4 June 2014

Commute in a suit with e-bikes

| Canfan
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Commute in a suit

We have received a media release that is a bit of a business plug, but as we would really like to see what Commonwealth Avenue would look like over-run with office workers commuting to the Parliamentary triangle on an electric bike – we had to share it.

Canberrans urged to ‘commute in a suit’ with e-bikes a better option than paid parking in the Parliamentary Triangle

Local Canberra business, Switched on Cycles, is urging Canberrans to consider a ‘commute in a suit’- riding an electric bike to and from work – as an alternative to paid parking which is to be introduced in the Parliamentary Triangle in the next few months.

“Canberrans can avoid the new parking fees and save money by riding an electric bike, or e-bike, to work. Our e-bikes provide a very cheap transport alternative to cars in Canberra,” said Simone Annis, from Switched on Cycles.

The National Capital Authority recently revealed that paid parking will be introduced in the Parliamentary Triangle at the rate of $11 per day from around the beginning of September. This will have an impact on all car commuters working within the area as about 9,000 car spaces in Acton, Russell, Barton and Parkes will be affected.

“In Australia the majority of people have a commute of less than 10 kilometres one way, a journey quite appropriate for a bike commute. And we already know that Canberra is fabulous for bike riding. With relatively flat terrain, great bike infrastructure and small travelling distances, it makes sense to start thinking of the bikes in terms of transport, not just recreation. An e-bike also takes the work out of longer rides and hilly terrain making longer commutes also possible.

“By purchasing an e-bike, commuters have a low cost journey to work as they’re very cheap to run. They cost around 10 cents per charge with a range of up to 90 kilometres. And with the average e-bike costing $1800, the bike will have paid for itself in just eight months of commuting daily,” Simone continued.

Other benefits of the e-bikes include the fact that there are no fuel costs, less depreciation and wear and tear on your car, no registration and no insurance required. Not to mention the environmental impacts of less cars on the road.

“The bikes also make riding to work very achievable with no worry about having to have the fitness levels to climb hills, or needing a shower once you arrive at work. Riders can ride to work dressed in their best without raising a sweat,” Simone concluded.

Switched on Cycles have found that most people are keen to experience an e-bike before wanting to buy one, which they can do privately by booking a test ride, or at one of several upcoming demo days. There are four more demo days being held in the Parliamentary Triangle prior to the new paid parking arrangements coming into effect.

(Media release Switched on Cycles)

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dungfungus said :

… isn’t it a bit dangerous to tailgate the cyclist in front of you? It is illegal with a registered motor vehicle so why is it OK with a bike?
Another thing to consider is if you are too close you may cop some “methane turbulence” from the other rider, especially if bake beans and eggs were on the breakfast menu.

It’s OK to get really close behind another bike when the person in front and behind are communicating and working together; if someone is happy to be wheelsucked then they do get a small advantage as well. There is etiquette and rules to be followed, it’s not OK to just ride up behind a stranger without asking, that is tailgating! Big difference, in a car or a bike – if you were in a car with a radio link to the car in front who gave permission to get close and told you about upcoming hazards it would probably turn out OK, like a precision driving team. (And BTW it would be even more illegal in an unregistered motor vehicle, please don’t try and stir up the bike rego debate again)

As for the noxious gasses, well, if the person lets one go without warning then they’re saying ‘go away’. Farts go away quickly if you’re riding fast enough, but the real worry is a sneeze or ‘ploughmans snort’ spraying all behind with infectious mucous!

Postalgeek said :

KB1971 said :

E bikes are cheating………

Shhhh. Don’t deter them. I have no problem with critical mass being achieved by e-bikes, and they’ll be good for drafting.

As someone who has only owned a Malvern Star and a Speedwell and never graduated to carbon fibre frames, can you tell me what “drafting” is?
I assume it is what the car racing fraternity call “slipstreaming” in which case isn’t it a bit dangerous to tailgate the cyclist in front of you? It is illegal with a registered motor vehicle so why is it OK with a bike?
Another thing to consider is if you are too close you may cop some “methane turbulence” from the other rider, especially if bake beans and eggs were on the breakfast menu.

fromthecapital said :

Wont somebody please think of the children? Who will drop little Jaxson and Khloe off at school?

Ahh, the classic excuse! It’s a pretty lame excuse now with e-bike versions of the xtracycle, big dummy, yuba mundo, kona ute and others. Kids love riding on those 🙂

fromthecapital8:16 am 06 Jun 14

Wont somebody please think of the children? Who will drop little Jaxson and Khloe off at school?

I’ve considered getting one of these for getting around town on, doing the shopping and other errands. Since moving here, I’ve no longer needed to own my own car, and have a company vehicle I can use if I need to make that odd trip to Sydney.

They certainly do look like a lot of fun to get around on.

Postalgeek said :

KB1971 said :

E bikes are cheating………

Shhhh. Don’t deter them. I have no problem with critical mass being achieved by e-bikes, and they’ll be good for drafting.

Hahahahaaha, I passed a bloke on Adelaide ave this morning on my dually and when he caught me he proceeded to draft me along Lennox Gardens……….I dropped him on the bridge again though……….

Maybe if you own a really sh*&ty suit.

KB1971 said :

E bikes are cheating………

Shhhh. Don’t deter them. I have no problem with critical mass being achieved by e-bikes, and they’ll be good for drafting.

E bikes are cheating………

Walker said :

Are there chopper versions available?

http://www.ausebike.com/products/street/chopper.html

Are there chopper versions available?

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