"The Home of Cycling in SA"

This Friday 21st January the Tour Down Under, Stage 4, starts from Norwood. This day is particularly special because not only do we get the see the world's best racing cyclists take off from the Parade at 11 a.m., we are also hosting the sunrise start of the Mutual Community Challenge Tour at 6.30 a.m. This is significant because this is the race that is open to any rider who wishes to have a go. The participation rate has continually grown since its inception in 2003 and this year more than 8000 people are expected to ride.

I am personally very excited to see the popularity of cycling growing in SA, not just as an elite sport but as an everyday activity that a huge section of our community can take part in, at a wide range of levels. I hope to see our culture adapting to accept bicycle users of every ability, and for the whole gamut of reasons that people may choose to ride a bike.

Even more encouraging is to see from the most recent NPSP Council Meeting (Council Meeting Agenda 17/1/11 page 2, Item 9.1) that the Mayor Robert Bria has proposed that the Council acknowledge the Norwood Cycling Club for its contribution to cycling in South Australia and Australia by commissioning an historic sign post and a cultural walk plaque.

In conjunction with this year's Tour Down Under, the Council is promoting Norwood as "the Home of Cycling in SA".

Acknowledging the historical contributions of Norwood Cycling Club is likely to be just one of many actions that the Council may take in the upcoming years to promote and encourage cycling as a valuable and practical mode of transport, recreation and healthy activity. In the context of sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, it is clear that the bicycle has a large role to play in our future.

Both myself and the Council's newly appointed Sustainability Officer Kelly Overeem have attended the Australian Cycling Conference this week. (I was attending on behalf of the Bicycle Institute of SA in my capacity as Secretary). This was a conference aimed squarely at urban planners, transport planners, stakeholders from the Transport, Public Health and Recreation sectors,  and local and state government policy makers.

The Conference presented a wealth of practical ideas combined with long time vision that I hope the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters will be able to integrate into its planning and development, and in the process take the position of "leader", not "follower" as it works to truly make Norwood the home of cycling in SA.

BISA Community Ride for Adelaide's Future

Sunday 17th is the day of the inaugural BISA Community Ride for Adelaide's Future. The event is both a celebration of all that is good about riding a bike, and all that is good about our city, as well as an opportunity to meet local government candidates and bring the need for safer cycling infrastructure and policies to the attention of all levels of government.

When you use a bike, even for a short trip or a relaxing Sunday pastime, you are part of a system that is moving you around, increasing health, doesn't create pollution or cause damage to the road, and increases overall enjoyment of life. If you are able to use a bike, and feel safe and confident doing it, it is such a great feeling.

I have been part of the organising committee for this event, and I am very proud of my colleagues for all the work they have done in engaging both the general community, and council candidates from around Adelaide.

We may have some special guests there too.

Bring a picnic in your panniers or backpack. Hope to see you there.

Adelaide PARK(ing) Day

Friday 17th September was a great day for reclaiming a bit of public space and engaging with the community through art and fun. I took part in the inaugural Adelaide PARK(ing) Day with Bicycle Institute of South Australia's "Bicycle Workshop". BISA is hoping to open up the "Adelaide Community Bicycle Workshop" as soon as we can find a home... perhaps in the council area of Norwood Payneham & St Peters? On the day, we rented our space for $2.40 an hour outside the Law Courts on Gouger St.

BISA, through the ACBW, wants to make owning, using and maintaining a bicyle fun and easy, helping people to be able to work on their own bikes and meet up with other folks who love tinkering, designing, riding and hanging out.

The Adelaide PARK(ing) Day was organised on a volunteer basis by a group of young local architects and urban planners, based on the international movement started a few years back in San Francisco. From the Adelaide PARK(ing) Day website:

"PARK(ing) Day is all about:

• Calling attention to the importance of urban public spaces
• Rethinking the way we use our streets
• Creating diverse conversations about design and how we make sustainable cities

"PARK(ing) Day aims to cultivate your civic pride and invites you to consider the role you- the citizen- play in conceiving, building and improving your local urban environment" Rebar 2009

I had a great time being involved with this community event, and I would like to see more community events taking place in Norwood Paynehanm & St Peters, building on the vibrant festival tradition that we have.

Photos by Jeremy Miller