Rider Report Peter Campbell Paris Brest Paris 1999

Peter Campbell, 19 November 1999

I did the Paris Brest Paris Audax ride held 23-26 August 1999

Here is my report of the ride.

The Ride

The longest of rides starts with a click of the pedals. I set off at 8pm on the 1999 Paris Brest Paris audax ride with approximately 800 riders and cycled warily into the night. The first night was to be hell on wheels. I didn't get much sleep the night before.

Peter Campbell. 1999 Paris Brest Paris

The motorcycle escort we had for some distance slowed down the peloton, causing much variation of speed. I found the constant braking quite nerve-racking with so many riders around. The fear of an accident was ever present. Unhappily, my fears were confirmed when Oliver Portway fell just behind me after somebody took his front wheel out! Luckily, he was back on his bike immediately without suffering injury or significant damage.

Not long after this, the peloton came to a screeching halt. Initially I thought there had been a huge crash. However, the lead riders had missed one of the "fleches" (arrows) marking a turn-off. The pace slowed briefly, but soon wound up again. Riders spread across the entire width of the road, with many seeking to push through to the front. 

 Occasionally, an escort motorcycle would force a clear path on the left of the road, causing more bunching up and braking along the huge group. Immediately after this, cyclists would again cover the road width. The occasional car coming the other way had the same effect.

After a cracking hill climb through the streets of Montagne au Perche, I stopped for food and to regain my composure. This was a feed stop on the way out, but it was nice to have a short rest, and let the mad hordes diminish. Back on the bike, a small group formed which gradually grew in size and speed. 

The first checkpoint at Villaines la Juhel (220km) took an eternity to reach. After this, we cycled into the "death zone" (3am to 6am), a period I always hate. After nearly dozing off on the bike I trailed off the group in a village, found an open garage, and had a lovely nap for 1 hour (sleep one).

I awoke refreshed, and rode in welcome daylight, feeling good. I passed many riders, then eventually teamed up with a Frenchman to arrive at Fougeres, the second checkpoint. After Fougeres, a peleton formed which travelled at a reasonable speed. I was enjoying the international flavour of the ride by now, as there were no other English speakers in our group, but I was able to converse a little with my limited French.

After Tinteniac, a smaller group consisting of Bernard (French), Harry (Rumanian), Paul (English) and myself teamed up. We worked well together and chatted a lot. Paul was as strong as an ox. As the day progressed, the temperature increased. Our road speed decreased a little, as overheating became a real possibility. A secret control provided a quick rest. The endless aggregations of locals of all ages yelling encouragement along the route kept our spirits up.

Arriving at Loudeac later in the afternoon, I was greeting by the Audax Australia contingent who were rendering excellent assistance and moral support. After getting the brevet signed and eating, I lay back on the grass and shut my eyes for a moment. I woke an hour later (sleep 2). My companions had departed; I felt a bit miffed, but much better after the nap. I teamed up with Phillip - a fellow Australian now resident in Germany. As we rode into the night we passed Paul who had punctured, so my nap did not end up costing me much time.

At Carhaix-Plouguer, the welcome was quite overwhelming; the whole town seemed to be out clapping and cheering. After another good meal, Phillip and I got back on our bikes and rode off into the darkness. At one point I stopped with Phillip for a quick break to overcome a bout of his drowsiness. I noticed a glimmer in the bushes. I shone my headlamp and saw numerous cyclists snoozing in the forest; their reflective vests glittered in my beam.

A sadist must have mapped out the route to Brest; we kept turning away from the Brest signposts, down long gullies and up more climbs. At one point, some local lads had changed the direction of the route marking arrows. We duelled with two Norwegians on a small climb. At last we were rewarded by the glittering lights of Brest and a welcome 3-hour sleep (sleep 3). It was a great psychological boost to reach halfway.

Paul, Phillip & I left Brest cycling into light drizzle early in the morning. The route climbed slowly, thankfully avoiding the heinous gullies of the previous night. Small peletons formed around our nucleus, but we tended to drop most riders on the hills. 

We chose a pretty town and stopped at a nice café for coffee and ice-cream. The locals were lunching en masse and relaxing nearby and asked if we would be back in 4 years. I replied "probably not, I prefer a holiday at the beach".

Bernard Bobillier-Kennot, Peter Campbell & Paul Crib, 1999 Paris Brest Paris

 
It was a long day, but a pleasurable one, as we chatted to riders en route, and kept up a good pace. At one point we careered along with a tandem that was really moving. We were hoping to get to Villaines la Juhel for the next sleep, but as the night dragged on fatigue and soreness set in, so we elected to stop at Fougeres for another 3-hour sleep (sleep 4).

This time, Paul & awoke in the dark, but there were no sign of Phillip, and we couldn't locate him among the masses of slumbering bodies. We found out later that the helpers did not wake him. Refreshed after the sleep, Paul and I slotted in with a predominantly French peleton. I chatted amiably with the riders. They were keen to stop and avail themselves of free coffee on offer by friendly locals, so eventually we left them.

Daylight again, then through Villaines la Juhel and Mortagne au Perche checkpoints, with the scenery now forming a blur. I was amazed by some of the descents, as I had no recollection of climbing them on the way out. 

At one stage we chased down a large peleton in the distance, hoping for a good sit with them, but Paul rocketed past the group like they were standing still, with me hanging on his wheel. We then teamed up with Jardi, a colourful Spaniard, for a fast run across the plateau leading to Nogent le Roi, with the end of the ride fast becoming a reality.

