TOOWOOMBA BUG SURVEY 2012

Introduction Dear TRC Candidates

TRC COUNCIL ELECTIONS

You have been sent this survey from Toowoomba Bicycle Users Group (TBUG) to find what levels of support there are amongst council candidates for some of the most important aspects of cycling in the Toowoomba region. We ask that you take the time to consider and answer all the questions. Your thoughtful responses will be forwarded to hundreds of constituents who cycle in the region via the TBUG mailing list, including numerous bike clubs and cycle groups TBUG works with. Accordingly, if you elect not to answer the survey that information will also be disseminated. We urge you to pay close attention to the research graph provided, and to think of the numerous concerns about road safety, and issues in James and Ruthven Streets that arise from government inaction on the Toowoomba city by-pass, as well as the increasingly busy roads connecting to growth centres such as Highfields. Cyclists are regarded as legitimate road users on Queensland roads, according to state and federal transport and roads policies, yet seem to have been largely disregarded by the previous council, who have consistently declined meaningful consultation with cycle groups, ignoring a previous recommendation by the outgoing Toowoomba Council to create a Bicycle Advisory Committee. The result has been ever more poor design in relation to bike lanes, roundabouts, speed zones and lack of community education, resulting in a inferior and substandard cycling environment overall.. We are looking for more imagination from councillors and a far more consultative approach from the new TRC council.

Question 1. Respondent s name? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michele Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks JOHN GOULDSON Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell

Question 2. Which town or suburb do you reside? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michele Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Toowoomba Toowoomba, Middle Ridge Toowoomba Vale View Toowoomba, Wilsonton Greenmount Toowoomba Toowoomba, Centenary Heights Toowoomba Gowrie Junction Yarraman Toowoomba, Cotswold Hills Toowoomba, Wilsonton Toowoomba, Prince Henry heights Toowoomba, Cotswold Hills Toowoomba Toowoomba, Middle Ridge Ravensbourne Biddeston Toowoomba Wyreema Gowrie Mountain

Question 3. Are you running for Mayor or Councillor? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michele Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Mayor Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council Council

Question 4. Accident Research Shows Speed Kills The below graphic was issued in a recent road safety campaign which shows the relationship between speed and chance of fatality. This data is backed up by Australian and international research. At a recent meeting with the Minister of Transport & Main Roads (TMR), a TMR engaged researcher advised the Minister and various cycle representatives in attendance that the single most useful action in reducing death and injury to pedestrians and cyclists involved in road accidents would be to reduce the road speed in urban areas. Currently, TRC has a mixture of 60 kph and 50 kph roads within our quite densely populated areas. TBUG believes these speeds are irresponsible, in light of the current data demonstrating the chance of a lethal outcome from an accident, in conjunction with abundant global evidence and the latest information to TMR from their own researcher.

If elected to TRC, which of the following speeds would you support as the default speed limit in TRC urban areas? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michele Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 40kmph (3 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) No response 30kmph (1 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 30kmph (1 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 30kmph (1 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 40kmph (3 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians) 50kmph (5 in 10 crashes fatal for cyclists or pedestrians)

Question 5. Successful cycling policy is created via a two-way system of communication, between suppliers of infrastructure, TRC and TMR, and users of that cycling infrastructure, the riders. A number of Councils have benefited from the creation of Bicycle Advisory Committee which bring together the range of stakeholders. Please watch this short video about a Melbourne councillor who commutes and rides her bike to her meetings and the use of the Bicycle Advisory Committee there. Please note and consider the potential for increased cycling in Toowoomba, both as a handy and cheap means of transport, and as a potential tourism money-spinner for new business opportunities, that could provide employment and increase the good standing of the city and region as a 'good place to visit'. Please cut and paste the url into your browser to view this YouTube video, 'The councillor on a bike': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNwxZmrJ8Nc If elected to TRC are you prepared to lobby fellow councillors for a Bicycle Advisory Committee to be established? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michele Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Question 6. In creating the majority of bike lanes in Toowoomba, TRC has neglected to prohibit parking in them, leaving bike lanes as public parking lots for private vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, rather than safe transport thoroughfares. Cyclists have to move in and out of bike lanes, avoiding parked vehicles, making them more vulnerable to being hit by vehicles from behind. This fact is recognised in Transport & Main Roads road design literature. If elected to TRC, are you prepared to ensure bike lanes are managed as transport thoroughfares, and not also available for use as a public parking lot? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michele Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Goldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No

