Bin the bike ban!

City of Greater Bendigo: Media Release

19 January, 2008 – 11:32 am

City of Greater Bendigo: Media Release – City To Express Disappointment Over Train Bike Ban (17 January 2008)

The City of Greater Bendigo will write to the Minister for Public Transport the Hon Lynne Kosky to express concerns about the State Government’s intention to ban bicycles from peak hour train services.

City of Greater Bendigo Strathfieldsaye Councillor Keith Reynard said the City will also initiate and lead a delegation of Central Victorian Councils to meet with V-Line Senior Management to highlight the negative implications the ban will have on rural and regional train travellers.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is keen to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transport and the proposed ban goes against this aim.”

“We are working hard to promote cycling as a preferred and viable transport option and have recently appointed a Sustainable Transport Officer.”

“We are also working in partnership with the State Government to introduce a TravelSmart program in Bendigo which encourages people to substitute some of the trips that they would normally make in a car with more sustainable, cheaper and healthier transport options like walking, cycling and public transport.”

“There are many rural and regional people who work in the city or other regional areas who rely on their bicycles to get to their workplaces.”

“Banning bicycles on peak hour trains is not the way to go and we want to express our disappointment and if possible help come up with an alternative solution,” said Cr Reynard.