Bike SA whinge and suggestion...

I don't want to whinge too much as I do appreciate the concept of Bike SA, but I popped in there twice on this trip down here and both times was greeted with cold indifference. The first time was to see about bike path maps and the second about borrowing a spoke key. The first time I got the maps, albeit grudgingly, and the second was told no way would they lend me any tools nor help me in any way. I did end up at the Melbourne St. bike store in North Adelaide to borrow the spoke key from the heaps nice and generous owner - a couple of quick turns of the key and my wheel was straight. Yes, I know I should have brought my own, but it is the one tool I left at home - so small and useful too - my bad!

Again, not to whinge, but I had hoped the Bike SA people would have been a little more helpful and friendly to a visitor from out of town. I do understand that they don't want people doing major fixes on their bikes there, fair enough, but it got me thinking that would be great to see them with something like this "Bike Kitchen" I saw at the University of Victoria In Victoria, BC, Canada - a great idea and something for any Uni or community bike organization like Bike SA.

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Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on March 14, 2012 at 14:01

I'm fairly sure that there would be considerably more expenses than food and insurance, rental trucks and marquees for starters. I think you might find that the police presence has to be paid for as well.

Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on March 14, 2012 at 14:25

Sure there are a lot of costs involved - just seems to be a lot for the return.

Consider this - the charity and myself would be better off if I donated $50, I then can claim it on my tax, then do my own bike ride through the hills with friends

Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on March 7, 2012 at 12:12

I have to admit, I had to look twice to find the bike station in Hindmarsh square not realizing the shipping containers WAS the bike station. They painted the containers which I guess is minor improvement, but so is dressing a pig in lipstick. It's still a pig at the end of the day.

A station like the OP's picture shows will be more than sufficient and capable at convenient locations in and around the city for minimal cost. Having some tools chained to the station would also work well along with some security cameras for additional safety.

Permalink Reply by Frank on March 7, 2012 at 12:29

Can't polish a turd!

Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on March 7, 2012 at 13:07

I was at Hindmarsh square for the opening.

there was water running out from the toilets/showers I put this down to a rushed set up job.

I must admit when i see water in a toilet area I always nervously wonder.

Is it clean water?

I was back a few weeks later and the problem had been resolved.

Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on March 7, 2012 at 15:01

Have only seen the Hindmarsh Square thing once - and thought it looked hideous, unclean - and my first thought was there is no way I would use it

But - it has to said - when I walked past late on a Friday night - a lot of people were using - so maybe it is successful if people are using it, then again, most of the patrons looked like backpackers, and they tend to flock to cheap\free things :-)

Permalink Reply by heather on March 7, 2012 at 20:21

Of course Chris who is also an AC member is nice.

Permalink Reply by Nigel "Griffo" Griffiths on March 7, 2012 at 22:39

Here's a thought......its all well and good to vent here on AC but have those who have had an issue/problem with the service given by Bike SA, their staff or volunteers actually informed Bike SA???
If they dont know there are issues, how can they prevent them from happening in the future?? A little bit of constructive cristicism can go a long way.

Permalink Reply by Frank on March 8, 2012 at 6:25
Done that twice now! Had a good chat with a fellow there a few months back and he said they know at times they have issues!
But let's face it, the service industry in general has issues and we mostly shop online for that and the potential to save reason!
Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on March 8, 2012 at 2:29

I suppose I hoped this was an isolated incident.

Do you think a talented manager would realize they have staff/volunteers that can't speak English?

Or is the the problem that there is no supervision and training of volunteers and staff?

Also performance managing volunteers would need to be done in a sensitive manor

It would be interesting to see how much of the money from Vello Adelaide will go towards something to do with prostate cancer

From a pragmatic point of view even if it is only a small amount this would be more than nothing that would be raised if the event wasn't run.

Permalink Reply by greg looyestyn on March 8, 2012 at 11:24

+1. well spotted, sir!

Permalink Reply by Doddsy on March 8, 2012 at 9:46

Bike NSW had a new and great CEO Omar. 

Didn't take long for him to resign. 

It seems these bodies put themselves above the cycling community.

They should really come down from their high horses and work with us.  

At the moment we are better off getting involved with ratbag bugs. 

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