Parliamentary hearings can be a bit stuffy, but if you’re interested, come along. Having a presence there will help demonstrate to politicians that the public’s concerned about this issue (if they haven’t already realised!!). It’s also worth hearing what bike advocacy groups, Andrew Tivendale, and James Cross’s parents, have to say about car dooring and cyclist safety.

Where: Parliament of Victoria, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne

When: Wednesday 23 May at 8.00pm, meeting at 7.30pm outside Parliament.
If you get there late just go inside and report to the front desk – they’ll tell you where to go.

Speakers: Bicycle Victoria, the Road Safety Action Group Inner Melbourne, Amy Gillett Foundation, Andrew Tivendale, the parents of James Cross, and Melbourne Bicycle User Group.

You can read Melbourne BUG’s submission to the hearing here (PDF).

More details of the hearing are here.

The meeting starts at 7.30 pm and will finish around 9.00 pm.

Food and drinks can be purchased there. We meet at the little dining room out the back. Members and guests are welcome!
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/04/694/feed 0 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/04/693 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/04/693#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:33:43 +0000 gcross http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/04/693 Update: due to the bad weather, tonight’s ride has been cancelled!

The next Moreland BUG ride is the ANZAC Glow Stick Ride and the details are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 25 April 2012

When & Where to meet: 7pm in front of the Noise Bar (on the corner of the Upfield Path and Albert Street, Brunswick)

Description: Ride to the Espy (Hotel Esplanade) in St. Kilda via St. Kilda Road and enjoy free live music, drinks and good company.

Make sure to lighten up your bike with usual or unusual lighting devices!

If you have any questions send an email to secretary@morelandbug.org.
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/04/693/feed 0 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/692 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/692#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:55:12 +0000 gcross http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/692 Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail Ride

Date: 24 and 25 of March 2012

Where and when to meet?

Option 1: Meet us at the Noise Bar (corner of Upfield Path and Albert Street), 9:00 am Saturday and ride to Flinders Street Station together, OR

Option 2: Meet us in front of the last carriage on platform 3 in Flinders Street Station. The train to Lilydale leaves at 9:50 am.
OR

Option 3: Make your way to Lilydale at your own leisure and preferred mode of transport and meet us in Lilydale.

Ride leader: Bill (bakercawte@westnet.com.au)

Description: Ride on the rail trail from Lilydale to Warburton (one way 40 km), bring tents and stay overnight at the caravan park (or make other arrangements. The pub is quite nice.) Nice easy pace, gentle gradients. Stop at the odd cafe or three. Children, families and infrequent riders welcome.

If you want to join the ride please register your interest with Bill who is gonna be the ride leader. His email address is bakercawte@westnet.com.au. Likewise, if you have any questions about the ride or need further information don’t hesitate to contact him.
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/692/feed 0 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/691 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/691#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:52:12 +0000 gcross http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/691 Here is the long awaited and patiently longed for list with upcoming BUG rides in the near future. So get your calendar out and mark the dates! Further details will be provided closer to the respective rides.

Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail – Ride Date: 24 & 25 March 2012 (overnight stay in Warburton)
Ride on the rail trail from Lilydale to Warburton, bring tents and stay overnight at the caravan park (or make other arrangements. The pub is quite nice.) Nice easy pace, gentle gradients. Stop at the odd cafe or three. Children, families and infrequent riders welcome.

Cinema Nova Mystery Ride – Date: 16 April 2012
Ride at a leisurely pace to the Nova cinema, watch a mystery movie that will be on (the Nova hasn’t finalised the program yet) and have a drink and/ or snack beforehand.

ANZAC Glow Stick Ride – Date: 25 April 2012
Ride to the Hotel Esplanade in St. Kilda and enjoy music and drinks and good company.

Airport & Woodlands Homestead Ride – Date: 20 May 2012
We will ride to the airport for a latte and then on to the Woodlands Homestead for a picnic. The return journey will be through the Bandicoot Reserve and Gellibrand Hill. A stop at the bakery at Old Broady is certainly a possibility.

Winter Solstice Afternoon Tea Ride – Date: 23 June 2012
Ride at a leisurely pace to the Abbotsford Convent/Collingwood Children’s Farm for some afternoon tea.

Regards,
Julia & all Ride Leaders.

At the February meeting a motion was passed to set up a ‘working party’ with the aim to work on the invigoration of the BUG. Since then there has been no time to follow up on this matter (due to the involvement in the Sydney Road Street Party and the Moreland Bike count). We will use the time at tomorrow’s meeting to allocate tasks to people who are interested in helping out.

The meeting starts at 7.00 pm at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel – 681 Sydney Road, Brunswick (in the dining room next to the courtyard).
Food and drinks can be purchased there.
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/690/feed 0 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/676 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/03/676#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:19:01 +0000 gcross http://www.morelandbug.org/?p=676 Today is the Moreland cycling count day where we work with council to count cyclists at 30 different locations throughout Moreland. You might see some volunteers counting so feel free to clap and cheer and if you have a spare minute maybe asking if they would like a ‘convenience break’.

