More rugby stuff; this time at Ballymore for the "Reds Family Fun Day".
Ballymore has a wonderful setting; in parkland next to Breakfast Creek. Sadly, this means it's a pig to get to, whether you are on foot, in the car or using public transport.
Our choice was train it to Bowen Hills, change, then out to Windsor station, then cycle from there; half on road; half on bikepath [4.67km return + 2km to the station at our end].
Trains on bikes
I have often taken my bike on QR CityTrains. If you are willing to cycle a few kilometres at either end, it is a useful way of extending the 'reach' of public transport corridors, or to enjoy recreational cycling in a totally different part of the city.
But it is never really easy; clearly it was never envisioned that taking bikes on trains was going to be commonplace in Brisbane as neither the stations, platforms or rolling stock were designed with bicycles in mind.
Central station platforms 5 and 6 - I think - are the only platforms that don't involve a 30cm step up to the carriage: Small kids trying to lift heavy bikes up onto trains, panicking that the doors are going to close on them, always creates tension.
If they could just wheel them on; it would be so much calmer.
CityTrain's new rolling stock does cater better for cyclists, with large roomy, seatless areas at the rear of each unit.
But there are only 4 new [double] units in operation. And sadly most of the time they ply the AirTrain route, presumably so they don't get too grubby from too many customers! Most of the old rolling stock is exceptionally cramped with bicycles on board.
On Sunday, there was a whole bunch of people with their bikes on board (most of them kids, I'm happy to say).
QR should start retro-fitting some of this old rolling stock, by stripping out some seats and having a large bike area near at least one set of doors per 3-car unit.
Maybe that way, QR would be more willing to accede to Council requests to allow bikes on board at peak times to encourage cross-modal transit.
