Bicycle NSW is working on our behalf in opposing the new law making bike riders ID compulsory. Read their email below and sign the on-line petition if you agree.

Dear Members and Friends,

The recent proposal that NSW bicycle riders should compulsorily carry Photo ID is a classic example of trying to use legislation to solve a problem where none exists. It is bad public policy. The NSW Government has a stated policy objective to encourage a mode shift to cycling for short trips (Sydney’s Cycling Future, 2013). This new policy proposal not only does not encourage cycling, it creates a barrier to cycling.

At Bicycle NSW we exist to create a better environment for cycling. We do this because we believe that cycling has high societal benefits for recreation, transport, health and the environment. This is why we have consistently opposed the proposal of Photo ID – it just does not help fulfil these outcomes.

Firstly, let’s look at the “issue” of identifying riders. During the Government’s committee process there was no hard evidence presented that Police have issues identifying riders who may have committed an offence. Police already have the power to request a name and address, and are pretty savvy in recognising false information. Besides, a large number of riders already carry some form of ID, be that a Drivers Licence, credit card, work ID, student card, etc.

In the case of a collision involving a bicycle, nothing will change. A rider or driver is only obligated to provide their name and address (and the vehicle owner’s name and address) to the opposite party. Only Police or Authorised Officers can demand that a Drivers Licence be produced.

So what exactly was the problem that demanded such a heavy response from Government? How does it increase rider safety? How does it promote a healthy lifestyle?

Now let’s look at some of the many problems that compulsory Photo ID will cause:

• For some people it will be a disincentive to ride. It does nothing to promote bicycle riding. It does nothing to promote safety for bicycle riders.
• Not everyone has a Drivers Licence or NSW Photo Card. The cost of the Photo Card is $51 which will hit disadvantaged people hard.
• How will Interstate and Overseas visitors be catered for? Bicycle riders in NSW will become the only group required to carry Photo ID while carrying out a perfectly legal activity in a public space.
• You have to ask the question of who’s next? Pedestrian fatalities are at least seven times greater than bike fatalities in NSW. So why are bicycle riders being singled out?
• How will a mature looking 17 year old “prove” they are under 18? They are not required to carry ID. Mistakes with unfortunate consequences will occur.
• Don’t forget your Photo ID while riding on fire trails in NSW National Parks! They are classified as roads.

At Bicycle NSW we will continue to work with the Government to achieve a better solution. To aid this, we suggest that concerned riders should:

• Write to their Local MP, and to the Premier seeking a reconsideration of these new laws

Sign an on-line petition, such as: : https://www.change.org/p/nsw-government-stop-the-nsw-law-requiring-cyclists-to-carry-id

Ray Rice
CEO Bicycle NSW – Creating a Better Environment for Cycling

 Dear Members and Friends,

We are delighted that the NSW Government announced yesterday that a two year trial of Minimum Passing Distance Legislation (MPDL) would commence in NSW in March 2016.  Bicycle NSW has campaigned hard for this for many years.  We believe this will produce a marked benefit to rider safety in NSW.   It will bring NSW into line with Queensland, ACT and South Australia.

An adjunct to this legislation which was not mentioned in the Minister’s Press Release, is that car drivers will be able to cross double lines to overtake riders when safe to do so.  This helps allay the concerns of some drivers.

Bicycle NSW believes that MPDL is not a silver bullet for rider safety.  We will advocate for an effective education campaign from the NSW Government, combined with further measures including cycling infrastructure.

However, the MPDL has been coupled with two items of major concern:

1/  A massive increase in some cycling fines, to bring them to equivalence with vehicle fines.   Let us be very frank on this matter – Bicycle NSW have consistently, both in committee and publicly, voiced our opposition to this measure, and will continue to do so.

We have always said that any review of fines should be balanced and take into account the relative consequence of the offence.  We have also encouraged riders and road users to obey the rules at all times.