The final leg had a few sharp climbs, but the scenery was nice. We cranked up the speed a couple of notches when some cyclists coming the other way said (in French) "quick, quick, you might get under 70 hours". Passing the San Quentin en Yvelines sign gave us false hope, as the 70-hour mark ticked over while we continued on what seemed like interminable circuits of the district.

 

Near the end, we met a motorcycle escort, who led us the final distance through the traffic in fine style. Arriving at the roundabout was a sensational feeling. Paul & I dismounted and shook hands warmly. 

After handing in our brevets, we sat on the grass outside for an unforgettable rest. It was a great to tear off the gloves and rub my hands, knowing I was not going to get on the bike again in a hurry. The grass was wonderful. 

I had taken 70.5 hours, 45 hours on the bike, 8 hours sleeping and the rest eating.

Peter Campbell & Paul Crib, 1999 Paris Brest Paris

Three years of preparation and a solid year of training had culminated in a great ride with great companions. The support, encouragement and advice of numerous fellow Audax riders, family and friends made it all possible. Memories of the adventure, camaraderie, and scenery will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Ride stats

The first riders in were Christophe BOCQUET & Philippe DEPLAIX with a ride time 44:22

Peter Campbell 1999 Paris Brest Paris ranking. Source: https://www.pbpresults.com/1999

Post script

2 weeks after the PBP, Lena & I started our official honeymoon, and cycle toured through Burgundy, the Dauphine and Provence. We covered 1300km in 4 weeks, but that is another story.

Gear & Clothing

I took a full set of clothing, but no spares or changes. I used my lightweight Gamex Audax top once and leg warmers twice. I did not use my long gloves, my rain jacket or my warm headband.

I saved 500g by taking a compact Ultimate bladder/backpack, over a pack rack and rack bag. This gave me the option of carrying water on my back and reserving my two water bottles for Coke, Orangina, sports drink and the like. The backpack was very comfortable and did not bother me during the ride. It also had the advantage of keeping my stuff with me at checkpoints.

I chose to avoid the added logistics of arranging a bag drop for additional clothing and/or equipment.

Repairs

I was assisted with a couple of minor running repairs and adjustments at checkpoints; the workshops were well equipped and staffed for all hours. I left a small tip. I did not end up using my small kit of tyre levers, patches and Allen keys. If your bike is in good shape, you should have no problems.

Lights

After seemingly endless consideration and discussion of options and calculation of battery life, I elected to take 2 Cateye Micros and a homemade battery pack of 4C and 4D cells (hot swappable via plugs). While this weighed a lot, it did guarantee me getting through the night. I also used a 10W Niterider Headlamp with a lightweight NiMh cell which proved to invaluable for fast descents and spotting route markers. Its 2.5 hour burn time got me through both nights as I used it sparingly. I carried spare AAs for the Cateye lights.

 

Food

Tasty and nutritious food with good energy value was available at all checkpoints.  Soup, pasta, salads, meat dishes, fruit and deserts were all available.  I carried 20 Leppins and finished the ride with 2 left.  You really only need to carry food and drink to get you between checkpoints and avoid "cracking".  Food bars were sparingly available, but bananas were common.  Sports drink was hard to get, and tasted foul.

Hygiene & Health

I adopted the "irrigation by constant application" technique, as advocated by Malcolm Rogers, to maintain comfort for the nether region. I kept applying small quantities of anti fungal and silicon creams to chafing and pressure points. This worked well for me; I did not suffer much discomfort. Mind you, Avocet O2 saddles are wonderful. I also used silicone cream on my hands to prevent softening due to sweat.

If you feel the need for a rear end overhaul, there are chemist shops and supermarkets en route and the Red Cross can assist at checkpoints with ointments such as nappy cream. Some fellow riders bought lignocaine cream to deaden the pain, but this should be a last resort as more damage to numb areas is likely.

I had blocked sweat glands (red spots) on my feet, armpits and chamois region; these cleared up quickly after the ride.

The biggest problem I had was numbness in some toes of my left foot, which 3 months after the ride has not completely gone yet. This was a new problem, and there was little I could do to prevent it.  My Time pedals and shoes were high quality.

Some Do's

• Take your own energy food supplements (e.g. Leppins), there are limited options available in France.
• Use a good headlamp; they are excellent for descents. The brighter the better.
• Aim for redundancy with your lights so you can swap parts if something fails.
• Sleep or stop when you are really tired; falling asleep and crashing might be the end of your ride, or you.
• Aim to build up a time buffer so that you have some contingency if things go wrong.
• Do your own ride, if you ride faster than you are comfortable with you risk blowing up. Riding slower than your optimum can be frustrating. There are plenty of people to ride with.
• Stand out of the saddle frequently to relieve pressure points and vary muscle groups.
• Use a light rain jacket (rather than a heavier Goretex one); they are good for both shower proofing and for added warmth at night.
• A layer of foam under the handlebar cork wrap helps prevent pressure points (or use double cork).

