FAQ continued

What are the aims of this campaign?

Two main objectives:

i) To update the current rules on existing train (and coach) services.

The new train project is approximately 2 years overdue. Given Covid restrictions, this could be extended further.
The transition period for the introduction of new trains and the phasing out of old trains could lead to different bicycle carriage rules depending on the rolling stock in use. Confusing and inconsistent bike carrying rules will discourage users and are to be avoided.
The current rules for carrying bicycles (boxing + weight limits) need to be changed NOW to
a) get people with bikes onto trains and into regional NSW asap and
b) ensure consistent rules (i.e. roll-on roll-off) are in place on all regional and interstate services, no matter what rolling stock is used during the new train changeover period.

ii) To have a number of experienced cyclists including those using e-bikes, touring bikes, kiddie carriers, etc to be included in the new train fitout consultation process.

Why should I be involved?

Increased cycling tourism in regional NSW offers fantastic economic opportunities for small businesses and residents of towns and villages across NSW.

Making it easier for individuals and groups from centres like Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane, etc to visit regional NSW with their e-bikes and bicycles without needing a car.
Roll-on roll-off bikes on all trains (and coaches) means

more convenience and less time consumed with fiddley boxing/assembling/reboxing
it will eliminate weight limits that effectively prohibit e-bikes on NSW regional trains and coaches
it enables short visits like weekends as well as school holidays
roll-off and have more time to travel around the region
more visitors equals more spending equals more services and jobs in regional communities
more passengers means more reasons to retain and improve train services

Do many people have e-bikes?

“Australia’s harmonisation of e-bike regulations in 2017, adopting the European Pedelec standard EN15194, coupled with growing market interest, has resulted in a flourishing Australian e-bike sector. Sales in 2019-20 were 48,000 units and have nearly doubled each year since 2017.”

December-2020_e-Bike-Fact-Sheet_WeRide_web.pdf

https://www.weride.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/December-2020_e-Bike-Fact-Sheet_WeRide_web.pdf

Do you have recent bike sales info?

‘A new record for Australian bicycle sales will be set in 2020-21 of 1.75 million bikes. The previous record set was 1.42 million in 2014.’

15June21_-_We-Ride_Australia_Friends-of-Cycling_-_COVID_dividend_FS_full-web.pdf https://www.weride.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/15June21_-_We-Ride-Australia_Friends-of-Cycling_-_COVID_dividend_FS_full-web.pdf

Is Cycling Tourism really able to help regional NSW?

There have been record setting sales of new bicycles and e-bikes consistently for several years. Those new bike owners want new, safe and scenic cycling options.
E-bikes are game changers for cycling tourism. Their increasing numbers, affordability, range and variety is encouraging people of all fitness levels to ride further, generating thirsts and appetites and leaving them with energy to seek out experiences in the towns and villages they visit.

The conspicuous successes of the Central West Cycling Trail (Mudgee, Dunedoo, etc to Dubbo and back) and the new Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail have demonstrated the feasibility of country cycle touring.
Domestic tourism has benefitted during international and interstate travel restrictions and new more convenient travel will attract repeat and new visitors.

Current State Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, recently said “the $3.3 million investment under the Active Transport Fund built on the NSW Government’s Future Transport 2056 vision to double the number of commuting walkers and cyclists …”

“The cycleway won’t just provide locals with alternative transport options, but will also become a tourism drawcard for cyclists and walkers to enjoy the rural landscape … “

https://www.miragenews.com/3-3mil-for-walking-and-cycling-projects-624754/

“More direct jobs are generally created per $1m investment in pop-up lanes, up to 2.5 time more jobs per dollar than other transport infrastructure.”

The growth in cycling recently can be encouraged to continue post-pandemic;

“– online retailer Bicycles Online saw sales figures more than double during April, particularly in commuter bike sales which grew 210 percent

– mountain bike sales surged 170 per cent, while kids bike sales increased by 60 per cent at Bicycles Online “… Sales are exceeding what we would expect to see at Christmas …” Co-founder, Bicycles Online

page 57 ‘Final_COVID Impacts on Infrastructure Sectors Report_14 Dec 2020’ by Infrastructure Australia

How can I help?

Talk to your colleagues and friends

Write to Paul Toole, Deputy Premier, Minister for Regions and Regional Transport and Roads
Write to Rob Stokes, the MInister for Transport and Roads
Write to Stuart Ayres, the Minister for Tourism
Talk to your local state Member of Parliament
Talk to your local chamber of commerce and tourism operators
Talk to your local Mayor and Council Economic Development Officer

What type of bike space are you hoping for?

We need enough space for at least eight bikes per train, without having to box them or hoist them onto hooks.

How much would it cost to transport unboxed bikes?

That would be up to the railways to determine.

Would the bikes be in a secure area or would we need to remove valuables and chain the bikes?

Hopefully the design would enable riders to be seated close enough to their bikes to keep an eye on them.

Can we have input on how we’d expect the bike storage to look?

We are hoping to meet with authorities to give them our ideas, so please add your own expectations on our Facebook page.

Our immediate goal is to make contact and liaise with the appropriate railway authorities.

email us at bikesontrainsNSW@gmail.com

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