9 August 2012

Cyclists taking over the mountain roads on Saturday

| johnboy
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Territory and Municipal Services are warning that the Canberra Cycling Club are racing this weekend:

The ACT Government wishes to advise motorists and other road users of possible traffic disruptions along Uriarra Road and Brindabella Road from 1 pm to 5 pm on Saturday 11 August 2012 to allow for the Canberra Cycling Club road race.

Warning signs will be erected to alert people of the cycle race.

Reduced speed limits will be in place on the affected road for the duration of the event.

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Holden Caulfield6:09 pm 12 Aug 12

troutfisher said :

“It’s bad enough when people are asked to share the roads with cyclists or whatever.”

or answer a question

Quite.

Your original post was pretty simple to comprehend. I’m surprised at some of the people who struggled with it.

Even better that it was in an attempt to mount a high horse as well, haha.

Silentforce said :

I thought that the purpose of the Velodrome at Narrabundah was for cycle racing. Safe, off-road and purpose built. If it is no longer required, perhaps Katy could offer up the site for more apartment complexes. Canberra needs more apartments.

Yep – the same “logic” says that they should get rid of the running track at Stromlo since they’re not using that for the Canberra Times fun run in a month or so, but are closing public roads instead.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd said :

Appears to be a lot of half wits here.

Pretty simple, obey the road rules wether on bike or in a car.

Troutfisher, if I were you, I would have just kept going slower.

+1

patrick_keogh1:51 pm 12 Aug 12

Silentforce said :

I thought that the purpose of the Velodrome at Narrabundah was for cycle racing. Safe, off-road and purpose built.

Yes we tried that. Unfortunately the downhill MTB races are very short (about five metres from the start to the finish. The cross country MTB races were fine although the riders complained about dizziness because the infield of the velodrome only allowed for a 200 metre circuit and it wasn’t very technical. For the road races we thought that the steep climb would make a selection in the field much as the French Alps do in the Tour de France but although the climb was steep it was only four metres long. There was a bold plan to incorporate a BMX track in the infield too, but after one test ride the idea was abandoned because three riders accidentally jumped right out of the velodrome and were never seen again.

What we did find though was that it was fairly suitable for track racing. Back in its day it attracted a fair amount of racing. A student of cycle racing such as yourself must have noticed that these days all top class velodromes are indoor. The old Canberra concrete track, with all its bumps and cracks is steadily deteriorating and probably one day it will be closed. Then the site can be used for apartments.

I thought that the purpose of the Velodrome at Narrabundah was for cycle racing. Safe, off-road and purpose built. If it is no longer required, perhaps Katy could offer up the site for more apartment complexes. Canberra needs more apartments.

Kath said :

dazzab said :

Like the author of post #1 I often times wonder if I could get a road closed for my own entertainment as well. I don’t know who the Pedal Power lobbyists are sleeping with to accomplish this but they must be damn good in bed.

More likely to be Canberra Cycling Club lobbyists – they’re a bike racing club. I think Pedal Power is more about getting regular people riding without being run down by raving loonies.

Thanks for that correction. My apologies to Pedal Power.

troutfisher said :

Milkman said
“No problems. I assume you’ll have no problems with a car race on public roads with cyclists around then (of course, the cyclists will be expected to ‘share the road’)?:”

As a matter of fact I would have an issue with cars using the public roads for a race, in fact I will go so far as to assume for you (it seems only fair as you made some stupid assumtion about me) would not agree it was a good idea either, if the roads were open to and used by the public.

And here in lays the crux of what you are failing to conceive, PUBLIC ROADS THAT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. When the car races were run near Parliament House, the roads were shut to the public, I will say it agin so you can grasp it, shut to the public meaning that they were not and would not have been sharing it with cyclists. Unless you can understand that simple fact, you are not anywhere the solution to the issue I raised but merely a part of the problem.

Now re read again, I have no issue with the races, never said anywhere in this thread that I did, it was the snippets grabbed by people who then later failed to answer a simple question when they obvioulsy realised that their argument was flawed that have.

Um, I was agreeing with you and having a go at people who thought it was OK to race on roads that are open to the public…

Milkman said
“No problems. I assume you’ll have no problems with a car race on public roads with cyclists around then (of course, the cyclists will be expected to ‘share the road’)?:”

As a matter of fact I would have an issue with cars using the public roads for a race, in fact I will go so far as to assume for you (it seems only fair as you made some stupid assumtion about me) would not agree it was a good idea either, if the roads were open to and used by the public.