There has been no cost-benefit analysis on the increase in fines, and no evidence to justify the level of fines or that they will be effective.   Big fines are not the best way of producing compliance with rules – education is the best answer.

While MPDL is a significant step, we will continue to advocate to the Government on how we can increase active transport in an already congested city, and the safety of all road users.

Bicycle NSW will be further presenting these views to the NSW Government and calling for an evidence based approach.

2/  Bicycle riders must compulsorily carry photo ID.  At Bicycle NSW we recognise that many riders already carry ID.  We encourage this.

However, we see that making it mandatory for those over 18 years old to carry photo ID (Drivers Licence or NSW Photo Card) as unnecessary and a possible disincentive for some people to ride.

This measure has little to do with increasing rider safety.   There has been no hard evidence put forward that Police have issues in identifying riders.  We believe that there are far more important bicycle safety issues that the NSW Government should be looking at.

Fortunately, this ID proposal will not be enforced until March 2017, ie there will be a 12 month “grace” period.  This period will be required to sort out the practical issues – which even now are appearing, eg will a photo of your Drivers Licence suffice as Premier Baird has suggested?   How will Police determine the age of a rider?  Why should riders without a Drivers Licence be forced to buy an NSW Photo Card for $51?  What about interstate and overseas visitors?

During this period, Bicycle NSW will be working to have this measure reversed.

At Bicycle NSW we will continue to help build a better environment for cycling and fairer treatment of bike riders.  One of our top priorities must now be to have active transport “friendly” traffic signals.  For too long these signals have prioritised vehicles at the expense of pedestrians and bicycle riders.

I will keep you posted on our efforts and priorities into 2016.  We wish everyone safe riding over the Christmas period knowing that Minimum Passing Distance Legislation will be introduced in the New Year.

Ray Rice
CEO, Bicycle NSW
Creating a Better Environment for Cycling

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Venue: GREENDALES RESTAURANT, Shop  4 / 719 Greenwell Point Road, Pyree
Date: 6.30 pm SUNDAY, 6th December 2015

Cost: $38.00 per person.
The evening will start with Canapes followed by a choice of 2 mains and 2 desserts.
Booking, payment by EFT or at Bendigo Bank and your choice of mains and dessert must be made by WEDNESDAY 18th NOVEMBER to assist with catering.

Entree will be chefs Canapes

Mains – Select 1
Seared Scotch Fillet warm Honey Mustard Potato Salad, Greens & jus
or
Baked Chicken Breast, Oven Roasted Tomatoes, Capsicum and Saute Spinach Sauce

Desserts – Select 1
Tiramisu with Vanilla ice cream & Berry Coulis
or
Mini Baked Cheesecake with Chantilly Cream.

The venue is fully Licensed or byo wine only $3.00 corkage.

Payment to  Bendigo Bank
BSB 633000
Account Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group Inc.
Account No. 137326617
Please include your name in the details box!
After payment email Paul with your choice of main and dessert to
wollemigrove@bigpond.com.

SBUG MONTHLY MEETING
The monthly meeting of the Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group (SBUG) will be held on Wednesday, 7 October, at the Bomaderry Bowling Club, upstairs in the Board Room, starting at 7:00pm. All members and friends are welcome. You are also welcome to join us for dinner in the bistro at 6:00pm before the meeting.

Three days of Cycling around Cowra

SBUG members will be having a three day trip away to Cowra from Monday 19 October to Friday 23 October. All members and partners are welcome. Most people will travel to Cowra on Monday and travel back home on Friday. Rides of various lengths are being organised for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as well as visits to other attraction in the area. The group will be staying in cabins at the Cowra Van Park. For further details contact Les Cornish on 02) 4446 0449 and book your accommodation as soon as possible.