Question 7. Given that the range bypass crossing is still years away, are you prepared to support a 50kph max speed limit on James Street, and lobby TMR, the local MLAs and the Premier for it, from the top of the Range to the Oakey side of Wilsonton, on this dangerous and overloaded main road? [Please note that in NSW all towns have a 50 kph speed limit through them on main roads.] Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michele Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes No Yes No response Yes Yes No Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No

Question 8. Are you in favour of creating a specific cycling policy for our council region? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michele Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Question 9. If elected to TRC, are you prepared to create-support a policy that establishes cycling as a primary focus on tourism within the region? - If yes, briefly outline how you would achieve this? Rob Berry Yes Nancy Sommerfield Yes. Happy to investigate this as I am keen to develop what I consider our untapped tourism. Paul King Yes. Our parks provide an ideal venue for carnival tours which could also be arranged throughout the town Carol Taylor No response Graham Barron Yes. I believe that this proposal has merit but I would want to sit down and discuss it further with stakeholders, including experienced local cyclists and tourism organisations, to work out the best strategies to implement it. I'd also want to discuss further whether this type of tourism had been successfully encouraged in other areas. Megan O'Hara Sullivan Yes. See above Peter Marks Yes. Unlike Brisbane we don't have the finance to provide bicycles however, as our need for bicycles grows and more people are using them then it is imperative that council implement a policy to ensure safety and all issues regarding cycling. Tourism would benefit if it is commercially viable. Michel Alroe Yes. Given the role played by our regional tourism board Council could not dictate what the primary focus for tourism is in the region. It can however advocate the benefits of cycling , encourage the development of "cycling trails" and promote in a general sense the positives of cycling. Mick Smith No response Murray Choat

Yes. I am an advocate for tourism and we need to hold more major sporting events and get Toowoomba noticed as a healthy place to live work and play. Bernie Rushby Yes Greg Bryant No response Andrew Kucks Yes. I hadn't thought about it as a primary focus, but if we can implement the cycle friendly initiatives, then there is no reason why it cannot become a major reason for people to visit our region. John Gouldson No. I can t see the relevance except for events, and surely this is NOT the primary focus. Chris Tait Yes. TRC should actively encourage the FK Gardiner Tour of Toowoomba plus state and national junior cycling events. With this there should be upgrades to various streets and roads plus more cycling lanes to accommodate a national standard cycling centre. Griffith St velodrome should be upgraded. David Campbell No response Snow Manners Yes. I'm not sure about a 'primary' tourist focus but as a tourism option cycling makes sense. Noel Strohfeld Yes. Council has already started down this road by investing in the Showground facility, which should attract large events to the region. Noel Cass Yes. The [its great] resurgence in cycling would necessitate its inclusion as a primary focus in any strategy - tourism or otherwise . Sue Englart Yes. Many of our residents already cycle as a sport. There is an opportunity for the city and the surrounding areas to become the centre for the sport of cycling. The new criterion track is another asset. Cycling tours such as heritage and scenic beauty spots within the area could be promoted and enjoyed by those tourists wanting something clean and green. Peter Wilson No. I think cycling should be a big part of the mix that draws people to the region but not necessarily the primary reason. Phoebe Mitchell No.

Question 10. If elected to TRC, are you prepared to require a proper cycling policy is created, within TRC, to promote and encourage cycling to work by TRC employees, to set an example for all residents and employers within the region? - If yes, please explain your view? Rob Berry Yes Nancy Sommerfield Yes. I believe we should have a proper cycling policy and that it is important that this policy be developed embracing cyclists on a specific committee for that purpose. However, I am not inclined to put pressure on TRC employees to cycle to work as I believe that this is inappropriate. Happy to encourage cyclists who wish to cycle but I don't believe we should be pressuring others to do something because we do it. Paul King Yes. At the moment we have no integrated transport plan that includes all modes of transport. TRC can support a cycle to work day for awareness and promote safe riding pathways for schoolchildren. Cycling needs to be integrated into transport management. Carol Taylor No response Graham Barron Yes. I believe this policy is a good idea, however it would need to be discussed at length with all parties to ensure that it could be implemented in a practical way, voluntarily for employees who wanted to take part and to ensure they were given the support they needed.

