Here's the latest news from the Australian Bicycle Council you may find of interest.
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1. Renewal of National Cycling Strategy (NCS)
The draft NCS has been in the development phase since October 2004 and was scheduled for completion in April 2005. However, the timing of the project was extended to allow sufficient time for what has turned out to be an extensive five stage consultation process.
* The first stage included discussions with executive level stakeholders to establish their expectations.
* The second stage involved obtaining feedback from those people in government agencies who had been involved in implementing the previous Strategy to gain an understanding of its successes and failures.
* The third stage consisted of stakeholder workshops conducted in each state and territory. Each workshop consisted of 20 to 25 invited stakeholders. The purpose was to get ideas on the content and implementation of the new Strategy.
* The fourth stage was aimed at obtaining feedback on the draft outline of the new Strategy. The draft outline was exhibited and response gathered through a web-based survey over a period of approximately six weeks.
* The fifth and final stage involved inviting public submissions on the draft NCS. The draft Strategy was placed on the ABC website and interested parties were invited to comment and appraise the draft. Over five weeks were allowed for comments to be made with more than 300 responses being received.
These helped shape the final draft Strategy with particular emphasis placed on: identifying resources associated with each proposed action; establishing a clear target for each action; strengthening the monitoring and reporting arrangements; and improving the clarity of some actions.
The ABC met in Adelaide on 22 July 2005 and approved the final draft Strategy to be presented for endorsement to the Australian Transport Council (ATC) which comprises Federal and State Ministers responsible for transport. The ATC meets in November 2005.
For information regarding the renewal process please see
2. NEW ON THE ABC WEBSITE! - Bikeability Toolkit:
The Australian Bicycle Council website now hosts a link to the recently completed Bikeability Toolkit which includes checklists and resource materials that will help create physical and social environments to encourage cycling. The resource materials include references, guidelines and other resources to assist in the implementation of local bikeability audits and actions.
Local Government is a vital stakeholder in providing supportive environments for cycling. The Bikeability Toolkit will provide guidance, information and help communities and local government to assess the bikeability of their community. They will be able to develop better integrated cycle planning, policies and implementation strategies.
This will result in safety improvements, enhanced access to cycling, changes in modal share of short trips from car to bicycle, improved liveability and increased physical activity through active transport.
Aims of the Toolkit:
* To provide a simple, easy to use checklist that identifies barriers and opportunities to create physical environments which encourage cycling, and provides further resources
* To allow local government to assess its strengths and identify areas where improvement can be made to encourage and promote cycling
* To provide ideas and 'easy to access' resources for further information
Who should use the Bikeability Toolkit?
Local Government - Traffic engineers, planners, councillors, sustainability officers
State Government - Infrastructure planners, road authorities, education authorities, bodies funding TravelSmart programs, greenhouse offices
Developers - Town planners, urban designers, traffic engineers, property developers
Community - Local BUG groups, community groups, concerned residents, to provide input to Councils
3. Good News Stories - Latest News:
The following link abc.dotars.gov.augnsjul2005.aspxOpen ↗
features recently published cycling news stories from around the Nation.
4. Last but not least:
The Bicycle Federation of Australia are holding their Cycling Connect Conference in Brisbane from 5 - 8 October 2005.
The aims of the conference are to:
* Break down some of the barriers which stop more Australians cycling,
* Expose policy makers, practitioners and cycling groups to current thinking and best practice in cycling & walking planning, health & fitness and the environment,
* Work more effectively with partner organisations in government, planning and health,
* Facilitate interaction between delegates about the conference.
For more information on the conference, please visit: abc.dotars.gov.auindex.aspxOpen ↗abc.dotars.gov.aurenewal australian cycling.aspxOpen ↗