Some Don'ts

• Don't use SPD pedals; use a flatter road pedal/shoe combination such as the Look or Time systems.  The flatter pressure surface is less likely to cause nerve problems with the soles of your feet.
• Don't do the 80 hour start unless you are either brave or foolish.
• Don't carry nappy wipes. I read somewhere they were recommended, but they are bulky, heavy and unnecessary. If you really need some (you probably won't) then buy them en route.
• Don't carry too many heavy batteries; you can buy them at checkpoints.
• Don't avoid the Red Cross and medical assistance on the ride if you have a serious medical problem, you risk permanent injury if you do so.
• Don’t carry a full medical or tool kit or too much clothing; too much stuff will weigh you down and make injuries and/or mechanical problems more likely, and make the ride much harder.

Bike crash Wattle Park - dangerous holes dug in path

I went for a local ride through Wattle Park with my daughter on Wednesday afternoon 15 Sep 21 at 4pm.  A hole was dug out of the track and sticks placed in it, I slowed down as I went around it. 

 

Hole on approach with sticks in it.

Then I came to a small log jump that I have gone over many times.  The location is here.

Approach to log jump

I went over the log at about 10km/h ready for the flat landing but a 1m wide deep hole had been dug behind the log. This hole was not visible on the approach.

Hole dug behind the log

Hole dug behind the log

After going over the log my front wheel dropped into the hole and I went over the handlebars, I landed on my head and right wrist and was injured.

I walked up to the carpark where my wife picked me up and drove to hospital. 

In hospital emergency

A cat scan showed I have a fracture in my T3 vertebrae luckily not near the spinal cord.

An x-ray showed a serious fracture of my right metacarpal bone that required surgery and a wire to stabilise.

I was lucky - landing on my head could have damaged my spinal chord resulting in death or quadriplegia

This extremely dangerous track modification could have resulted in death or permanent injury. There has been at least one other crash there. It has been reported to police and Parks Victoria who will remove the hazards. Last time I checked it was still there.

Be careful during lockdown, watch out for obstacles and dangerous behaviour. Don't do things that endanger others.

Another bike crash, another driver that "didn't see me", more injuries

I was cycling to work on 9 September 2015 on my back streets route attempting to avoid traffic on my way to the Gardiners Creek Trail when disaster struck again.

I was cycling along Somerset Road approaching the small roundabout at the intersection with Denman Avenue.  A brown Ford Territory was slowing down approaching the roundabout on my left as I entered it apparently "giving way" to me.  I was moving at around 10-15 km/h.

The roundabout in direction of my travel

Suddenly, the vehicle sped up and was coming right at me.  I braked hard and avoided going under the front of the car and getting run over and possibly killed.

However, I couldn't slow down enough to avoid the car and hit the rear passenger door and bounced off it and hit the road yelling.  I was on the road screaming. Both my hands took the brunt of the impact and my left leg was very sore. The driver stopped. The woman driving the car was apologetic and said "she didn't see me".

A schoolboy walking along Denman Ave saw the whole thing and called 000.  An ambulance came promptly.  My injuries were quickly assessed and another emergency hospital visit was required.

The police came shortly after the ambulance and assessed the situation. I spoke to them briefly.  They advised the driver she would get an infringement for failing to give way.

Injuries and surgery

X-rays were taken at Epworth.  My left little finger was broken (malate fracture) and required surgery.  My right wrist and thumb were very sore but no fracture was evident in the x-rays.

I was unable to see a orthopaedic specialist while I was in the emergency department so I went home bandaged.  I visited an orthopaedic surgeon the following day.  She sent me off for an MRI and later confirmed that ligaments were torn off my right thumb and that it had been nearly dislocated. Surgery was required to re-attach the ligaments otherwise my thumb function would be compromised.

I had two operations on Friday: a wire was inserted in the tip of my left little finger to assist the bone healing correctly and the torn ligaments on my right thumb were stitched back to the bone.

I had the following week off work as I was not very mobile or able to use either hand much and was taking pain killers.

I returned to work the following week as I was keen to resume "normal life" as much as possible. The bandages were replaced with plastic splints by the hand therapist which improved my very limited dexterity a bit.

After 2 weeks the cumbersome right splint was reduced in size which improved my dexterity further.

The wire in my little finger comes out on 23 October but it will take some time to get the joint moving properly again.

The right wrist ligament surgery needs even more time to heal, possible until the end of November. So no cycling or kitesurfing for me until then, which is extremely frustrating.

PTSD

I have been feeling terrible however since the crash.  Personal interactions at home, out and about and at work were very difficult for me.  I have been feeling extremely angry about getting hit yet again, 8 to 10 or more weeks out of action (no cycling or kitesurfing), the total lack of action on providing safe separated cycling infrastructure in the City of Boroondara and the Victorian government, and motorists who drive around at excessive speeds and don't look for pedestrians or cyclists.  This anger is washing over me most of the time now.

I have had trouble sleeping and get flashbacks of the car coming at me followed by me hitting it and ending up on the road bruised and broken.  This was a near-death experience.

Blackness and anger has descended on me like a cloud that will not lift.  Everything seems wrong. I was nearly killed.  I don't trust any motorist on the roads now. Every car is a lethal death machine that can easily kill.  I flinch on trams when cars hoon past. I am hyper vigilant of all cars while driving and walking.

Going through the Citylink Domain tunnel in a taxi with the driver sitting 3 metres behind a truck and cars all around, I visualised brake lights, a huge crash, carnage and flames everywhere and felt panicked and sweaty.

I am seeing a psychologist who advised me I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms - he referred me to a neurologist.  The neurologist confirmed I have severe PTSD and has prescribed me medication. He is referring me to some else for further treatment to deal with the PTSD before it gets worse.

