As we prepare the next installment of news and gossip from the Human Powered headquarters up in Thornbury, we’re leaving this post of cycling news up for a few final days. If you want to get these updates emailed straight to you, pop your details in half way down the page on the right under “Join our newsletter”. Keep tuned as we announce dates for a heap of events coming up… trainings, social rides and maybe a party or two!

In this edition:

1. Lights, camera, action… more thoughts on bike lighting
2. Cyclist Visibility Research Project
3. This month’s most popular bikes
4. HPC maintenance training dates for June and July
5. CycleWise bike training for adults
6. Helmet Donations for Spokes in the Wheel
7. Darebin Men’s Shed… new bike shed official launch
8. This month’s controversial article… “Electric cars: Not good enough”
9. Otesha Project: Funky co-director position available
10. Darebin BUG May rides calendar

1. LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION… more thoughts on bike lighting

I recently posted some thoughts on the different bicycle lighting
systems we’ve got available.

Since posting that article we’ve been making an effort to improve the
range even more including having quality bottle dynamos and Shimano
dynohubs in stock, having a range of B&M head and tail lights available,
stocking the highly regarded Portland Design Works RadBot 500
(http://www.ridepdw.com/goods/lights/radbot-500) and broadening the
range of Planet Bike lights (http://www.planetbike.com/page/).

I’ve also been testing the Planet Bike Blaze Dynamo 1 watt headlight and
will publish a review of it soon.

Read the full lighting post at
http://www.humanpowered.com.au/wp/featured/bike-lights-camera-action/

2. CYCLIST VISIBILITY RESEARCH PROJECT

And we’re not the only ones talking about lights and visibility!

Yarra Council’s Strategic Transport Unit has developed a ‘Cyclist
Visibility Research Project’ via the Roadsafe Inner Melbourne Committee
&the project has reached the implementation phase.The project will
research why some cyclists don’t use lights or high visibility
clothing.The project is being conducted in conjunction with the Cities
of Melbourne & Port Phillip as well as the Victoria Police. Bicycle
Victoria have been employed to design & conduct the research.

For full details see
http://www.humanpowered.com.au/wp/community/cyclist-visibility-research-project/

3. THIS MONTH’S MOST POPULAR BIKEZ

Over the last month there were a few contenders for the prize.

The Kona asphalt range, as always, was particularly popular and we set
up a few interesting Konas including Russell’s World Bike.

The Gazelles are always popular and the past month’s favourite models
were the Cabby child carrying load bike, the
Chamonix Pure and the Innergy electric bike.

Oh… not to forget the Surlys. Setting up custom Truckers always keeps
things interested. Check the web site over the coming weeks for a post
about different Long Haul Trucker touring bike setups for touring and
city use.

4. HPC MAINTENANCE TRAINING DATES FOR JUNE AND JULY

Both the introductory and intermediate sessions will keep running over
the winter months. The next scheduled sessions are Wednesday 16th June
for intro and Wednesday 21st July for intermediate. Make sure you call
or email (training@humanpowered.com.au) to make a booking if you’re
interested.
Details about the sessions is available here.

5. CYCLEWISE BIKE TRAINING FOR ADULTS

CycleWise is a course run by Rosy from Bikes@Work. It’s an interactive half day course to promote safe and confident cycling around the city.
The course is free for concession card holders otherwise it’s $30. Bookings are essential- phone or email Max at Jika Jika on 9482 5100 or
office@jikajika.org.au.

6. HELMET DONATIONS FOR SPOKES IN THE WHEEL

Hi All, As you are aware, we start our first bike education session of the year on Saturday 22nd May. Unfortunately, over our extended break from bike teaching, some of our bike helmets have gone missing. At present we only have 9 helmets, and ideally we need 12-15 helmets of various sizes for our upcoming program to suit the wide range of kids we teach (aged between 5 and 12 years). As such, we are in great need of donations of helmets! If anyone has a helmet (or helmets) to donate, please get in touch with us. Thanks for your continued support of the Spokes program.
Cheers, Jess McLeod 0410 661 495 jessicalmcleod@gmail.com

7. DAREBIN MEN’S SHED … BIKE SHED OFFICIAL LAUNCH

The shed will be used to recycle old bikes and provide them to people in need. The launch of the program is on Monday 24/5/10 at 11am. The Darebin Mayor will be in attendance.

