[Peakoil] Bike submission to Senate enquiry

[Keith Thomas]

Here are a few ideas that you might consider (written as one who  
cycle-commutes over 175km a week):

If the oil supply declines we will need to live more locally.  
Localization will have to replace globalization. Bicycles are the  
iconic emblem of localization.

1. The state of roads and cycle paths. These are mainly bitumen which  
will become progressively more expensive as oil prices rise. Roads and  
cycle paths made of concrete are themselves dependent on massive energy  
inputs to manufacture cement, transport it, mix it and pour it. I'm  
sure you will have already thought of the other more obvious issues.

2. The tyre and tube supply (Can we establish latex plantations in  
tropical Australia?). Supply from Australia of other parts like pumps,  
gears, chains, hubs, stems, bottom brackets.

3. The types of bicycles. Robust load-carriers including heavy loads  
 >200kg. Easily maintained (click shifters are neat but wear out  
easily).

4. Encourage establishment of small bicycle-repair businesses as part  
of a deliberate policy of enlivening suburban shopping centres.

5. More places like "Bicycle Revolution" in Brisbane which renovates  
old bicycles cheaply for low-budget use. These could also handle other  
low-tech items like sewing machines, washing machines, garden tools,  
gates, letterboxes. They should be located in a number of suburbs and  
inventories linked by internet so stock could be sourced easily from  
across large metropolitan centres.

6. There are many boutique bicycle manufacturers in Australia. There  
should be a number of Australian bicycle manufacturers. We can do  
better than the Indian 'Hercules' brand, but they provide a model for  
what is possible if you look at functionality, rather than glitter.
--------------------------------------------
Keith Thomas
www.evfit.com
--------------------------------------------
On 12/02/2006, at 12:10 PM, Alex P wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> The Bicycle Federation of Australia has tasked me with editing their
> submission to the Senate enquiry into the future of Australia's oil  
> supplies:
>
> http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/rrat_ctte/oil_supply/index.htm
>
> I will be paid for the work but I've asked the payment to go to Sarah  
> who
> will donate it to the group. We need to at least set up a bank account  
> for
> when work like this comes our way.
>
> This is in addition to writing our own submission.
>
> If you want input into either the submission please get back to me!
>
> Alex
> O4O4873828
>
> ACT Peak Oil discussion list
> http://act-peakoil.org
>
>
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