I wasn't expecting this.  I thought my bones and ligaments would heal quickly and I would bounce back, but the trauma associated with the crash (and the previous two recent bike recent crashes and hospital visits) is proving to be a big issue.


Cycling on Melbourne streets and roads is now unsafe

Our roads are rivers of deaths - cars maim and kill on a daily basis.

Main roads are now unsafe for cycling. Some motorists squeeze past cyclists while travelling at 60 km/h leaving little gap. Quite a few are distracted looking at their phones or GPS and could run up the rear of any cyclist.

Side streets are also unsafe as drivers rat run down them to avoid congested roads and sail through roundabouts at speed with only a cursory glance.  Small roundabouts have high rates of bicycle-car crashes and are unsafe at any speed.

I now feel that cycling on any road with cars is an unacceptable risk to me - its not worth dying for. What am I trying to prove?

I have cycled over 100,000 km during my life, including 1200km in 69 hours on the Paris Brest Paris Audax event.  I raced on the roads with the Southern Vets for 12 years.

I have regularly commuted by bicycle to the Melbourne CBD since 1983 but I am not riding on any roads with cars any more. The only option I have left is to drive to Gardiners Creek with my bike on the car to get to the bike path where I can cycle in relative safety.

Bike crashes, injuries and deaths appear to be rising rapidly across Melbourne and on country roads. Some recent crashes and deaths:

• Police hunt for driver after cyclist injured in callous hit-run crash, Carlton, 1/10/15
• Is it worth it? – An open letter to all drivers, Kate Perry
• Cyclist injured in hit and run at Toolern Vale, 3/10/15 
• Cyclist dies in crash in Sunbury, 8/10/15
• Deadly hit and run driver in Geelong 'harassed other cyclists', 11/5/15 
• Cyclists urged to avoid 'dangerous' Melbourne city streets, 8/10/15  

There are still no safe east west cycle routes through Boroondara

The Vicroads Principal Bicycle Network (PBN) map designates the following roads as east west  "cycling routes" through the City of Boroondara: Riversdale, Whitehorse, Mont Albert, Canterbury, Burwood and Toorak Roads.

All these roads are very unsafe for cycling.  There are narrow painted bike lanes along Mont Albert Road (but cars are allowed to park obscuring the bike lane) and on a short eastern section of Burwood Rd (lane is in the car door zone).  Neither of these provide effective protection to cyclists.

There are high bicycle accident rates on all these roads that illustrate how dangerous they are.

There is no point producing the "PBN" if no safe separated cycling infrastructure ever gets built along designated routes.  The PBN is quite simply a waste of time and money.

The solution is: safe separated cycling infrastructure

Separating cyclists from cars, trucks, buses and trams is needed to ensure their safety, yet there is very little progress on building safe cycling routes in Melbourne.  There are strategies and plans, but nothing is being built.

Copenhagen had bike paths separated between the road and the footpath when I visited in 1985.

Existing rail corridors have space available for bike paths and there are even short sections of bike paths along them, but there is a lack of political will to use them for this.  

Construction of the Box Hill to Ringwood Rail Trail is progressing slowly but cyclists will only have road routes west of Box Hill.

The Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail would provide a safe east west bike route for cyclists aged 8 to 80, but unfortunately there has been no progress on building or even planning it.

The Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail and similar routes along railway lines could be built as "Solar bike paths"using prefabricated spans that incorporate a concrete path base, low walls and a roof with solar panels.

Meanwhile, cycling deaths and injuries are increasing at great cost to our community.


See also

• Does your Victorian state MP support safe cycling paths in Melbourne? 2104 bike crash

2014 Victorian state election priority issues

Here is my list of priority issues for the 2014 Victorian state election

Transport

• The East West Link tunnel road project should not proceed.
• Public transport network plans for 2014-2020
• Funds allocated to building a safe and comprehensive cycling network segregated from cars - 
• Cycling network plans for 2014-2020 - aiming to provide a connected safe bike route to within 5km of every Melbourne resident.

Environment

• Logging in Victoria's native forests should cease.
• The Great Forest National Park to be proclaimed.
• A complete overhaul of our train network - and new lines built to the airport, Rowville and Doncaster

Education

• State secondary school system needs more resources and funds.

Housing

• 7 star efficiency rating for buildings - commercial and residences

Energy

• Energy plan to increase renewable energy production to 80% of total demand by 2020, including investment is solar and wind power and local energy storage capacity

Does your Victorian state MP support safe cycling paths in Melbourne?

I have sent this open letter to every Member of Parliament in Victoria.

I will add a list of who responds to the bottom of this page.

Wearing leg splint soon after the injury 

Leg splint, in hospital 

2014 VicRoad Principal Bicycle Network (PBN) - note route along Burwood Road Hawthorn

==========

Dear  [ Victorian State MP ]

I was cycling to work on Monday 10 February 2014 down the Burwood Road hill from Burke Road travelling at about 40km/h in the bike lane.

Towards the bottom of the hill, a car travelling in the opposite direction was approaching to turn right into Gillman St. As I approached I expected the car to give way to me while I passed, but it turned right in front of me blocking the road. I braked hard but was only able to slow to about 20km/h before crashing into the car.

The right hand side of my body (shoulder, hip and leg) hit the passenger door of the car hard side on. I bounced off and hit the road screaming in severe pain. The motorist stopped and was apologetic. She said she did not see me as the sun was in her eyes.