Megan O'Hara Sullivan Yes. My platform supports a healthy region, for many reasons. Public health initiatives don't work unless fully thought through and implemented with follow up. Peter Marks Yes. This shouldn't be exclusive to TRC workers it should be for benefit of all cyclists

Michele Alroe Yes. The known positive health and life style benefits from cycling should be promoted by all employers. Promoting an activity that assists the workforce to be healthy and fit makes sense. Long term a healthy workforce results in a healthy bottom line therefore assisting employers and employees alike. Another positive out of TRC developing such a policy would be that it could be passed to others a model to adopt in their own business. Mick Smith No response Murray Choat Yes. Where it is safe and practicle and all the roads have been upgraded. For those in rural area's this may be to hard. I am a Road Safety Advocate and are in favour of training learner drivers how to drive in emergency situations and control the vehicle, we only teach kids to pass a test not how to drive not be safer drivers. Bernie Rushby Yes. Any policy should not be restricted to only TRC employees but should spread through the whole community with emphasis on promote and encourage Greg Bryant No response Andrew Kucks Yes. I have long been advocating this view. I am an employee at council, and my supervisor rides every day. We discuss the problems also daily. We need to educate all road users more effectively. I do not ride to work because I do the school run every morning with our three children, but I believe more of my work colleagues would ride with some incentives. Other CBD businesses could take part, like Heritage. Finding a tangible way to acknowledge employers that are cycle friendly is also key to the idea catching on. Jon Gouldson Yes. When I was a TCC Alderman (1986 to 1993), I worked with John Osborne, Ian Knight et al., to build the walkways / bicycle paths, but little has been done since. I know they were inadequate, but the abave policy needs to address this. As far as TRC employees being encouraged, I think we need to get infrastructure plan and encourage ALL people. Chris Tait Yes. There will need to be secured cycling parking at the TRC work places and shower facilities. Also more active media promotion of TRC employees cycling to work and that motorists are awareof this. There have to be more cycling lanes around Toowoomba and if this is not possible change of pedestrian paths to dual use for both pedestrian and cyclcists. I am a cyclist and would consider cycling to some meetings. David Campbell No response Snow Manners Yes. It must be matter of personal choice with no compulsion. An employer should cater for staff's favoured mode of transport. Noel Strohfeld Yes. Where this is possible, it is sometimes depending on geographic location not possible..Also some of the previous questions need room for reasons for answers. Noel Cass Yes. It is not only cycling which should be encouraged it is general fitness and well being . Being reflective of the community 30% of the TRC employees will be obese etc. We need to slow down people emotionally and encourage better health. Sue Englart Yes. The city has become congested. the cost of fuel is rising. Large cities throughout the world use bicycles as a major form of transport. TRC employees need facilities to be provided at end of journey to prepare for work. Showers Lockers etc. I was really impressed with the Councillor on her bike. Peter Wilson Yes. Having lived in inner city Melbourne I cycled to work every day. I would like to see that encouraged for those that are practically able to cycle for some of the time. Phoebe Mitchell

Yes. By endeavouring to champion the cycling events, and the variety of terrain for all sporting events that including cycling, as well as for recreational.

Question 11. If elected to TRC, are you prepared to promote a partnership with TMR, to create a "Cycling Spine" across the region on TMR roads, starting with an on-road bike lane connection from Hodgson Vale to Highfields, as outlined in the current Queensland Cycle Strategy? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michel Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes No response Yes No response No response Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No

Question 12. If elected to TRC, are you prepared to support and help implement 80 kph speed zone between Toowoomba and Highfields, instead of the marked 90kph (outside the current school zone and approaches to the Murphys Creek intersection)? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michel Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes No No No response Yes Yes No Yes No response Yes No response No response No Yes Yes No response No No Yes Yes No Yes

Question 13. If elected to TRC, are you prepared to support a 50 kph speed zone through Highfields (currently 70 kph) on the main road? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michel Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes No Yes No response No Yes No Yes No response Yes No response No response Yes No No No response No No Yes Yes No No

Question14. If elected to TRC, are you prepared to support increased secure bike parking availability in the city centre, including replacing [some] car parking places with bicycle parking spaces? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michel Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes No response Yes No response No response Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Question 15. If elected to TRC, are you prepared to lobby TMR and Greyhound to have bicycles carried for free and unpackaged to Brisbane (as happens, for instance, on Oxford to London buses/coaches)? Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michel Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes No No No response Yes No response No response Yes No Yes No response Yes No No Yes Yes No