We invited Gavin Anderson along to give a presentation on his cycling holidays in England. He rode along the National Cycling Route Number 4. Hampton Court and Windsor were a just a few attractions he saw along the way. For a sneak peak you can have a look at his photos here.

The meeting starts at 7.30 pm and will finish around 9.00 pm. Food and drinks can be purchased there. We meet at the little dining room out the back. Members and guests are welcome!

first of all, we wish you a happy new year and hope that everyone had a good start to 2012!

Secondly, we are having our first meeting for the year next week. Due to the public holiday on Thursday (Australia Day) we moved the meeting to Wednesday, the 25th of January.

Our main agenda item will be the Sydney Road Street Party organisation.

Other than the change of day the meeting takes place at the usual time and the usual place. (Which is 7.30 pm at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel – 681 Sydney Road, Brunswick – in the dining room next to the courtyard.)

Food and drinks can be purchased there.

Regards,

Julia Mischke.
Moreland BUG Secretary
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/01/681/feed 0 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/01/680 http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/01/680#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:21:09 +0000 gcross http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/01/680 News from Nicholas Elliot at Moreland Council:

Just a quick note to let you know that the De Chene Reserve Bridge that was damaged in the Xmas Day flash flood, has been reopened for pedestrians and cyclists. Cross with Care. The damaged hand rail will be repaired on Monday (Jan 23rd) – until then barricade tape has been placed across the gap.

The other bridge that was damaged, in the Edgars Creek park land near Ronald Street, will remain closed until it has been repaired. Repairs will start next week.
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2012/01/680/feed 0 http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/12/679 http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/12/679#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:48:29 +0000 gcross http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/12/679 This is just a quick reminder for the get together on Friday.

When: Friday, December 16 at 6.30 pm

Where: Bridges Reserve, meet at the bike parking area in front of the Coburg Leisure Centre (access via Russell Street)
So feel free to come along and enjoy some music, food and drinks at the Coburg Night Market.
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/12/679/feed 0 http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/11/657 http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/11/657#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:33:10 +0000 gcross http://www.morelandbug.org/?p=657 Dear Buggies,

The year is drawing to an end pretty quickly and on Thursday we will have the last meeting for 2011.

Some of you might be pondering about a short cycle holiday during the Christmas break so we thought we give you some inspiration.

We will have some guest speakers (Paul and Julia) who are gonna share their recent cycle trip with a group of friends on the (almost open) Tallarook to Mansfield trail. And from there some of the party pushed on to Wodonga via Milawa, Beechworth, Yackandandah and Albury. They are gonna bring some of their touring gear along as well (bags and trailer) to give some insight on basic cycle touring.

So come along and get some ideas for your own trip!

The meeting is held from 7.30 pm at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel (681 Sydney Road, Brunswick) in the dining room next to the courtyard.

Food and drinks can be purchased there.

Regards,

Julia Mischke.
Moreland BUG Secretary

From Hansard on October 26, 2011 (PDF):

Moreland Bicycle User Group

Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) — Congratulations to the Moreland Bicycle User Group (BUG) for its great work in promoting healthy and clean-energy transport. Its work assists all Moreland cyclists, from those for whom it is their principal transport to those who enjoy being recreational cyclists. Its website and email communication keeps everyone informed of current and future events. Thanks to Julia Mischke, whose emails keep us informed, and to all those at the Moreland BUG committee for their commitment. Thanks to those who work at Moreland City Council and dovetail in with local cyclists, particularly the infrastructure team headed by Nerina di Lorenzo, who has completed the ‘shovel ready’ plan for the final link of the Upfield shared pathway. Thanks to Sebastian Motta, whose work has addressed safety width and beautification around the Western Ring Road, which has been widened. When partnership, hard work and a comparatively small amount of funding all combine, sustainable and healthy cycling transport occurs.

The next big project is the Craigieburn rail corridor bike path, which is the next project for the Moreland BUG. The Moreland BUG, Moreland City Council and the Department of Transport all require action to bring this great idea to fruition. Because of the work by Moreland
City Council’s infrastructure team, detailed designs are available for Department of Transport staff when they are ready to action a rail corridor project. Congratulations to Cr Kathleen Matthews-Ward, whose vision and persistence taught us that it was possible, and to Paul McKay and Rod Overall, who showed up the pitfalls and solutions.

This is a reminder for the upcoming Annual General Meeting on Thursday the 27th of October 2011 at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel (681 Sydney Road, Brunswick) (in the back function room).

The meeting starts at 7.30 pm and will finish around 9.00 pm.

The ordinary business of the Annual General Meeting is:

1. Present the highlights of the year 2010 – 2011
2. Confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting
3. Present the financial report
4. Elect the new Committee of Management
5. Other Business

Also, we will have Melbourne’s one and only fabulous Ukulele Collective perform at the meeting! So come along and enjoy the show.

Members and guests are welcome and some fingerfood will be provided.

Put the public in public art and join the People’s Choice ride of the MoreArt Trail.