And here in lays the crux of what you are failing to conceive, PUBLIC ROADS THAT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. When the car races were run near Parliament House, the roads were shut to the public, I will say it agin so you can grasp it, shut to the public meaning that they were not and would not have been sharing it with cyclists. Unless you can understand that simple fact, you are not anywhere the solution to the issue I raised but merely a part of the problem.

Now re read again, I have no issue with the races, never said anywhere in this thread that I did, it was the snippets grabbed by people who then later failed to answer a simple question when they obvioulsy realised that their argument was flawed that have.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd8:57 am 11 Aug 12

Appears to be a lot of half wits here.

Pretty simple, obey the road rules wether on bike or in a car.

Troutfisher, if I were you, I would have just kept going slower.

Baldy said :

troutfisher said :

Thats very good Jim, but now please take your training wheels off and answer my question, ARE THE CYCLIST OBLIGED BY LAW TO OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, the speed limit that were put down for then race through the agreement between the Government the cycling overlords. Then go back to my original post and read the part where I have no issue with the roads being used for races or the slight inconvience it causes.

My issue and only point was that unless ALL uses of the raod observed the rules someone would be killed

You do understand the concept of “Race” don’t you. You must get really mad at all those olympic competitors going over the speed limit then.

No problems. I assume you’ll have no problems with a car race on public roads with cyclists around then (of course, the cyclists will be expected to ‘share the road’)?

I suspect you see the problem, no-one is really that stupid.

Baldy said:
“You do understand the concept of “Race” don’t you. You must get really mad at all those olympic competitors going over the speed limit then.”

I may well do if in fact they were racing on a road open to and used by the public and they decided to abuse me because I was doing the speed limit As set out by the Government in conjunction with the race officials) in an area where you cannot pull over. I suspect the olympic competitors you speak of are racing on roads closed to every one else.

I do understand the concept of race, do you have a concept of the word comprehension, when you look it up and understand what it means (irony), re read my original posting. I will spell it out for you, I don’t have an issue sharing the road, it would however appear some of the road racing fraternity do. If you believe the sport generates that much interest and holds that much support (including political) put in a proposal to get the road shut for the races, but when you realise you are not that special, please seek professional support as it may very well shatter your view on realism.

troutfisher said :

ARE THE CYCLISTS IMMUNE FROM THE SPEED LIMITS

No, It’s still an open road, so Road Rules still apply. They are enforced in events where the AFP are present and it is expected that the cyclists will get up to speeds exceeding the posted speed limit

Jim Jones said :

Here’s a subtle hint: bike RACE

Doesn’t matter – On Open Roads, we’re still obliged to obey the speed limits.

jb1964 said :

HenryBG said :

troutfisher said :

As a regular user of the roads used by the race meetings I am a little curious as to whether the cyclists are required to observe the temporary road speed limits (in place for the race). Not long ago I was waved through between heats but after stopping to take a phone call the race behind me caught up as I was heading into the Uriarra crossing area (for those not familiar with it it is a long downhill run) where the posted speed had been dropped back.
I slowed to the required speed only to have cyclists overtake me, over unboken lines while abusing me for slowing them down.
To top that off further up the Brindabella road (near what appears to be a turn around point) some woman jumps out on the road, no safety coloured equipment, not signs and I suspect no real official capacity and waves me down to tell me there is a bike race on. Well done, would never have picked it based on the number of bikes I had seen by then.
Happy to share the road and the slight inconvience is easily dealt with, but someone will get killed again if the rules are not observed by ALL road users while these races are on

Same here – I’ve been out there when these idiots are (mis-)using the public road – all over the road and speeding. I’ve seen support vehicles deliberately obstructing the road by driving straddling the centre lane.

A couple of years ago a poor lady driving a Taraga was hit head-on by an idiot cyclist who was cutting a corner on the wrong side of the road.

Your post makes me think, though – if enough of us are out using these roads at the right times, then we may be able to ruin their stupid misuse of our roads. It’s a tempting thought. EWe should invite the guys with the Backhoes from the Tuggeranong Parkway to join it the fun.

You make an interesting point perhaps it would be better to just close the road to all non race traffic

You know, I learnt how to share my toys when I was 3.

Just saying

troutfisher said :

Thats very good Jim, but now please take your training wheels off and answer my question, ARE THE CYCLIST OBLIGED BY LAW TO OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, the speed limit that were put down for then race through the agreement between the Government the cycling overlords. Then go back to my original post and read the part where I have no issue with the roads being used for races or the slight inconvience it causes.