Darebin Men’s Shed (its down the back of the car park in the garden)
Darebin Community Health Centre
Cnr Blake & Crevelli Sts
Preston East VIC 3072

8. THIS MONTH’S CONTROVERSIAL ARTICLE

Electric cars: Not good enough
Extract: “Despite their ‘green’ image, electric cars are often less efficient and more polluting than the petrol cars they replace, according to a major report released today [23-03-10]. The 168-page report, titled The Emperor’s New Car, is described as a ‘long-overdue reality check’ by its author, car expert Clive Matthew-Wilson. The report was prepared in consultation with several internationally-recognised energy experts. Matthew-Wilson, who edits the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide, says: “The car industry is selling a false image of efficient, environmentally-friendly electric cars powered by ‘green’ energy. In reality, electric cars often aren’t very efficient and aren’t very green.”
http://www.sustainablemelbourne.com/opinion/electric-cars-not-good-enough/
and
http://dogandlemon.com/site/2010/03/28/electric-cars-a-major-environmental-threat/

9. Otesha Project: Funky co-director position available

NEWS FLASH – FUNKY CO-DIRECTOR POSITION – AVAILABLE!

Energetic and passionate Co-Director required for The Otesha Project
(Australia)

If you have fresh ideas about sustainable consumption, are highly motivated and want to inspire youth then this job is for you!

The Otesha Project (Australia): Cycling for Sustainability is currently seeking a dedicated, experienced, and passionate individual to join our organisation. A not-for-profit organisation, The Otesha Project (Australia): Cycling for Sustainability, offers bicycle tours and educational programs to engage youth about sustainable consumption. Using theatre, multimedia, and interactive workshops, Otesha (Aust.)’s creative focus provides a unique approach to understanding environmental and social justice issues, enabling youth to become role models and sustainability advocates. The objectives of The Otesha Project (Australia) are to increase awareness about the impacts of the products
and resources we consume, increase the number of responsible consumer choices made by young Australians, and increase the number of young role models and sustainability advocates. Job Description This is an ideal opportunity to gain leadership and management experience while working for an ethical not-for-profit organisation.

Specifically the following duties are shared with the other co-director:

• Development and implementation of Otesha’s strategic organisational vision
• Organising bicycle tour logistics
• Providing support for tour coordinators
• Facilitating pre-training activities
• Volunteer recruitment and management
• Sourcing, writing and acquitting grants and future funding
• Writing monthly newsletters to members
• Developing further youth-based projects
• Performing in the Otesha play
• Facilitating workshops, and engaging youth
• Finances, General Administration

Experience Essential criteria · Project management ·
Consensus decision making · Highly Motivated ·
Leadership Skills · Knowledge about sustainable consumption ·
Ability to work with limited resources · Ability to work in a
team and alone · Ability to be adventurous, and laugh Desired
but not essential: · Skills in writing and/or documentation ·
Web content management skills · Computer and web design skills
· Experience working with youth · Experience with
bicycles and bike touring · Theatre experience ·
Knowledge of school curriculum Salary This position is a 12-month
contract-based position. 2 Days per week. To be negotiated. Specifics
If you have a diverse range of skills that you think would be useful for
this funky, youth empowering, and challenging position in happening
Melbourne please send in your resume! A one page cover letter and
resume should be sent to applications@otesha.org.au with the subject
“Funky Co-director position”. Please direct all questions to
applications@otesha.org.au or by calling Kate at 0420 715 580.
Application deadline is Sunday 30th May 2010. We strongly encourage
young adults between 18-35 years old to apply.

The Otesha Project (Australia) crew
Web http://www.otesha.org.au
Email info@otesha.org.au
Phone 0439 433 154

10. The May rides calendar from Darebin BUG

Sunday 23rd of May 2010
Social Ride (Easy – Medium)
Yum Cha Ride
We will follow the Yarra and Koonung Creek shared paths to a Yum
Cha lunch at Box Hill (40 km return). Also an option of riding
one-way to Box Hill and then taking the train back after lunch
(half the distance to ride). Yum Cha features a range of Chinese
dishes to share, and will probably feature seafood (Lunch
usually works at approx $20 pp.).