The car has a broken windscreen and dented door from my impact. My right shoulder, right hip and right knee were extremely painful.

An ambulance then took me to Box Hill hospital emergency department. I was examined by doctors and X-Rays were taken. I was informed late in the day that the top of my fibula was fractured. The very sore spots on my shoulder and hip luckily did not have bone fractures. One week later an ultrasound revealed serious blood clots in my lower right leg. These are potentially life-threatening, so I am now taking blood thinning medication to lower the risk of embolism.

I have been informed that my injuries and loss of earnings will be covered by TAC as a motor vehicle was involved in the crash and the driver was at fault.

The Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail

I have been campaigning as a member of the Boroondara Bicycle Users Group (BBUG) for over a decade to get a safe cycling route provided in an east west direction through the City of Boroondara. This proposal is know as the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail. You can read details about the route here: http://www.victorian-cycling-network.org/bicycle-routes/melbourne-planned/hawthorn-to-box-hill-bike-trail

The Hawthorn to Box Hill trail offers the following advantages:

• Provide a dedicated cycling route that will keep bicycles safely separated from cars 
• Provide transport linkages between the Camberwell and Glenferrie Road Central Activity Districts (CADs) and several smaller shopping centres. 
• Reduce traffic congestion 
• Promote sustainable transport in a future likely to be impacted by rising fuel costs and the need to reduce carbon emissions. 
• Promote healthy lifestyles for people of all ages through recreational and commuter cycling. 
• Encourage many people to cycle who otherwise wouldn't and would greatly improve safety for those who already do 
• Provide a safe cycling route for students at over twenty schools and education institutions to use. 

This route is supported by the Boroondara Council. Andrew McIntosh (MP for Kew) and Robert Clark (MP for Box Hill) have both advised me that they support the route proposal in meetings I have had with them.

A detailed proposal for this route was first issued in 1996. Since then, virtually nothing has happened.

The latest draft of VicRoads Principal Bicycle Network (PBN) has a section of the route from Box Hill to East Camberwell marked as a primary cycle route, yet nothing has happened to realise this.

There is now a proposal to build a 4th rail line along the Box Hill line easement within a 10 to 20+ year time frame. The rail easement land available for this has been unused for decades, much of it grows weeds.

A recent Department of Transport study found that the financial payback period for bicycle paths is under 10 years.

There is therefore a compelling case to build the Hawthorn to Box Hill trail along the Box Hill line rail easement and then rebuild it if and when the 4th line is constructed.

There is currently no safe east west cycle route through Boroondara.

Cyclists travelling east west through the centre of the City of Boroondara either use back streets (and cross very busy roads such as Bourke Road, Glenferrie Road and Power Street) or they use roads that carry very heavy traffic such as:

• Mont Albert Road (very narrow bike lane, often obscured by parked cars) 
• Riversdale Road (trams, parked cars, some wide curbside lanes) 
• Burwood Road Hawthorn (parked cars, some wide curbside lanes) - this is currently the worst cycling black spot of collisions in Boroondara, and is also marked as a PBN priority cycling route. 
• Barkers Road (parked cars, no bike lanes) 
• Whitehorse Road (parked cars, trams, some super stops, no safe bicycle lanes)

Bike lanes vs bike paths
Transport planners in VicRoads and local governments are implementing and promoting marked bicycle lanes on many major and minor roads. However, such routes are not a substitute for dedicated bike/pedestrian trails, as evidenced by the very high bicycle and pedestrian usage of routes such as the Gardiners Creek Trail and Main Yarra Trail.

 My concerns with bike lanes marked on roads are:

• Many lanes, such as those on Burwood Rd down from Burke Road, are directly adjacent to parked cars, so "car dooring" is a very real risk to cyclists. I have seen car-dooring crashes happen on Auburn Road. 
• Cars frequently push out across bicycle lanes from side streets when traffic in the main road is congested. Many drivers do not look for cyclists. I frequently experience this along Auburn Road Hawthorn. 
• Cars also cross bicycle lanes when they turn into side streets. Again, many drivers do not look for cyclists. I also frequently experience this along Auburn Road Hawthorn. 
• Some drivers do look for cyclists but continue on regardless and cross bicycle lanes even when they see cyclists coming. 
• Bike lanes marked by paint to do not provide any real protection to cyclists. Some even have cars regularly parked across them, completely obstructing them (e.g. Mont Albert Road, Highfield Road). 
• Bikes and cars DO NOT mix safely on roads, it is really only a matter of time before a regular cyclist such as myself is involved in an unavoidable crash with a car or truck, as you can see from my recent experience. 
• I think around 80% of the general public does not cycle on roads, including those with bike lanes due to the obvious dangers. 

The TAC costs associated with numerous bicycle-car crashes in this region could amount to millions of dollars over a 10 year period, and there have also been deaths. This money would be better spent preventing collisions, injuries and deaths by providing safe cycle routes separated from cars and trucks.

In summary, I suggest that funds be immediately allocated for the planning and construction of the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail, using land in the Box Hill line railway easement where possible.

My questions to you are:

1. Do you support funding for the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail (HBHT) to be built? 
2. Do you support funding for a bicycle route network across Melbourne that is safely separated from cars and trucks?
3. What are you doing personally as an elected representative to provide the community with safe cycling infrastructure?