My issue and only point was that unless ALL uses of the raod observed the rules someone would be killed

You do understand the concept of “Race” don’t you. You must get really mad at all those olympic competitors going over the speed limit then.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Jim Jones said :

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Jim Jones said :

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Grrrr said :

You were caught by the bike race and could’t be bothered with pulling over to get out of their way? Sounds like you deserved of all the abuse you received.

Whoa – hang on a tick. There have been a number of threads on RiotACT where the consensus seems to be that when someone in a car is caught by slower traffic it’s up to the slower traffic to be patient and wait, but if it’s cyclists catch up it’s up to the driver to pull over?

Hmm…

Here’s a subtle hint: bike RACE

Here’s a subtle hint in return: PUBLIC ROADS

Ah, that’s right, ‘public’ being Latin for “bow down before your automotive overlords”.

Translation: “you make a good point”.

Blink blibk.

Hang on. This looks strangly on a reasonable conversation in RA where two people discuss something and some actually agrees the other side has a point.

this happens?

HenryBG said :

troutfisher said :

As a regular user of the roads used by the race meetings I am a little curious as to whether the cyclists are required to observe the temporary road speed limits (in place for the race). Not long ago I was waved through between heats but after stopping to take a phone call the race behind me caught up as I was heading into the Uriarra crossing area (for those not familiar with it it is a long downhill run) where the posted speed had been dropped back.
I slowed to the required speed only to have cyclists overtake me, over unboken lines while abusing me for slowing them down.
To top that off further up the Brindabella road (near what appears to be a turn around point) some woman jumps out on the road, no safety coloured equipment, not signs and I suspect no real official capacity and waves me down to tell me there is a bike race on. Well done, would never have picked it based on the number of bikes I had seen by then.
Happy to share the road and the slight inconvience is easily dealt with, but someone will get killed again if the rules are not observed by ALL road users while these races are on

Same here – I’ve been out there when these idiots are (mis-)using the public road – all over the road and speeding. I’ve seen support vehicles deliberately obstructing the road by driving straddling the centre lane.

A couple of years ago a poor lady driving a Taraga was hit head-on by an idiot cyclist who was cutting a corner on the wrong side of the road.

Your post makes me think, though – if enough of us are out using these roads at the right times, then we may be able to ruin their stupid misuse of our roads. It’s a tempting thought. EWe should invite the guys with the Backhoes from the Tuggeranong Parkway to join it the fun.

Cyclist hits a car = poor car driver.

Yeah I can see where this thought pattern is heading.

“It’s bad enough when people are asked to share the roads with cyclists or whatever.”

or answer a question

HenryBG said :

troutfisher said :

As a regular user of the roads used by the race meetings I am a little curious as to whether the cyclists are required to observe the temporary road speed limits (in place for the race). Not long ago I was waved through between heats but after stopping to take a phone call the race behind me caught up as I was heading into the Uriarra crossing area (for those not familiar with it it is a long downhill run) where the posted speed had been dropped back.
I slowed to the required speed only to have cyclists overtake me, over unboken lines while abusing me for slowing them down.
To top that off further up the Brindabella road (near what appears to be a turn around point) some woman jumps out on the road, no safety coloured equipment, not signs and I suspect no real official capacity and waves me down to tell me there is a bike race on. Well done, would never have picked it based on the number of bikes I had seen by then.
Happy to share the road and the slight inconvience is easily dealt with, but someone will get killed again if the rules are not observed by ALL road users while these races are on

Same here – I’ve been out there when these idiots are (mis-)using the public road – all over the road and speeding. I’ve seen support vehicles deliberately obstructing the road by driving straddling the centre lane.

A couple of years ago a poor lady driving a Taraga was hit head-on by an idiot cyclist who was cutting a corner on the wrong side of the road.

Your post makes me think, though – if enough of us are out using these roads at the right times, then we may be able to ruin their stupid misuse of our roads. It’s a tempting thought. EWe should invite the guys with the Backhoes from the Tuggeranong Parkway to join it the fun.

Hahaha! Good to see you’d rather spend your weekend ruining someone else’s fun, rather than living your own life! Hahahahaha! Winning Henry, winning! Sounds like you’ve got a couple of helpers too: Jimbob87 and VYBerlinaV8! You 3 should do it and tell us all about how much fun it was on Monday!
Kinda sounds like a mini convoy of no confidence! Hahahaha!