Taking in all of the exhibition sites, selected artists will be on hand to describe or perform their works. The ride will conclude at The Brunswick Green with a ceremony awarding the $1000 prize for the People’s Choice Award. Voting prize of $200 also up for grabs. Enjoy a complimentary drink for riders on arrival! It’s a win-win-win.

Meeting Point: From 12pm at Lux Foundry Café, 21 Hope St Brunswick, (departing 12.35pm)
Finishing: The Brunswick Green, 313 Sydney Rd at 3.30pm

Complimentary drink on arrival for ride participants

Registrations: Let us know you’re coming via info@thesqueakywheel.com.au

News from Simon at Council:

If you ride along the Merri Creek Trail in East Brunswick please be aware of the following works.

Contractors will be pruning trees near the ACES facility in East Brunswick (between CERES and Albion Street – Melways 30 B6).

The contractors will be pruning trees to remove dead wood and improve tree structure. The works seek to address branches overhanging the ACES facility and the Merri Creek Path.

Most of the works will be away from the path but there will be times when the contractors require vehicle access to the path to remove timber and branches.

The works area will be clearly signed and contractors have agreed to avoid obstructing the path during peak times to minimise disruption to regular path users.

It is expected the works will commence on Monday 17th October (Today) and take about 1 week to complete. This estimate is dependent on good weather.

If you have any queries about these works please call 9240 1111 or email:

info@moreland.vic.gov.au
Attn: Lori Arthur Natural Resource Management Officer
Moreland City Council

Banksia Gardens Community Centre in Broadmeadows is seeking enthusiastic community members to form a small sociable volunteer team to establish a bicycle recycling and repair hub.

The Broadmeadows Bicycle Hub is a volunteer-run bicycle recycling and repair centre. As well as teaching and supporting local residents to repair and maintain their own bicycles, it will also recycle old bikes and sell them at heavily discounted prices. The aim is promote cycling in the Broadmeadows community to provide more access and mobility options as well as healthier lifestyles.The initiative will rely on forming a small sociable volunteer team to manage and run the hub.

Full training will be given and ongoing support will be provided by the CERES Bike Shed and Banksia Gardens Community Centre. We will be hosting a Volunteer Information Evening on Wednesday 9th November from 6:30-8pm at Banskia Gardens Community Centre (71-81 Pearcedale Parade, Broadmeadows). We will provide food and drink on the evening as well. Everyone welcome.

Spring Fashion Ride – Wednesday 12 October

Mark the end of ride to work day in style with a leisurely ride along the MoreArt Trail. Don your favourite spring frock or pull out your finest regalia for a downhill coast celebrating the creative spine of the municipality. After taking in the Artland exhibition of student works at RMIT, the ride will finish up at The Brunswick Green, with a complimentary drink for riders on arrival. Pimms and lemonade anyone?

Meeting Point: Gowrie Station at 4pm

Tour Ends: Group will arrive at Brunswick Green, 313 Sydney Rd at 6pm

Registrations: Let us know you’re coming via info@thesqueakywheel.com.au
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/10/666/feed 0 http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/10/665 http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/10/665#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:27:57 +0000 gcross http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/10/665 Ride to Work Day is on Wednesday the 12th of October 2011.

To acknowledge the day, Moreland City Council is hosting a Ride to Work Day community breakfast in Victoria Mall, Coburg (Melways 29, H1) between 7:30 and 9:00 am on the day.

If your commute to work doesn’t get you past Victoria Mall, check out the BV website to find a Ride to Work Day breakfast near you.

And don’t forget to register at https://ride2work.com.au/rtw/. One lucky registrant can win a signed and framed Cadel Evans BMC jersey as a reward!

If you are thinking about riding to work into the city on that day but are not sure how to do it you can meet up with BUG member Ross Millward who is happy to accompany you. Just send an email to committee@lists.morelandbug.org to take up his offer.
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/10/665/feed 0 http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/10/664 http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/10/664#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:24:49 +0000 gcross http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/10/664 The Moreland BUG’s Annual General Meeting is coming up and will be held on Thursday the 27th of October 2011 at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel (681 Sydney Road, Brunswick).

The meeting starts at 7.30 pm and will finish around 9.00 pm.

The ordinary business of the Annual General Meeting is:

1. Confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting
2. Present the financial report
3. Elect the new Committee of Management
4. Other business

All BUG members (which includes all subscribers to this email list) are welcome to consider nominating for a position on the BUG committee.

The following positions are open for nomination:

• Convenor
• Deputy Convenor
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• 3 x Ordinary Members

For a description of the roles and duties associated with each position, please see the BUG’s Constitution or feel free to contact the current office bearers if you have any questions (treasurer@morelandbug.org ; secretary@morelandbug.org ; deputyconvenor@morelandbug.org ; convenor@morelandbug.org).

Nominations must be made in writing to Julia (secretary@morelandbug.org) by October 20 and must be signed by 2 other members of the BUG(which Julia can help organise).

Please note that nominations will also be accepted on the night of the AGM!
]]> http://www.morelandbug.org/2011/10/664/feed 0