Meet at Jika Jika Community Centre at 9.15am for a 9.30am
departure.

Contact Michael to book by Thursday 20th of May:

9482 3276 (AH) or 0419 130751, mike.hansford@ bigpond.com

Saturday 29th of May 2010
Social Ride (Medium – 30 km includes riding on busy roads and
after dark)

Planets and Penguins Ride (Afternoon and Evening)

Travel by bike through a scale model of the solar system
stretching from St Kilda to Port Melbourne along the foreshore
bike path (www.portphillip. vic.gov.au/ default/Communit
yGovernanceDocum ents/Solar_ System_-_ Self_Guided_ Walk.pdf)
then visit the Little Penquins returning to their homes on the
St Kilda pier at dusk (http://www.parkweb. vic.gov.au/
resources05/ 05_0474.pdf) and stay for dinner at Soulmama
(www.soulmama. com.au). Meet at Jika Jika Community Centre at 2
pm with Met ticket. We will ride to Richmond train station then
train to Brighton Beach. Return by bike paths to Flinders
Station. Bring warm clothes, lights and reflective clothing.
RSVP to Kathleen by 26 May: 9482 3276 (AH), kathkemp@bigpond.
com (Join us for part or all of the ride)

Weekday Social Rides
Tuesdays
40 -60 km rides mainly on bike paths and quiet streets for
experienced cyclists. Bring lunch, snacks and water. Contact
Norm on 9484 4767 to confirm start time and location (usually
departs from Jika Jika).

Thursdays
40 -60 km rides mainly on bike paths and quiet streets for
experienced cyclists. Bring lunch, snacks and water. Contact
Norm on 9484 4767 to confirm start time and location (usually
departs from Jika Jika).

Saturday (morning) Port Melbourne Rides (Easy)
9.30am departure – Meet at Rushall Station, returning around
1.30 pm.

Ride to Port Melbourne and back along bike paths, about 30km.
Contact David: 9870 1084

Saturday Training Rides (Medium – Hard)
Departing Saturdays at Jika Jika at 8 am sharp.

Various rides, changing monthly, for 5 hours max. Rides are 40
to100km. We ride an average speed of 20-25km/hour. I would like
to know of attendance, as I won’t be available every Saturday.
Please contact me at least one day before. Contact Yannick: 0438
785450, yannickvergou@ hotmail.com

Upcoming rides in June 2010:
All of our regular Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, rides will be
running (see above); plus:

Sunday 6th of June 2010
Families on Bikes (Easy)
Depart 10am Jika Jika.
Scienceworks (train)
More info, Kathy 0410 667 634, kbrunning@optusnet. com.au

Saturday 19th of June 2009
Social Ride (Medium)
Donnybrook Cheese Factory, cheese tastings, purchases, factory
tour (48 km return).

For lunch, try a cheese platter or wood-fired pizza at the café.
Alternatively, BYO lunch.

Meet at Rushall Station at 9.30 am to catch the 9.40 am train to
Thomastown Station. Alternatively, meet us at Thomastown Station
when our train arrives there at 10.01 am for our ride departure
from Thomastown Station at 10.05 am. Booking essential. Contact
Michael by Thursday 18th of June: 9482 3276 (AH) or 0419 130751,
mike.hansford@ bigpond.com

http://www.donnybro okcheese. com.au/who_ we_are.htm

For your diary:
Sunday 4th of July 2010
Families on Bikes (Easy)
Depart 10am Jika Jika.
Plenty River Trail (train)
More info, Kathy 0410 667 634, kbrunning@optusnet. com.au

Sunday 11th of July 2010
Point Cook
TBA

Sunday 29th of August 2010
Social Ride (medium)
Rose Creek winery
Visit this amazing urban farm in East Keilor.
Sample/purchase local produce.
Return via Maribyrnong River Trail
www.rosecreekestate .com.au
Further info, Michael: 9482 3276 (AH) or 0419 130751,
mike.hansford@ bigpond.com

Sunday 14th of November 2010
Progressive Lunch Ride
Further info, Michael: 9482 3276 (AH) or 0419 130751,
mike.hansford@ bigpond.com

Happy cycling!
Cheers,

Bill and the crew