Yours faithfully,

Peter Campbell
Home address supplied

Responses

• Robert Clark, Box Hill 9/2/14, support for Hawthorn to Box Hill trail
• Tim Bull, East Gippsland 19/2/14 
• Greg Barber, Northern Metropolitan 19/2/14
• Neil Angus, Forest Hill 20/2/14, support for Hawthorn to Box Hill trail
• Terry Mulder, Polworth 20/2/14, correspondence noted for response.
• Inga Peulich, South East Metropolitan Region 20/2/14 correspondence noted
• Heather Uebergang for Heidi Victoria, Baywater 20/2/14 correspondence noted
• Edward.O'Donohue, Eastern Victoria Region 20/2/14. correspondence referred to Robert Clark
• Denise Whitelaw for Mary Wooldridge, Doncaster 20/2/14. correspondence referred to Robert Clark
• Nicole Fewson for Nick Wakeling, Ferntree Gully 20/2/14. Acknowledges concerns re cycling.
• John Lenders, Southern Metropolitan Region 21/2/14. Personal support for Hawthorn to Box Hill trail, investigating possible savings from avoiding TAC claims.
• Sue Pennicuik, Southern Metropolitan Region 21/2/14. 
• Graham Watt, Burwood 21/2/14. Regular cyclist, supports improved bicycle infrastructure
• Bruce Atkinson, Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region 21/2/14. Supports funding for the Hawthorn to Box Hill trail and other cycling infrastructure.
• Don Nardella, Melton 24/2/14. Will keep comments in mind when we have these discussions within the Labor Party.  We have the same issues out in the West where I am as well.
• Luke A Donnellan, Narre Warren North 25/2/14. We are still developing our policy for bike paths and like. Happy to provide outline of our intentions at a later date.
• Jonn Deller for Ryan Smith, Warrandyte 25/2/14.  Referred matter to Terry Mulder, Transport Minister.
• Staffer for Dee Ryall, Mitcham 25/2/14 (phone call). Dee has supported work and progress on the Box Hill to Ringwood Rail Trail. 
• Cindy McLeish, Seymour 2/3/14. Referred to local member.
• Peter Ryan, Gippsland South 4/3/14. Referred to Terry Mulder, Transport Minister.
• Georgie Crozier, Southern Metropolitan, 6/3/14.  Sorry to hear of your cycling accident. Referred  development of Box Hill to Ringwood Trail to Terry Mulder
• Denis Napthine, South-West Coast 11/3/14 (letter). Referred to Terry Mulder, Transport Minister.
• Fiona Richardson, Northcote 17/3/14. Referred to Luke Donellan, Labor's Shadow Minister for Road (which takes in bikes) 
• Michael Gidley, Waverley 26/3. Sorry to hear of your cycling accident. I'm working hard in my electorate to improve a number of local and state-wide paths and other cycling opportunities.
• Andrea Coote, Southern Metropolitan, 26/3. Referred  development of Box Hill to Ringwood Trail to Terry Mulder.

*Names in bold denote positive partial response to questions.

Updates

• Mon 10/2 - collision, Box Hill Hospitable Emergency ward all day 10/2
• 12/2 to 14/2. Returned to work. Mobility very difficult and taking pain killers. 
• 16/2 New pain in lower right calf when standing - Emergency Epworth, injection to thin blood
• 17/2 Ultrasound. Clots found - given prescription to thin blood.  Box Hill Hospital orthapaedic - advised not to wear brace
• 19/2 walked to Through Rd slowly. Knee bending a bit better but still very stiff. Difficult to walk up or down steps. Soreness at fracture point when knee bent and loaded. 
• 20/2 Calf sore, knee stiff, fracture site sore. May have overdone it yesterday. Resting in bed.  Still difficult walking up and down stairs.
• Fri 21/2. Last night the leg was sore Pain in the calf where the clots are. Getting more movement in my knee and feeling a bit better walking up and down stairs.
• Sun 23/2. Rode folding bike slowly to Maling road.  Leg stiff but not too much pain.  Can now bend my knee without much discomfort.
• Mon 24/2. Doctors appointment for previous back injury (fractured L1, L3 transverse processes). They have healed. Doctor noted subsequent (leg) injury in notes to GP.  Called in at work. Walking better but fracture site still sore.
• Thu 27/2. Caught the train into work.  Leg feeling much better. Walking without too much of a limp and not much pain.  Swelling going down too.
• Sun 2/3.  Kitesurfing again.  1 hour session.  Leg a bit sore afterwards but o.k. during the session, except for right tacks that were a bit painful.
• Wed 12/3 to Fri 14/3. Three days off work to rest further. Right knee sore near fracture.
• Sat 15/3, Sun 16/3. Kitesurfing both days. Leg was good, no pain.
• Mon 17/3. Leg has improved further, I can walk normally now with no pain.
• Tue 18/3.  X-rays at Box Hills hospital showed break has healed well.  All clear from the doctor to resume normal physical activity. 
• Wed 26/3. Cycled to work off roads as much as possible. Bike is veering to the left so I am getting it checked for damage.  Still very wary of all cars now.

Boroondara Councillors oppose Darebin Bridge

I attended the Boroondara Urban Planning Special Committee meeting held on Monday 22 April.

I was keen to speak to the meeting about the need to extend the planning permit for construction of the Darebin Bridge.  Here is what I said at the meeting [link].

This bridge has been needed and requested for nearly two decades.  Two years ago all necessary approvals were provided by local councils and the Victorian State Government  but unfortunately the bridge was still not constructed.

