Surge in number of fines for cyclists not wearing a helmet

cycling, Health, regulation, ,

From the Sydney Morning Herald….

The number of infringement notices issued by police has risen dramatically following a recent crack down on cyclists who do not wear approved helmets.

cyclist-fines-graph-700

The latest statistics show a 56 per cent rise, to 1545, in the total number of fines issued in the two months after the government increased penalties for cyclists on March 1, compared with the same period a year earlier. 

The fine for riding without a helmet more than quadrupled on March 1 to $319.

The amount of fines collected from people riding without helmets totalled $350,262 in March and April, compared with just over $50,000 in the same period in 2015.

 

A fit body leads to a fit brain

cycling, Health,

Exercise helps your brainFrom the Sydney Morning Herald…..

The most persistent theme in exercise science in 2015 was that to live long, age well and maintain a nimble mind and shapely brain, we must be physically active – but not for as much time as many of us might fear, or in the ways that many of us might guess.

Certainly the most encouraging research this year focused on the links between regular exercise and improvements in our thinking and the structure of our brains. There has been discussion in past years about how exercise increases the number of new neurons in the brain and sharpens thinking skills and mood, especially as we age.

But this year, interest among scientists in exercise and brain health seemed to reach a critical mass. Many new studies are highlighting previously unexplored ways in which exercise changes our brains and minds. A recent brain-scan study in Japan found that the brains of fit older men were almost as efficient as the brains of young people.

 

New rules for cyclists – 2016

cycling, regulation, , ,

The NSW government has announced new rules relating to cycling. These new measures will come into effect in March 2016.

1 MetreFrom 1st March 2016….

 

Changing attitudes to bicycle helmets

cycling, regulation

Cycling HelmetThere is currently a great deal of public discussion about laws relating to the wearing of helmets by cyclists.

In the early 1990s laws mandating that cyclists wear bicycle helmets were introduced in Australia. But as early as 1978 attitudes towards the wearing of helmets were changing.

The article below, published in today’s SMH, is part of that discussion, reflecting on changing attitudes since the late 1970s.

 

Call for Ride Leaders

Kiama BUG

This time last year we solicited members for interest in becoming a Ride Leader, we once again make that call. Anyone interested contact Larry via email (larry.parkes@gmail.com)

2015 AGM & Dinner – 26th June

cycling, Kiama BUG, ,

Kiama Bowling ClubAttention all Kiama BUG members….

The 2015 Annual General Meeting of the Kiama Bicycle Users Group will be held at the Kiama Bowling Club on Friday 26th June 2015, commencing at 6:30pm.

The AGM will be followed by dinner.

Please review the information below – to either nominate to serve on the executive committee, and/or to select from the menu for the AGM dinner……

Nomination for Kiama BUG Executive
AGM - Nomination form

Nominations Closed

If you wish to serve on the Kiama BUG executive committee, you may self-nominate, in which case you may find a seconder for your nomination or we will arrange for a seconder for you. Nomination forms (icon on left) must be returned to either the Returning Officer (details on the form) or Kiama Cycles by the COB on Friday 12th June.
AGM Dinner Menu

Dinner menu

The Bowling Club caterer has provided us with an (optional) set menu.

  • Please make your selection for dinner using the form below,
    before Friday 20th June.
    • Each item on the set menu is $12.00.
  • You can also choose from the Club’s full menu on the night.
    • Prices for meals from the full menu are typically in the range
      $12.00 – $20.00.
    • These meals may take longer to serve than meals from the set menu.
  • If you have any queries or changes contact Warren McCullough:
    wazmac@gmail.com

Event closed

Photos of the night are available on the Photo Page >>>

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the AGM on 26th June. 

A20 – Alps to Ocean – Ride NZ

cycling,

From Warren McPherson….

Recently I rode the A2O, the Alps 2 Ocean with my brother and two other guys from Western Australia.  It was a fabulous experience. I thought that sharing my thoughts might be useful to anyone contemplating such a ride…..

A20 rideThe new (two years old) A2O Cycle Trail is in the South Island of New Zealand. It winds its way through the Mackenzie Basin down the Waitaki River to its end at Oamaru on the coast.

A2O is therefore east of the NZ Alps, the less rain and fewer sand flies side.

It begins at a mountain – well at the base of one, Aoraki/Mt Cook village at 600 meters altitude and ends of course at 0 meters.

Emergency+ Mobile Smart Phone App

Kiama BUG

A smart phone application called Emergency+ has come to our attention. This application (sponsored by Fire and Rescue) is free to download and install on your phone. It is available for both Android via Google Play Store and the iPhone via the App Store. This application provides quick access to emergency phone numbers and your current position should you need impose on emergency services for assistance. Might be useful for you.