At the very least, this reminder of a previous story will make you happy: http://the-riotact.com/police-kibosh-the-canberra-tour/77972
Victory!!

jb1964 said :

HenryBG said :

troutfisher said :

As a regular user of the roads used by the race meetings I am a little curious as to whether the cyclists are required to observe the temporary road speed limits (in place for the race). Not long ago I was waved through between heats but after stopping to take a phone call the race behind me caught up as I was heading into the Uriarra crossing area (for those not familiar with it it is a long downhill run) where the posted speed had been dropped back.
I slowed to the required speed only to have cyclists overtake me, over unboken lines while abusing me for slowing them down.
To top that off further up the Brindabella road (near what appears to be a turn around point) some woman jumps out on the road, no safety coloured equipment, not signs and I suspect no real official capacity and waves me down to tell me there is a bike race on. Well done, would never have picked it based on the number of bikes I had seen by then.
Happy to share the road and the slight inconvience is easily dealt with, but someone will get killed again if the rules are not observed by ALL road users while these races are on

Same here – I’ve been out there when these idiots are (mis-)using the public road – all over the road and speeding. I’ve seen support vehicles deliberately obstructing the road by driving straddling the centre lane.

A couple of years ago a poor lady driving a Taraga was hit head-on by an idiot cyclist who was cutting a corner on the wrong side of the road.

Your post makes me think, though – if enough of us are out using these roads at the right times, then we may be able to ruin their stupid misuse of our roads. It’s a tempting thought. EWe should invite the guys with the Backhoes from the Tuggeranong Parkway to join it the fun.

You make an interesting point perhaps it would be better to just close the road to all non race traffic

Can you imagine the whinging if that happened?

It’s bad enough when people are asked to share the roads with cyclists or whatever.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back3:56 pm 10 Aug 12

Grrrr said :

So you want to be disruptive on the road while the race is on, presumably resulting in CCC having to pay more to close the road completely to other traffic … thus depriving you of it’s use entirely for the duration? Someone needs to go back to Kindergarten and stay there until they’ve learnt to share the toys!

And someone else needs to remember that regardless of whether it’s a race or not, using public roads at a time when they are available for the public to use requires you to obey the rules. If you don’t want to share, or can’t obey the rules, either take it somewhere else or shut the road completely.

HenryBG said :

troutfisher said :

As a regular user of the roads used by the race meetings I am a little curious as to whether the cyclists are required to observe the temporary road speed limits (in place for the race). Not long ago I was waved through between heats but after stopping to take a phone call the race behind me caught up as I was heading into the Uriarra crossing area (for those not familiar with it it is a long downhill run) where the posted speed had been dropped back.
I slowed to the required speed only to have cyclists overtake me, over unboken lines while abusing me for slowing them down.
To top that off further up the Brindabella road (near what appears to be a turn around point) some woman jumps out on the road, no safety coloured equipment, not signs and I suspect no real official capacity and waves me down to tell me there is a bike race on. Well done, would never have picked it based on the number of bikes I had seen by then.
Happy to share the road and the slight inconvience is easily dealt with, but someone will get killed again if the rules are not observed by ALL road users while these races are on

Same here – I’ve been out there when these idiots are (mis-)using the public road – all over the road and speeding. I’ve seen support vehicles deliberately obstructing the road by driving straddling the centre lane.

A couple of years ago a poor lady driving a Taraga was hit head-on by an idiot cyclist who was cutting a corner on the wrong side of the road.

Your post makes me think, though – if enough of us are out using these roads at the right times, then we may be able to ruin their stupid misuse of our roads. It’s a tempting thought. EWe should invite the guys with the Backhoes from the Tuggeranong Parkway to join it the fun.

You make an interesting point perhaps it would be better to just close the road to all non race traffic

So you want to be disruptive on the road while the race is on, presumably resulting in CCC having to pay more to close the road completely to other traffic … thus depriving you of it’s use entirely for the duration? Someone needs to go back to Kindergarten and stay there until they’ve learnt to share the toys!

gizmo1 said :

Great, roads taken over by non rego holding, un-insured un-licenced road users. Wow, must be awsome to be able to use whatever facilities you like without the costs associated for everone else. Good work you self rightous pricks

So are we talking about component of race entry fee that the ACT gov gets for the road closures or the portion that covers third party insurance.

