BIKE HIRE
Nice day for a ride, but got no bike with you?  Looking to explore Ballarat by cycle? Bikes can be hired from Ballarat Cycling Centre, 24-28 Armstrong Street North, just two blocks from the Ballarat Railway Station. Phone 5334 4388  For a map showing Ballarat Cycling Centre's proximity to the Ballarat Railway Station and for information on some popular Tourist Rides, click here.

Benefits of Cycling 

Ever been invlvoved in arguments about cycling where you just wish you had some well-researched data to back you up?  Fret no longer.   Check out the following from the Cycling Promotion Fund:

Economic Benefits of Cycling for Australia:  Looking for evidence to make a stronger case of the cost effectiveness of cycling investment? This publication includes some valuable facts and figures. http://www.cyclingpromotion.com.au/images/stories/downloads/CPF_CyclingBenefits.pdf

For some really flash posters to help inspire people to get on their bikes and that might be suitable for your workplace noticeboard, see http://www.cyclingpromotion.com.au/content/view/270/147/

Quick Facts (from the Cycling Promotion Fund)

The $40m Cycle Paths Fund is part of the Rudd Government $650m Jobs Fund economic stimulus package
1,928,100 Australians rode a bike in 2008, a 21% increase on the year before (ERASS 2009)
In 2008, for the ninth year in a row Australian bicycle sales outstripped motor vehicle sales. Australians are not just buying bikes, they are using them increasingly frequently.
Census figures show a 28% increase in riding to work across Australian capital cities.This growth is largely centred in areas with superior levels of bicycle infrastructure.
Over 50% of car trips in Australian cities are under 5km and 30% are less than 3 km, ideal distances for travelling by bike.

ACCIDENT CHECKLIST

Ever wondered how you might cope if you were knocked off your bike?  -Here is a one pager suitable for folding down to wallet size to carry with you in case you are in an accident.  It comes to you courtesy of Bicycle Victoria, and covers all the basics.  (Please note that the reference to insurance through Bicycle Victoria is open only to BV members.)                                                To view the checklist, click here.

ROAD RULES FOR CYCLISTS

Don't get caught out in traffic because you don't know your rights and obligations.  For a checklist of Victorian road rules that apply to cyclists, take a look at this plain word summary by Bicycle Victoria http://www.bv.com.au/file/file/Road%20rules%20for%20cyclists_1.pdf?phpMyAdmin=DhLMKS7n7oG8nIonGyRgo-K1uw6

If you want to go to a more legalistic version, have a look at the relevant sections of the Victorian Road Rules http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/8A00D79B-03C5-4084-B5C2-7BE6A60406D3/0/part_15.pdf

 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TRAINING CYCLISTS 

Cycle Sport Victoria has put together a Code of Conduct for Training Cyclists, in order that they stay safe and keep sweet with other road users at the same time.  The Amy Gillett Foundation has also produced a pamphlet aimed at improving understanding between cyclists and drivers. To view the Code and pamphlet, click here.

REJOINDERS

Sick of being on the losing end of arguments over cyclists' rights.  See the collection of dinner party ripostes...

CITY RIDER GUIDE

To gain confidence about riding in traffic, negotiating roundabouts, riding at night and in the wet, and so much more, click here to view BalBUG’s City Rider Guide.  No excuses accepted for not taking the plunge now!