Cowra Van Park
2 Lachlan Street, Cowra NSW 2794
Phone: (02) 6340 2110
Fax: (02) 6342 4835
Email: cowravanpark@internode.on.net
Website: http://www.cowravanpark.com

SBUG members will be competing in the Nowra Dragonboat Community Regatta on the Shoalhaven River at Grey’s Beach from 9:00am. Teams will be visiting from far and wide, including Sydney and Canberra. Coffee and food stalls will be available so come along and enjoy a day of fun, cheering for the SBUG team.

Ride to Bamarang Dam this Sunday with SBUG

Last Thursday ten riders scored a perfect sunny warm morning for their cycle beside St Georges Basin and Wandandian Creek. A picturesque ride using bush tracks, board walks and cycle ways. A great mix of technical challenges and easy cruising with refreshments by the water at Island Point, Pelican Cafe. Another favorite cycle destination.

SBUG President, Mel Gillott has announced that the Annual General Meeting of the Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group will take place on Wednesday September 2nd in the Board Room of Bomaderry Bowling Club. The Monthly meeting will take place after the AGM. Please note early starting time of 6.30pm. Dinner (optional) will be organised after the meetings at a local restaurant. All members are encouraged to attend.

Last Sunday six riders attended a ride from the Kangaroo Valley Showground to the Upper Kangaroo River swimming hole and picnic ground. The group then returned to the township for our ritual coffee and a bite to eat. A good day was had by all with the fortune of unexpected fine and pleasant weather.

Some rides for this week include:

WEDNESDAY 26/8/15 – NOWRA TO COMERONG ISLAND FERRY; / 25 km return / Slow pace / Easy / Flat terrain / Some traffic / This is a relatively easy ride suitable for someone returning to cycling. Starts at 8:00am from Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. Contact Peter (02) 4446 0119.

THURSDAY 27/8/15 – MIDWEEK MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE, TIANJARA FALLS TO BOYD LOOKOUT; / 35km return / Moderate pace / Medium to Hard difficulty / Sealed and unsealed roads and bush tracks. The ride will start at 9:00am from Tianjara Falls carpark. Meet at the corner of Braidwood and Albatross Roads at 8:30am for car pooling. Riding on rough rocky tracks, via Twelve Mile Road and Tianjara Fire Trail. An undulating medium/hard route with a steep sections and a rocky ford crossing. Extensive views over the coastal plain, the sea, and St Georges Basin. There are no facilities so bring water and snacks. Contact: Jan 0423 952 713.

SATURDAY 22/8/15 – SATURDAY MORNING MEANDER; / 15 to 20 km / Slow pace / Easy / Some traffic / Sealed roads / Starts at 8:00am from the Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. The ride route varies week to week and is chosen taking into account prevailing weather conditions on the day. The ride is always within the Nowra area. Enjoy coffee and a chat at a local Cafe in Nowra after the rides. All welcome Contact: Tom (02) 4421 6719.

SUNDAY 30/8/15 – BAMARANG DAM ; / 30 km return / Moderate pace / Some Traffic / Significant Hills / Mountain Bike Required / Unsealed Roads. Starts at 9:00am from Nowra Visitors Centre. Excellent views along the Shoalhaven River. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119 or Vic 0466 280 264. (Ride Leader; Vic Reed)

For details of further rides to be held this week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, check the Rides Calendar on our website at www.shoalhavenbug.com.au

For all information about Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group, including our monthly rides calendar, cycling news, photo gallery, on-line membership application and lots more, log onto our website at www.shoalhavenbug.com.au A variety of rides are scheduled over five days each week. Our rides calendar is updated weekly and occasionally changes are made at short notice so it is recommended that you check the website ride calendar a day or two before an intended ride. Shoalhaven BUG welcomes all riders on their rides, children 13 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Moruya Cycling Weekend a Huge Success!

Last Thursday eight riders enjoyed a cycle out to Comerong Island breakwall, in cool dry conditions. The return cycle was hindered by a strong westerly wind, making the riders work a little harder. Refreshments were very welcome, from Peckish on the Park Cafe, opposite Harry Sawkins Park, Nowra.

