keen to hear about your rides and ideas. Send your article, either within an email or as an attached Word document, and separately attached images (jpeg files please) to news@bikenorth.org.au by 4pm each Tuesday for publication in our weekly newsletter Chain Reaction or for your article to be added to our News library.
Before sending your ideas please read the Guidelines for Contributors .

Submit your article

BICYCLE NSW DISCOUNT

Did you know that membership of Bike North entitles you to a 15% discount on a membership to Bicycle NSW? Use code 15NORTH when you join or renew. Bicycle NSW members receive global, comprehensive (personal accident and public liability) rider insurance and a range of other benefits as well as advocacy and legal support.

Find out more

Return to Previous Page