Thats very good Jim, but now please take your training wheels off and answer my question, ARE THE CYCLIST OBLIGED BY LAW TO OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, the speed limit that were put down for then race through the agreement between the Government the cycling overlords. Then go back to my original post and read the part where I have no issue with the roads being used for races or the slight inconvience it causes.

My issue and only point was that unless ALL uses of the raod observed the rules someone would be killed

VYBerlinaV8_is_back3:29 pm 10 Aug 12

Jim Jones said :

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Jim Jones said :

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Grrrr said :

You were caught by the bike race and could’t be bothered with pulling over to get out of their way? Sounds like you deserved of all the abuse you received.

Whoa – hang on a tick. There have been a number of threads on RiotACT where the consensus seems to be that when someone in a car is caught by slower traffic it’s up to the slower traffic to be patient and wait, but if it’s cyclists catch up it’s up to the driver to pull over?

Hmm…

Here’s a subtle hint: bike RACE

Here’s a subtle hint in return: PUBLIC ROADS

Ah, that’s right, ‘public’ being Latin for “bow down before your automotive overlords”.

Translation: “you make a good point”.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Jim Jones said :

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Grrrr said :

You were caught by the bike race and could’t be bothered with pulling over to get out of their way? Sounds like you deserved of all the abuse you received.

Whoa – hang on a tick. There have been a number of threads on RiotACT where the consensus seems to be that when someone in a car is caught by slower traffic it’s up to the slower traffic to be patient and wait, but if it’s cyclists catch up it’s up to the driver to pull over?

Hmm…

Here’s a subtle hint: bike RACE

Here’s a subtle hint in return: PUBLIC ROADS

Ah, that’s right, ‘public’ being Latin for “bow down before your automotive overlords”.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back3:11 pm 10 Aug 12

Jim Jones said :

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Grrrr said :

You were caught by the bike race and could’t be bothered with pulling over to get out of their way? Sounds like you deserved of all the abuse you received.

Whoa – hang on a tick. There have been a number of threads on RiotACT where the consensus seems to be that when someone in a car is caught by slower traffic it’s up to the slower traffic to be patient and wait, but if it’s cyclists catch up it’s up to the driver to pull over?

Hmm…

Here’s a subtle hint: bike RACE

Here’s a subtle hint in return: PUBLIC ROADS

ToastFliesRED2:32 pm 10 Aug 12

Ermahgerd they took our rehrds

troutfisher said :

As a regular user of the roads used by the race meetings I am a little curious as to whether the cyclists are required to observe the temporary road speed limits (in place for the race). Not long ago I was waved through between heats but after stopping to take a phone call the race behind me caught up as I was heading into the Uriarra crossing area (for those not familiar with it it is a long downhill run) where the posted speed had been dropped back.
I slowed to the required speed only to have cyclists overtake me, over unboken lines while abusing me for slowing them down.
To top that off further up the Brindabella road (near what appears to be a turn around point) some woman jumps out on the road, no safety coloured equipment, not signs and I suspect no real official capacity and waves me down to tell me there is a bike race on. Well done, would never have picked it based on the number of bikes I had seen by then.
Happy to share the road and the slight inconvience is easily dealt with, but someone will get killed again if the rules are not observed by ALL road users while these races are on

Same here – I’ve been out there when these idiots are (mis-)using the public road – all over the road and speeding. I’ve seen support vehicles deliberately obstructing the road by driving straddling the centre lane.

A couple of years ago a poor lady driving a Taraga was hit head-on by an idiot cyclist who was cutting a corner on the wrong side of the road.

Your post makes me think, though – if enough of us are out using these roads at the right times, then we may be able to ruin their stupid misuse of our roads. It’s a tempting thought. EWe should invite the guys with the Backhoes from the Tuggeranong Parkway to join it the fun.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Grrrr said :

You were caught by the bike race and could’t be bothered with pulling over to get out of their way? Sounds like you deserved of all the abuse you received.

Whoa – hang on a tick. There have been a number of threads on RiotACT where the consensus seems to be that when someone in a car is caught by slower traffic it’s up to the slower traffic to be patient and wait, but if it’s cyclists catch up it’s up to the driver to pull over?

Hmm…

Here’s a subtle hint: bike RACE

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Grrrr said :

You were caught by the bike race and could’t be bothered with pulling over to get out of their way? Sounds like you deserved of all the abuse you received.

Whoa – hang on a tick. There have been a number of threads on RiotACT where the consensus seems to be that when someone in a car is caught by slower traffic it’s up to the slower traffic to be patient and wait, but if it’s cyclists catch up it’s up to the driver to pull over?