Now the planning permit granted by VCAT for works to progress on the Boroondara side of the Yarra is about to lapse so the Urban Planning Special Committee was considering whether to extend the permit.

The meeting agenda and the Council Officers Report on this ("UPC4 27 Willow Grove, Kew East")  can be downloaded from here:

• Urban Planning Special Committee meeting - 22 April 2013

From the report:

Proposal 

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) in conjunction with VicRoads and the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) have applied for an extension of time to the planning permit that allows the construction of a shared trail that connects the Darebin Creek Shared Trail with the Main Yarra Trail, via Willsmere Park. 

Issues

The following tests were identified by the Supreme Court and are the established principles in deciding whether to extend a permit: 

• Whether there has been a change in planning policy or zoning; 
• Whether the owner of the land is seeking to 'warehouse' the permit; 
• Any intervening circumstances; 
• The total elapse of time; 
• Whether the time limit originally imposed was adequate in all the circumstances; 
• The economic burden cast by a permit on the land owner; 
• The probability that a fresh application, if made, would be granted a permit. 

Officer's response

This request for an extension of time does not create an opportunity for parties to reopen the debate on issues such as consideration of alternative alignments of the shared trail. The tests established by the Supreme Court are all met. None of the changes made to the planning scheme since 2009 preclude or discourage the development. The State Government have affirmed their commitment to the project, allocating funding and announcing a new policy document, Cycling into the Future 2012-23, which lists this development as a priority project.

Here is my summary of the Councillor's statements about the extension and their vote.

Cr Phillip Healy (meeting chair)

• There is a better location for the bridge
• Willsmere Park must be protected so the bridge to it and bike path across it must not be built 
• Vote: against

Cr Jack Wegman

• No comments made
• Vote: against

Cr Jane Addis

• The election of a new council was a significant factor and there were concerns about the bridge.
• Vote: against

Cr Coral Ross

• The debate about the bridge alignment should not be reopened as per the Council Officers report.
• There are no grounds to oppose the extension of the permit
• Vote: for

Cr Phillip Mallis

• Supported the Council Officers report and recommendation
• Vote: for

Cr Judith Voce

• Declared a conflict of interest relating to her previous statements on the Darebin Bridge and was excused from the meeting.  Did not vote.

Cr Kevin Chow

• Supported the bridge and the extension, but noted that vote was going to go against the extension so he would change his vote to also oppose it.
• Vote: against

Cr Steve Hurd

• Had visited the park and appreciated hearing nature and some bird calls
• Mentioned that he cycles occasionally on the rear of a tandem.
• Stated that he thinks the Chandler Highway bridge crossing is safe and convenient for cyclists and there are no problems for cyclists using it
• Vote: against

Cr Heinz Kreutz

• The Darebin Bridge has been needed for some time and its construction is well overdue
• Commended the speakers from the community (17) who addressed the meeting and supported the extension of planning permit
• The procedural matter to be decided was the extension of the permit, other locations are not up for debate, despite some speakers opposing the extension raising other location options.
• Vote: for

Cr Jim Parke

• The Council and Planning Committee does have the power to vote on the matter
• The Council is not bound by decisions made by the previous Council
• Provided no reasons for opposing the extension
• Vote: against

So the proposal to extend the planning permit for the Darebin Bridge was defeated - 6 against, 3 for.  

This was not a good outcome, considering the very significant community need and support for the bridge, the State Government recently announced funding for it as a priority projects, VicRoads is doing detailed planning and construction of the bike path route connection has commenced on the north side of the Yarra.

Following the vote, the Cr Phillip Healey from the chair addressed those present and said:

"You environmentalists should be ashamed of yourselves. I am protecting the (Willsmere) park, you wish to destroy it"

This was an extraordinary outburst delivered in a very angry manner.  I thought it was quite inappropriate.

My concerns about the meeting are: 

• The Council Officers report was ignored by those who voted against the proposal
• None of the Councillors who voted against provided a valid reason for not extending the planning permit
• Some Councillors canvassed alternative locations for the bridge - which was not a matter for discussion or decision at the meeting
• Councillors should vote on the merits of a proposal - not change their vote to align themselves with a majority position.
• Input from 17 people from the community in support of the extensions was ignored by a majority of the Councillors at the meeting.
• The meeting chair did not stop objectors canvassing alternative locations for the bridge, despite this clearly not being relevant to the proposal.
• None of the opposing Councillors said they were representing the views of constituents from their respective wards.  They appeared to vote based on their personal opinions.
• The meeting chair had a clear and serious conflict of interest on the issue as he has made strident statements over a period of several years opposing the proposed location of the bridge.
• The meeting chair should not make comments that belittle or demean members of the community who choose to address Council meetings. This would appear to be in breach of the Council's Code of Conduct for Councillors.
• Council has a duty of care for Boroondara residents - forcing cyclists to use the Chandler Highway bridge and associated road crossings creates significant risk of collision with motor vehicles resulting in serious injuries or deaths.

It is not clear how the construction of the bridge will now proceed.  The State Government and or VAT apparently will need to make a ruling on the matter and override Boroondara Councillors refusal to extend the planning permit.  This will be a waste of taxpayers money and further delay construction of the bridge.

