Civia Hyland commuter bicycle

Here is a mid to high end commuter bicycle from Civia in the United States.  It comes in three different versions all built around Civia’s frame and Shimano’s Alfine componentry. The base model has a SRAM i-Motion 3-speed hub, the standard build uses a complete Alfine drive train (8-speed hub) and brakes and the top [...]

Reading: Fuel for thought

While digging around the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) web site I discovered Fuel for thought, a publication by the Future Fuels Forum 2007. This June 2008 publication informs us how the Future Fuels Forum thinks transport fuels will pan out in our future with modelling from now to 2050.  It is an [...]

Bicycle cages available at Victorian rail stations for commuters

Commuters using a combination of bicycle and train travel can now park their bicycles securely at 23 train stations across metropolitan Melbourne and in five regional centres. Metropolitan Melbourne stations with bicycle cages: Bayswater, Bentleigh, Brighton Beach, Broadmeadows, Caulfield, Cheltenham, Croydon, Eltham, Frankston, Glenroy, Hallam, Hoppers Crossing, Newport, Roxburgh Park, Sandringham, Surrey Hills, Watergardens and [...]

City Living versus The Great Australian Dream

For a few years now I’ve harboured a dream to be able to live life without a car. I have this imaginary lifestyle in my mind where I live in the centre of a city. Everything I need is within walking or cycling distance. On the rare occasion that I need to do a long [...]

New Schwinn fast charging electric bicycle

In September 2008 Schwinn Bicycles announced a strategic collaboration with Toshiba Corporation that they think is going to dramatically improve the uptake of electric bicycles around the world. Schwinn presented the results of this collaboration at the recent Interbike International Bicycle Expo in the form of the Tailwind. The Tailwind incorporates Toshiba’s new Super Charge [...]

Hobart to get improved cycling network

The Tasmanian State Government is providing $415,000 to co-fund five cycleway projects which will form part of the Hobart Regional Arterial Bicycle Network. Local Councils will provide the remaining funding. Construction has begun at the ‘Cadbury Link’ cycleway in Claremont, and work will begin early in the New Year on cycleways along the Bridgewater Foreshore, [...]

Victorian Transport Plan released

The Victorian Department of Transport released the Victorian Transport Plan (VTP) earlier this month. Not having a great understanding of Melbourne and Victoria make it hard to assess the VTP but at least Victoria has a plan. The proof will be in the execution. Highlights include: Up to 70 new trains and 100km of new [...]

Trek belt drive bicycles

Not long ago I wrote about the Retrovelo Paul and stated that it was at the top of my bicycle wish list. Well, sadly that has only lasted 11 days. I’ve just discovered a bicycle that, while not having the retro styling and excellent craftsmanship (and the accompanying price tag) of the Retrovelo, has similar [...]

Slow down, enjoy your ride and ride more often

Over the last few years I’ve come to realise what many people who are forced to use a bicycle for transport already know. If you slow down a little you get to your destination a little later but a lot less fatigued. Sadly, it has taken me many years of riding to come to this [...]

Bikes allowed back on Melbourne peak hour trains

The Victorian Minister for Transport, Lynne Kosky, has rescinded the ban on bikes travelling on trains during Melbourne’s peak hour. In addition to lifting the ban there will be improvements made to ease bicycle commuter’s use of trains.