Hmm…

Oh shit, you’re going straight to hell for that one….

Hope its a nice ride, looks like it will be a wonderful day for it.

In the interest of having a fair race I have set a video camera along the track to catch people breaking road and cycling rules. I’ll then send the video into the police and cycling commissaries for their action as they see fit.

muhahhaha *cough* muuuhahhahaha

VYBerlinaV8_is_back12:57 pm 10 Aug 12

Grrrr said :

You were caught by the bike race and could’t be bothered with pulling over to get out of their way? Sounds like you deserved of all the abuse you received.

Whoa – hang on a tick. There have been a number of threads on RiotACT where the consensus seems to be that when someone in a car is caught by slower traffic it’s up to the slower traffic to be patient and wait, but if it’s cyclists catch up it’s up to the driver to pull over?

Hmm…

Yes Grrr I probably could have pulled over if there was a suitable area to do so, I suggest you go and have a look at the area I am talking about, but the point I was making is: ARE THE CYCLISTS IMMUNE FROM THE SPEED LIMITS, the speed limits that have been put up on a temporary basis for their race. I was doing it yet they seemed to have no regard at all, but your response indicating I deserved abuse probably says more about your attitude and I realise it is the minority view of some of the cyclists when observing the rules in Canberra.

Eppo said :

andrewbt said :

Seeing as we’re generalising – Might I ask if you’re one of the Motorcyclists that think that there’s an open speed limit on Urirarra Road?

You mean there isn’t?.

News to me.

troutfisher said :

Not long ago I was waved through between heats but after stopping to take a phone call the race behind me caught up as I was heading into the Uriarra crossing area (for those not familiar with it it is a long downhill run) where the posted speed had been dropped back.
I slowed to the required speed only to have cyclists overtake me, over unboken lines while abusing me for slowing them down.

You were caught by the bike race and could’t be bothered with pulling over to get out of their way? Sounds like you deserved of all the abuse you received.

Also, hooray for gizmo1 – this thread’s winner of the prize for rolling out the “cyclists don’t pay to use the roads” furphy that’s been presented and debunked in every bike-related thread ever created here!

gizmo1 said :

Great, roads taken over by non rego holding, un-insured un-licenced road users. Wow, must be awsome to be able to use whatever facilities you like without the costs associated for everone else. Good work you self rightous pricks

Yeah, you tell ’em, Driverman!

Eppo said :

andrewbt said :

Seeing as we’re generalising – Might I ask if you’re one of the Motorcyclists that think that there’s an open speed limit on Urirarra Road?

You mean there isn’t?

Well, this is awkward.

Beat me to it. I always thought it was an open road for bikes. Never mind, I’ve never been caught so it’s OK, I guess.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd10:42 am 10 Aug 12

@dpm, good point. The roadworks here for the last monthes are a major pain in the butt. sitting at temporary signals for 20 minutes at a time. It would take years and years of these bike events to come anywhere close to the roadworks inconvinence.

andrewbt said :

Seeing as we’re generalising – Might I ask if you’re one of the Motorcyclists that think that there’s an open speed limit on Urirarra Road?

You mean there isn’t?

Well, this is awkward.

gizmo1 said :

Great, roads taken over by non rego holding, un-insured un-licenced road users. Wow, must be awsome to be able to use whatever facilities you like without the costs associated for everone else. Good work you self rightous pricks

That was hilarious!!

Out of my way! I’m a motorist!

Baldy said :

Man, the lame “what about me” comments on this thread.

yeah well, it isn’t fair, and I’ve had enough and I want my share…

But you just take more than you need.

What about me?

gizmo1 said :

Great, roads taken over by non rego holding, un-insured un-licenced road users. Wow, must be awsome to be able to use whatever facilities you like without the costs associated for everone else. Good work you self rightous pricks

Uhm, what cost do you you you incure everytime you use it? Or are you talking about registration you pay that go towards the use of every road in Canberra as well as paying the services of the employees of the roads services?

Nice to know that everyone here knows how to share.

Man, the lame “what about me” comments on this thread.

The road is closed for a community sporting event and all people can think about is their own selves.

Sometimes I wonder what is happening to people when their first instinct is to complain they aren’t getting any benefit from a community event.