Here is a list of most of those who addressed the meeting to support the proposal and the Darebin Bridge:

• Graeme Martin, Co-ordinator Community Coalition for the Darebin-Yarra Link 
• Julia Blunden, Boroondara Bicycle User Group representative on the Community Coalition.
• David Farrow, Boroondara BUG member and retired traffic engineer 
• David Hall, Whitehorse Cyclist representative on the Community Coalition and retired engineer 
• Chris Ashe, Boroondara Bushwalker Representative on the Community 
• Robin Gallagher, Darebin BUG Representative on the Community Coalition 
• Jenny Henty, Member Lighter Footprints and Boroondara BUG
• Mike Taylor, former Whitehorse Cyclists president
• Glennys Jones, Boroondara BUG member and Bike Ed volunteer.
• Alan Ball, Manningham BUG 
• Dr Steve Rockman, parent with child/ren travelling across the river to Kew High School
• Maurie Abbott, Co-ordinator Banyule BUG 
• Roger Thornton, Secretary Boroondara Bushwalkers 
• John Parker, Boroondara BUG 
• Peter Campbell, Boroondara BUG 
• James Thyer, Community Coalition member
• Gary Brennan, Bicycle Network Victoria
• Michael Nolan, local resident

Crash statistics for the Chandler Highway

• Crashes involving bicycles on the Chandler Hwy include 2 serious injury and 5 other injury crashes.
• The route is a black length for cyclists which would qualify for road safety funding. 
• Most (4 or 5) of the accidents including the 2 serious accidents are on the Yarra side of the river. 
• These are very serious numbers noting that bicycle numbers are high.

See also

• Willsmere Park wetlands puts brakes on bike path plan, Boroondara Review Local, 23 Apr 2013
• Bike link plan for Yarra River bridge between Alphington and Kew hits speed hump, Northcote Leader, 25 Apr 2013
• $18m Kew bridge plan hits a pothole, Boroondara Review Local. 20 Dec 2012
• Newsmaker: Julia Blunden, Boroondara Review Local, 26 Apr 13 

We need the Darebin Bridge for cyclists and pedestrians

Presentation to Boroondara Council on the Darebin Bridge
Peter Campbell, Monday 22 April 2013

Thanks Mr Chairperson and Councillors.

I am a local resident in Boroondara, I live in Durham Road, Surrey Hills.  I am a member of the Boroondara Bicycle Users Group.

We regularly go on family bike rides to visit Melbourne's wonderful natural places such as our creeks, rivers and the bayside.

My daughter Chloe is now seven and is riding a bike but she is not confident on the roads, including bike lanes.  We go to Anniversary Trail, the Gardiners Creek Trail and other trails with other families so that all the children can learn to ride safely and appreciate our natural environment.

For example, on a recent outing of two families there were two adults and three children all on bikes. We drove to the Gardiners Creek Trail and cycled part of the way into the city. We stopped at a section of parkland for a rest and explore then returned.

As a family, we have also traveled across to the Darebin and Capital City Trails and have found the current bike route crossing at Chandler Highway to be both inconvenient and dangerous.

As our children get more confident on their bikes, we will extend our trips along available trails.  The Darebin Bridge will provide a valuable and safe link between the north and south of the Yarra, and will also greatly improve the access to Willsmere Park.

This improved access will benefit many others, including pedestrians and people with disabilities.  Combined with some environmental improvements such as removal of weed infestations, Willsmere Park will be enhanced as a location for local children to learn to ride their bikes, and for walks, picnics and enjoying nature.

I commend the Victorian State Government and the Boroondara, Yarra, Darebin and Banyule Councils for supporting this great improvement that has been planned for over 15 years.

I am sure that many residents in families in Boroondara and surrounding Council areas will greatly appreciate and enjoy the bridge when it is constructed.

I certainly hope we will see the bridge built within my daughters lifetime.

See also

• Boroondara Councillors oppose Darebin Bridge, Peter Campbell 

Nice cycle tour around Williamstown

Lena, Chloe and I had a really nice cycle tour down to and around Williamstown. We caught the train to Southern Cross then headed down to Fishermens Bends.  The route followed some roads with cars but the traffic was not heavy.

We stopped a the Pier 35 Marina for a look then continued along the concrete shared bike and pedestrian trail to the punt that carries bikes across the Yarra.  The punt arrived just as we got there so we headed across travelling under the Westgate Bridge.

On the other side the bike path follows the bank for the Yarra and goes past "The Warmies" where lots of people were fishing.  This is the location of the outlet from the gas fired power station.

There were lots of people promenading in Williamstown. We continued on to the foreshore on the Bay, stopping to watch a large flock of Pelicans, Terns and Seagulls feeding on schools of fish right next to the shore at Point Gellibrand.

The bike trail continues on to the quiet Williamstown Beach which is a lovely location for a rest and a swim.  The trail then follows the coast for some great views out across the Bay and to Altona.  It passes a quaint little boat mooring then meanders along past some wetlands and the new houses at the Rifle Range Estate.

It was getting late so we headed back to The Strand for some great fish and chips, then followed the bike path back through Footscray to Southern Cross.  Chloe likes the Bike Friday tandem and contributes well to the pedalling, but its tricky to fit it on a crowded train.

All in all, a great short cycle tour.

Next time, we will go on to Altona and beyond.

At Chatham Station

Pier 35 Marina

Pier 35 Marina

The bike punt under the Westgate Bridge

Waiting for the bike punt

The bike punt

On the bike punt

Fishermen at the Warmies

Williamstown swing moorings

Sea birds feeding of Battery Road

Battery Road, Point Gellibrand

Williamstown beach

Bayview Street Harbour