Sixteen riders and two partners attended last weekend’s trip away to Moruya. The group had rides organized on each of the three days; Saturday they rode from Moruya to Moruya Heads for afternoon tea at a former members home in Moruya Heads before returning to Moruya. On Saturday night the group enjoyed an excellent meal at the Balcony on Shore restaurant, above the Adelaide Hotel, Moruya. On Sunday they rode from Moruya to Mossy Point and return. The ride included some great scenic views of farmland along the Moruya River and beaches whilst riding along the coastal track to Broulee. Monday the group met the Eurobodalla Bicycle User Group for a ride from Bodalla to the Cheese Factory Road loop and back to Bodalla for lunch at the Dairy Shed. A great weekend of riding and socializing was had by all participants. Thanks to Jo Evans for inviting our group to visit Moruya and providing afternoon tea and to the Eurobodalla BUG group members for leading the rides.

SBUG President, Mel Gillott announced that the Annual General Meeting of the Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group will take place on Wednesday September 2nd in the Board Room of Bomaderry Bowling Club. The Monthly meeting will take place after the AGM. Please note early starting time of 6.30pm. Dinner (optional) will be organised after the meetings at a local restaurant. All members are encouraged to attend.

SBUG rides for this week include:

WEDNESDAY 19/8/15 – NOWRA TO COMERONG ISLAND FERRY; / 25 km return / Slow pace / Easy / Flat terrain / Some traffic / This is a relatively easy ride suitable for someone returning to cycling. Starts at 8:00am from Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. Contact Peter (02) 4446 0119.

THURSDAY 20/8/15 – MIDWEEK MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE, ST GEORGES BASIN TO BASIN VIEW; / 38 km return / Moderate pace / Medium difficulty / Uses Off-road Cyclepaths / Some traffic / Sealed and unsealed roads and bush tracks. The ride will start at 8:30am from Palm Beach Reserve, Greville Avenue, Sanctuary Point. Riding from Palm Beach along the shore of St Georges Basin and Basin View to the Corramy State Recreation Area. Refreshments will be at Kingfisher Park, Island Point, on the way back to Palm Beach. Contact: Jan 0423 952 713.

SATURDAY 22/8/15 – NOWRA TO GREENWELL POINT, RETURN; / 40 km / Moderate pace / Medium difficulty / Some Traffic / The ride starts at 8:00am from the Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119

SATURDAY 22/8/15 – SATURDAY MORNING MEANDER; / 15 to 20 km / Slow pace / Easy / Some traffic / Sealed roads / Starts at 8:00am from the Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. The ride route varies week to week and is chosen taking into account prevailing weather conditions on the day. The ride is always within the Nowra area. Enjoy coffee and a chat at a local Cafe in Nowra after the rides. All welcome Contact: Tom (02) 4421 6719.

SUNDAY 23/8/15 – UPPER KANGAROO RIVER AND RETURN; / 35 km return / Moderate pace / Some Traffic / Easy to Medium difficulty / Mountain Bike Required. Starts at 9:00 am from Kangaroo Valley Show Grounds and follows the Upper Kangaroo River with spectacular views of the sandstone escarpment. Lunch in Kangaroo Valley. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119 or ride leader Barry Cruwys (02) 4423 6947.

For details of further SBUG rides, check the Rides Calendar on our website at www.shoalhavenbug.com.au

For all information about Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group, including our monthly rides calendar, cycling news, photo gallery, on-line membership application and lots more, log onto our website at www.shoalhavenbug.com.au A variety of rides are scheduled over five days each week. Our rides calendar is updated weekly and occasionally changes are made at short notice so it is recommended that you check the website ride calendar a day or two before an intended ride. Shoalhaven BUG welcomes all riders on their rides, children 13 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

 Join SBUG On Their Eurobodalla Weekend Ride!