As a regular user of the roads used by the race meetings I am a little curious as to whether the cyclists are required to observe the temporary road speed limits (in place for the race). Not long ago I was waved through between heats but after stopping to take a phone call the race behind me caught up as I was heading into the Uriarra crossing area (for those not familiar with it it is a long downhill run) where the posted speed had been dropped back.
I slowed to the required speed only to have cyclists overtake me, over unboken lines while abusing me for slowing them down.
To top that off further up the Brindabella road (near what appears to be a turn around point) some woman jumps out on the road, no safety coloured equipment, not signs and I suspect no real official capacity and waves me down to tell me there is a bike race on. Well done, would never have picked it based on the number of bikes I had seen by then.
Happy to share the road and the slight inconvience is easily dealt with, but someone will get killed again if the rules are not observed by ALL road users while these races are on

Great, roads taken over by non rego holding, un-insured un-licenced road users. Wow, must be awsome to be able to use whatever facilities you like without the costs associated for everone else. Good work you self rightous pricks

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd said :

God damn. So many wowsers here. Who cares?

This is Canberra. This is RA. It’s the home is whinging!
Most posts here sound like a bunch of old women complaining about the price of fruit ‘these days’! Hahahaha!
First rule of RA, if you’ve got nothing useful to add to a thread, bitch about something just so you have posted!
Re: #3, even when Uriarra Rd is closed/controlled for cycling events, you can still get through from Coppins Xing to Weston Ck, so I don’t see the problem for you? The ongoing roadworks down there have been about million times worse in timespan and inconvienence using that road. (I’m assuming you don’t live down near Uriarra since you mention using it only to ‘cut through’ to work….)
Chillax people, it’s Friday!
To most people complaining about everything, do you remember listening to your grandpa bitch about everything and telling yourself ‘you’ll never be like that when you’re older’? Well, think about that before each post you make, and what you now sound like! Hahahaha!
Anyway, resume usual transmission – continue your tirades! Make sure you’re shaking your fist at the sceen as you’re typing. That also helps!

TAMS has recently started publishing these events, so as Nescius said, it’s nothing new – it’s been happening for years

Most races do not require a fully closed road, but speeds are reduced at certain points.

Solidarity said :

What!
Can I get roads closed for a motor race?

Quite possibly, fill out the following:
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/62448/Special_Events_handbook.pdf

Supply the details they require, (maps of the event, risk assessment, current PLI Certificate, so on, and so forth) and TAMS/AFP will assess your application.

dazzab said :

I use that road to cut through to work in Weston Creek and it’s closed several times a year for bike events. If you think that bikes haven’t taken over that area you are mistaken. There was a time I could ride my motorcycle out there on weekends without worrying about 3 wide groups of bikes in my lane etc. Ever since the facility was built there for bike events the entire Cotter/Uriarra loop is nothing but a hazard to other users of the road IMHO.

It’s fully closed once a year for the Womens and Junior Tour (For what it’s worth, this year (and perhaps previously), this was part of the Womens National Road Series). All other events have open roads but they may have Temporary Traffic Management and Marshals with stop/slow signs.

Seeing as we’re generalising – Might I ask if you’re one of the Motorcyclists that think that there’s an open speed limit on Urirarra Road?

dazzab said :

Like the author of post #1 I often times wonder if I could get a road closed for my own entertainment as well. I don’t know who the Pedal Power lobbyists are sleeping with to accomplish this but they must be damn good in bed.

Firstly, read above, you probably can if you have a legitimate reason. Secondly, Canberra Cycling Club is running this event, not Pedal Power – but you will probably see another one of these advisories published in early-mid october advertising that they’ll be running an event.

HenryBG said :

And will the cyclists and their support vehicles be observing the road rules this weekend?

No crossing unbroken lines? No riding more than two abreast? No deliberate obstruction of the road?

Given that any racing occuring on open roads requires riders to observe the road rules, yes. Cycling Australia Commisaires are present for all local level races and will enforce (and fine) those who break the rules. It’s not unheard of for bunches being pulled over by the Commissaire and told to observe the road rules, or penalties will apply. Including Disqualification

In fact, this just happened at a National level Event:
http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/news/37120/strange-scenario-plays-out-on-final-day-of-north-western-tour

This Weekends race is 51km for most, or 102km for the higher grades. There’s a chance that they might have a support car or two, but most races at this level do not.

This particular race has been run this time almost every year since 1983. Cadel Evans rocked up and won it in 1996
http://www.canberracyclingclub.org.au/event_details/index.asp?IntCatId=22&IntContId=866&IntContContId=865

HenryBG said :

No crossing unbroken lines? No riding more than two abreast? No deliberate obstruction of the road?