Question 16. If elected to TRC are you prepared to lobby your fellow councillors to adopt the March 'Bike Week' (sponsored by the State Government and Bicycle Qld) and the October 'National Ride to Work Day' as official TRC supported and sponsored events? [note: TRC has supported and partially sponsored the October event for the last 4 years but never accepted it as an official TRC event]. Rob Berry Nancy Sommerfield Paul King Carol Taylor Graham Barron Megan O'Hara Sullivan Peter Marks Michel Alroe Mick Smith Murray Choat Bernie Rushby Greg Bryant Andrew Kucks John Gouldson Chris Tait David Campbell Snow Manners Noel Strohfeld Noel Cass Sue Englart Peter Wilson Phoebe Mitchell Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes No response Yes No response No response Yes Yes Yes No response Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No

Question 17. Considering the following statistics: An estimated 1.5 million people under the age 18 are considered overweight or obese. This means about 20-25% of Australian children are overweight or obese. A study in Queensland showed that up to 30% of Australian children have low fitness levels while 60% have poor motor skills. There is an indication that walking and cycling are used less for transportation for Australian children. Studies also seem to show that those among the least fit of Australian children are the group deteriorating the fastest over time.

Would you actively support and seek council sponsorship for Ride to School Day and other school based programs to encourage kids to cycle and help educate parents? - If yes, please outline your ideas? Rob Berry Yes Nancy Sommerfield Yes. I am happy to actively support any activities that get kids active and away from the TV and electronic games. However, I would prefer in this survey that you allowed more room for comment on all questions instead of just the ones that you would like comment on. There have been one or two questions that I would like to have added comment on but wasn't able to. There have been times when I have added a yes or a no and would have liked to be able to explain why I have given these answers. Paul King Yes. Provision of safe pathways and bike "trains" Carol Taylor No response Graham Barron Yes. I believe a program like this could be run in a similar manner to the existing walk to school programs, which have successfully encouraged children to walk to school safely, by involving the entire school community and promoting the idea with the help of prominent local people. Megan O'Hara Sullivan Yes. Please refer to Facebook page with press release re health Peter Marks Yes. Once all options are collated then together with bicycle groups, council and schools the appropriate programs would need to be implemented Michele Alroe Yes. Council has a leadership role in the community therefore supporting Ride to School Day or any program which promotes good living and healthy lifestyle is necessary. Ideas and activities will be developed in conjunction with the relevant community bodies. By doing this we ensure ideas are not duplicated and a united approach is taken. I am not sure what is currently a available and at this stage do not have specific suggestions. Mick Smith No response Murray Choat Yes. We all need to do something to help lead healthier lifestyles. I'm all for Council setting up traffic systems and promote cyclist as a better way to travel, and it is a GREEN tick in the box. :) Bernie Rushby No response Greg Bryant No response Andrew Kucks Yes. I would not encourage my own children to ride to school in the current climate. That's a personal choice; I believe it is too dangerous. I would support much better education of the public, which this initiative is just a part of. John Gouldson Yes. I was one of the instigators of the Groom Park Training Program and very disappointed it has collapsed, it should be reinstated. Chris Tait Yes. I use to ride a bike to school. It is sad to see how few children ride to school now. It has a lot to do with inadequate and safe bike lanes and dual use of pathways for both pedestrians and cyclists. David Campbell No response Snow Manners Yes. I believe all children should be able to ride safely to school every day as a matter of choice. Noel Strohfeld

Yes. I state again that this survey does not allow for constructive comment when the candidate votes(sometimes for very good reasons) against the thrust of a question. This is unfair and does not allow meaningful comment. I am always prepared to talk to TBUG representatives. My home phone number is 46978031 or Email nstrohfeld@bigpond.com Noel Cass Yes. Refer previous remarks Sue Englart Yes. I am happy to support education of parents regarding Ride to School day. I feel this must be done before sponsorship for Ride to School Day. The bicycle network would need to be AAA rated. Peter Wilson Yes. Where it is practical to do so then I would support it without question. Phoebe Mitchell No. End of Survey Questions Thank you for answering our short survey and we look forward to working with you when elected.