SBUG members are looking forward to a weekend of riding and social activities in conjunction with Eurobodalla BUG from this Saturday 15th August until Monday 17th August 2015. The weekend of rides will include an early start at the popular Moruya riverside Markets on Saturday mornings and an unofficial ride to Moruya Heads on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday evening a dinner will take place at ‘Balcony on Shore’ restaurant, Moruya. While on Sunday we ride along north bank of Moruya river to coffee at Mossy Point with the afternoon free for resting or sight seeing. On Sunday evening a BBQ will be held at the indoor kitchen/recreation room at Riverbreeze Tourist Park.
The highlight of the weekend will be on the Monday when we combine with EBUG for very scenic ride in Bodalla area. Lunch will be at the Dairy Shed, Bodalla. Thank you to President Mel for organising and promoting this wonderful weekend of cycling! For more information on this weekend of riding visit the article on the Moruya Rides in BREAKING NEWS on this website.

Last Thursday eleven riders enjoyed a new mountain bike ride on tracks behind Bherwerre Beach in the Booderee National Park. The morning was cold but warmed up nicely with only light winds. Refreshments were had at the Bayview Bakery after the ride. Thanks to Karen for leading the ride.

Seven riders attended last Sunday’s ride from Huskisson to Wrights Beach and return. It was a clear and cold morning with no wind, excellent riding conditions. The group rode along the Huskisson to Vincentia shared cyclepath, the Wool Road and Jervis Bay Road before entering the Jervis Bay National Park on a fire trail. The route continued through Wrights Beach, Bream Beach and Erowal Bay with a coffee break at Vincentia before returning to Huskisson.

SBUG Rides for this week include:

THURSDAY 13/8/15 – COMERONG ISLAND BREAKWALL; / 40 km return / Moderate pace / Some Traffic / Easy to Medium difficulty / Mountain Bike Required. Starts at 8:30am from Nowra Visitors Centre. Ride along Comerong Island Road through Terara and Numbaa to the ferry. Take the ferry across to the island and ride to the breakwall at the southern end of Comerong Island and then return the same way. A shorter ride of 17.5km can be had by starting at 9:00am at the ferry. Bring water and snacks. Contact: Rod 0428 211 487

SATURDAY 15/8/15 – NOWRA TO GREENWELL POINT, RETURN; / 40 km / Moderate pace / Medium difficulty / Some Traffic / The ride starts at 8:00am from the Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119

SATURDAY 15/8/15 – SATURDAY MORNING MEANDER; / 15 to 20 km / Slow pace / Easy / Some traffic / Sealed roads / Starts at 8:00am from the Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. The ride route varies week to week and is chosen taking into account prevailing weather conditions on the day. The ride is always within the Nowra area. Enjoy coffee and a chat at a local Cafe in Nowra after the rides. All welcome Contact: Tom (02) 4421 6719.

SUNDAY 16/8/15 – WEEKEND AWAY AT MORUYA There will be no organised local ride this Sunday. Anyone who has not yet booked but wishes to come to Moruya for three days of riding and socialising, contact Mel on 0439 483 088 as soon as possible.

MONDAY 17/8/15 – NOWRA TO BERRY, RETURN; / 50 km / Moderate pace / Some traffic. The ride starts at 8:00am from Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. A medium ride with a few small hills. Great scenery. Suitable for riders looking for a medium challenge. Always the option to take the train back. Coffee at a Cafe in Berry. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119.

WEDNESDAY 19/8/15 – NOWRA TO COMERONG ISLAND FERRY; / 25 km return / Slow pace / Easy / Flat terrain / Some traffic / This is a relatively easy ride suitable for someone returning to cycling. Starts at 8:00am from Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. Contact Peter (02) 4446 0119.

