If you haven't ridden along the Railway Reserve yet, this would be a great opportunity to do so. If you have ridden it, it's still a great ride and of course it would be an opportunity to meet other cyclists or just to enjoy being out on a bike. Invite your friends and get them to dust off their bikes. This is a great family ride and for those that are new to cycling, as well as experienced cyclists.
This is a great opportunity for a cultural exchange between Nelson and Tasman. It's a chance to find out a little more about our neighbours. We realise that some people may be a little bit concerned about the language barrier and strange customs however don't let that put you off, we expect that our common bond 'the bike' will help us overcome this.
There are two starting points to this event; Richmond and Nelson. This group will start at the Clock tower in Nelson and another will start at the Richmond end of the cycle way (here). You're welcome to join the groups anywhere along the route and the two groups will meet somewhere in the middle (perhaps Stoke for coffee). Some from the Nelson end may then continue to Richmond and some from Richmond may continue to Nelson (combining with those riders that turn around at that point). Just in case you needed any more incentive (apart from the chance to get out and meet other cyclists and have a great bike ride), we will have some spot prizes. The fitter riders may wish to continue onto the Great Taste Trail to Mapua or Brightwater or perhaps go mountain biking in Nelson.
This ride will be on regardless of the numbers and regardless of the weather !
The route to Nelson-Richmond is approximately 13km (so a 26km round trip for those that ride the full length of the route and back). It is mostly flat however and the route doesn't require a high level of fitness. Note that everybody is responsible for their own health and safety and that of any children that they bring on the ride. The majority of the route is off road but there is a section down Beatson Rd. and also a section on road in Nelson city.
The event is listed on Facebook with two separate starts, why not 'Join' us:
https://www.facebook.com/events/159325560900689/ (Nelson Start)
https://www.facebook.com/events/186134208202434/ (Richmond Start)
Back in March I met our first Face of the Day, Graham, a client of Idea Service. Katie, from Idea Service who was with him at the time, asked if we knew of anybody that had a spare bike that Graham could use. This was the beginning of the BNB Bike Loan scheme which is now starting to take shape. The Nelson Mail published an article about this yesterday (http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/8565808/Group-aims-to-re-cycle-regions-bikes) which has produce even more interest. The scheme lends out bikes that have been donated to BNB on a long term basis but we need your help.
Bicycle Nelson Bays is looking for:
If you can help with any aspect of the scheme please email us or phone John-Paul on 021 623 207 or Chris on 027 578 2134
A number of people will have seen our Facebook post regarding the issues around the stretch of State Highway known as Gentle Annie (https://www.facebook.com/BicycleNelsonBays/posts/316963788425968). The post generated a large number of comments and is clearly a hot topic for cyclists. BNB wrote to James Andrew at NZTA regarding this issue and this was also raised in the Road Safe Nelson Bays meeting on Monday 8th April. Below is an updated posted by Chris Allison from BNB:
NZTA has been doing a study over the last couple of years of the passing lanes on this bit of highway and this will be issued next month. We’ll be meeting with NZTA to look at the study’s findings and how to, as that revolting saying goes, ‘move forward’. Also in the wings is a NZTA project to investigate the cycleway extension from Clifton Terrace to the Glen as part of NCC's walk/cycle package. The scope for this extension study was originally out to Cable Bay, but that was reduced back to the Glen. So we’ll be looking at 1) chasing this investigation up (the current timeframe is within the next 6 years), and 2) pushing for the Glen to Cable Bay section of that project to be reinstated.
One of the useful things about this discussion on Facebook is that it gives some indication of the ‘suppressed demand’ - the number of people who don’t ride this route because it’s too risky. Numbers are a useful thing in these issues....
Clocks have gone back and the days are getting shorter so please make sure you don't get caught out without lights at night and kit yourself out properly for Winter. The council is running a 'Be Bright' campaign to promote the use of lights and reflectors. A cyclist is essentially invisible at night without them. Roving cycle ambassadors from the Council, BNB and the police are out and about to stop cyclists without lights and offer to fit lights to their bike. Those that do have lights don't miss out, they'll be rewarded with puncture repair kits, reflective strips, bells and other cool stuff (while stocks last).
A number of bike shops are also helping cyclists kit out for winter with discounts if you mention BNB:
> Stoke cycle centre will take 15% off selected lights and reflective gear for the month of April.
> Avantiplus Richmond has reflective gear & selected lights on special until the end of April (Front & rear light combo was $69, now $49).
> The Cycle Shop will give a 10% discount on lights and reflective gear.
> Bicycle Business have some light sets on special at the moment; 2 options both 50% off were $59 and $50 now $29.50 and $25.00 and will give a 10% discount on other lights and reflective clothing not already discounted.
MP Katrina Shanks asked for feedback on whether high-viz should be compulsory. We have sent a response to Katrina from BNB, copied below.
We need to keep watching this space - one of the issues that the same coroner spends some time on (and is proposing to Govt) is making the use of cycle facilities mandatory if they're present. Cyclists would, for instance, be legally required to use the overpass at the Annesbrook roundabout and not be permitted to ride through it. This is a position which apparently used to apply in NZ and which he is pushing for a return to.
A copy of the full coroner’s report is available from a link on this page: http://publicaddress.net/hardnews/when-common-sense-isnt