Helps to know the road rules.

Its 2 abreast UNLESS overtaking, something that is known to happen in a race or when a faster grade catches earlier starters. There is also a specific exemption if the sanctioning authority chooses to allow it in their road approval.

Its not obstruction if you are going as fast as you reasonably can.

As for crossing lines, its scary the number of drivers who overtake cyclists on completely the wrong side approaching a blind crest or corner. Less so during a race, but riding to/from they will often wave drivers past when they see the road ahead is clear.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd9:37 pm 09 Aug 12

God damn. So many wowsers here. Who cares?

HenryBG said :

nescius said :

Solidarity said :

What!

Can I get roads closed for a motor race?

The roads aren’t closed for racing, there are just a few places where the speed limit is reduced to ensure the safety of competitors, probably only three or four sections at the turnaround points and some intersections along the course. It’s not really news because the same thing happens pretty much every second weekend.

And will the cyclists and their support vehicles be observing the road rules this weekend?

You mean those arbitrary things that only serve to punish good drivers for non-issues such as driving drunk?

dazzab said :

I use that road to cut through to work in Weston Creek and it’s closed several times a year for bike events.

I think most of the road closures are for Triathlons, so not actually Cycling Events.

dazzab said :

nescius said :

Like the author of post #1 I often times wonder if I could get a road closed for my own entertainment as well. I don’t know who the Pedal Power lobbyists are sleeping with to accomplish this but they must be damn good in bed.

Have you _seen_ the dedicated cycling chicks out in their lycra? 🙂

Solidarity said :

What!

Can I get roads closed for a motor race?

Yes. I’ve seen it done by Brindabella Motor Sport Club and the Light Car Club of Canberra for events like the National Capital Rally. You just have to ask nicely and have all the paperwork and insurances in order.

nescius said :

Solidarity said :

What!

Can I get roads closed for a motor race?

The roads aren’t closed for racing, there are just a few places where the speed limit is reduced to ensure the safety of competitors, probably only three or four sections at the turnaround points and some intersections along the course. It’s not really news because the same thing happens pretty much every second weekend.

And will the cyclists and their support vehicles be observing the road rules this weekend?

No crossing unbroken lines? No riding more than two abreast? No deliberate obstruction of the road?

Solidarity said :

What!

Can I get roads closed for a motor race?

Only if you drive a V8 with lots of advertising, it seems.

dazzab said :

I often times wonder if I could get a road closed

Of course you can. Just like for other user groups, it’ll cost you. The governmet may also want a reason, and they mightn’t like “because I’m bitter about other people having fun without me.”

Solidarity said :

What!

Can I get roads closed for a motor race?

Well that would depend; in the pursuit of your chosen recreational activity, are you more likely to:
a) be killed by another road user, or
b) kill another road user?

dazzab said :

Like the author of post #1 I often times wonder if I could get a road closed for my own entertainment as well. I don’t know who the Pedal Power lobbyists are sleeping with to accomplish this but they must be damn good in bed.

More likely to be Canberra Cycling Club lobbyists – they’re a bike racing club. I think Pedal Power is more about getting regular people riding without being run down by raving loonies.

dazzab said :

There was a time I could ride my motorcycle out there on weekends without worrying about 3 wide groups of bikes in my lane .

Is that the lane that you purchsed from the ACT Government in 1997?

nescius said :

The roads aren’t closed for racing, there are just a few places where the speed limit is reduced to ensure the safety of competitors, probably only three or four sections at the turnaround points and some intersections along the course. It’s not really news because the same thing happens pretty much every second weekend.

I use that road to cut through to work in Weston Creek and it’s closed several times a year for bike events. If you think that bikes haven’t taken over that area you are mistaken. There was a time I could ride my motorcycle out there on weekends without worrying about 3 wide groups of bikes in my lane etc. Ever since the facility was built there for bike events the entire Cotter/Uriarra loop is nothing but a hazard to other users of the road IMHO.

Like the author of post #1 I often times wonder if I could get a road closed for my own entertainment as well. I don’t know who the Pedal Power lobbyists are sleeping with to accomplish this but they must be damn good in bed.

Solidarity said :

What!

Can I get roads closed for a motor race?

The roads aren’t closed for racing, there are just a few places where the speed limit is reduced to ensure the safety of competitors, probably only three or four sections at the turnaround points and some intersections along the course. It’s not really news because the same thing happens pretty much every second weekend.

What!

Can I get roads closed for a motor race?

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