For information about Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group, including our monthly rides calendar, cycling news, photo gallery, on-line membership application and lots more, log onto our website at www.shoalhavenbug.com.au A variety of rides are scheduled over five days each week. Our rides calendar is updated weekly and occasionally changes are made at short notice so it is recommended that you check the website ride calendar a day or two before an intended ride. Shoalhaven BUG welcomes all riders on their rides, children 13 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

SBUG Monthly Meeting Wednesday 5 August at 7 pm

Last Thursday sixteen riders enjoyed a great 47km picturesque cycle around Lake Illawarra on a splendid warm and sunny morning with very little breeze. Three riders had not previously cycled around the Lake and where very impressed with the extent of the cycle paths and their close proximity to the water. The ‘Cup of Love Cafe’, at Mt Warrigal, coped admirably with providing lunch for the group.

Seven riders attended last Sunday’s leisurely ride from Berry to Broughton Vale and back. Two riders rode from Nowra and one from Shoalhaven Heads to met the other riders in Berry. The weather was overcast with increasing sunshine as the ride progressed. Refreshments were consumed at the Book Shop Café to end off a pleasant morning ride.

SBUG MONTHLY MEETING
The monthly meeting of the Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group (SBUG) will be held on Wednesday, 5 August, at the Bomaderry Bowling Club, upstairs in the Board Room, starting at 7:00pm. All members and friends are welcome. You are also welcome to join us for dinner in the bistro at 6:00pm before the meeting.

SBUG Rides for this week include:

THURSDAY 6/8/15 – BOODEREE NATIONAL PARK – approx 30 km / Moderate pace / Some traffic / Sealed and Unsealed Roads / Fire trails and bush tracks. This is a new ride starting at 8:30am from the intersection of Jervis Bay Road and the Hyams Beach access road (Booderee Ave). The route will be along Ellmoos Road and behind the Bherwerre Beach dunes in the Booderee National Park. Bring water and snacks. Contact: Rod 0428 211 487

SATURDAY 8/8/15 – NOWRA TO GREENWELL POINT, RETURN; / 40 km / Moderate pace / Medium difficulty / Some Traffic / The ride starts at 8:00am from the Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119

SATURDAY 8/8/15 – SATURDAY MORNING MEANDER; / 15 to 20 km / Slow pace / Easy / Some traffic / Sealed roads / Starts at 8:00am from the Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. The ride route varies week to week and is chosen taking into account prevailing weather conditions on the day. The ride is always within the Nowra area. Contact: Tom (02) 4421 6719. Enjoy coffee and a chat at a local Cafe in Nowra after the rides. All welcome

SUNDAY 9/8/15 – HUSKISSON TO WRIGHTS BEACH RETURN; / 27 km / Moderate pace / Some Traffic / Mountain Bike Required / Unsealed Roads. The ride starts at 09:00am from the Huskisson Hotel car park. The ride will be on the shared cyclepath, sealed country roads and rough gravel tracks. Mountain bikes are essential. Coffee after the ride at a local cafe. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119 or Judi (02) 4421 5214.

MONDAY 10/8/15 – NOWRA TO BERRY, RETURN; / 50 km / Moderate pace / Some traffic. The ride starts at 8:00am from Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. A medium ride with a few small hills. Great scenery. Suitable for riders looking for a medium challenge. Always the option to take the train back. Coffee at a Cafe in Berry. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119 or Judi (02) 4421 5214.

WEDNESDAY 12/8/15 – NOWRA TO COMERONG ISLAND FERRY; SBUG / 25 km return / Slow pace / Easy / Flat terrain / Some traffic / This is a relatively easy ride suitable for someone returning to cycling. Starts at 8:00am from Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. Contact Jim (02) 4423 2943 or Judi (02) 4421 5214.

For information about Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group, including our monthly rides calendar, cycling news, photo gallery, on-line membership application and lots more, log onto our website at www.shoalhavenbug.com.au A variety of rides are scheduled over five days each week. Our rides calendar is updated weekly and occasionally changes are made at short notice so it is recommended that you check the website ride calendar a day or two before an intended ride. Shoalhaven BUG welcomes all riders on their rides, children 13 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.