Build it and they will come..... by bike

If it's one thing that really annoys me as a Victorian it's the ongoing public debate about infrastructure.  Here's my summary of what I'm hearing right now and my responses to it.

• Peak motoring bodies like the RACV and Vic Roads see the answer to the city's traffic congestion woes in more roads - Build more roads and they will drive on it  
• Public Transport Users Association see improved public transport as a solution - Build more rail lines and they will ride on it  
• Toll road operators join the chorus ready to spruik their wares and rub their hands in anticipation of getting their hands on more public road infrastructure - Do that on the wrong side of town and you might end up with a short political career
• Bicycle Victoria advocates for improved cycling infrastructure to make this liveable city of ours even more liveable and provide some viable solutions - Build better cycling infrastructure and they will ride  

Neither major political party seems to want to commit to taking on major infrastructure projects which extends beyond the 4 year electoral cycle, when if they got it right would leave a lasting legacy for the whole state.   State politicians seem to be sitting on their hands too afraid to do something while they preserve their precious gold plated credit rating (see Tim Colebatch' excellent article in today's Age) , when it's their inaction which may eventually see a lot of their members with very short political careers.  They seem to be unwilling and unable to sell the message that if there's something the state needs, then the state should borrow the money or sell government backed bonds to raise the funds.  You can't tell me that the average Victorian does not understand the difference between good debt and bad debt.  Most home owners take out a 25 year mortgage to purchase a home for the long term benefits associated with home ownership.  Good infrastructure should be no different.

Fortunately a few inner city councils are also starting to take the problem seriously as cycling becomes their residents major alternative transport option and tackling issues at a micro level.  In case you hadn't noticed there's a quiet revolution going on in the inner city as cycling infrastructure is catching up with demand and encouraging locals to think differently about how they move around their community.  For years we cyclists have become accustomed to vying for space to lock up our bikes at the token bike rack, street sign or anything that was rooted to the ground including trees.  The forward thinking Councillors and staff at the cities of Yarra and Darebin in inner city Melbourne have gone and done the unthinkable and actually converted the holy grail of car drivers, i.e., the best park outside the supermarket, cafes and hotels in the inner north into dedicated 24/7 bike parking.   As the pictures here reveal one car parking space can easily provide space for a dozen bikes.    

Just consider the positive impact of 10 people leaving their cars at home instead of driving to the supermarket, the cafe or the pub.  Less traffic on the roads, fewer car parks required, more relaxed consumers with possibly more disposable income to spend and plenty of parking for staff not stressed about having to move their cars mid shift because of parking regulations.  There are some great examples of local businesses making this work to their benefit.

• Ride thru coffee at St Ali (make sure you have your cup holder)
• Ride up beer at the Great Northern Hotel
• Ride, sit and sip at Foxy Brown
• Ride, lock and shop at the local supermarket 

I was really taken with the young family outside the supermarket on what had been a rainy Sunday afternoon.  They loved the convenience of riding and never having to worry about finding a park. 

So what's next?  A Copenhagen style bike lane in Wellington St, Collingwood for starters and talk of better lane access for cyclists across Princes Bridge in the city.  Improve bike infrastructure which is safer and more convenient and people will consider it a viable alternative.  It sounds like a rage to be maintained.  Keep riding and keep demanding.  Fortunately the grass roots politicians in my neighbourhood understand the issue and are prepared to act.  Time to mass produce the "I'm a cyclist and I vote" sticker and mobilise the campaign for better cycling infrastructure.