cyclists upon the race. Some local BUG members resigned their BV memberships. This period also saw the loss of resourcing of local BUGs by BV. Free bikes for ride entrants Bicycle Victoria offered entrants of the 2004 Great Victorian Bike Ride a bike, free of charge, if they registered early for the event. The bikes were imported and distributed by Bicycle Victoria. The bikes were available fully assembled, or partially assembled in a box. Retail Cycle Traders Australia and Bicycle Industries Australia did not approve, saying that the deal was harmful to retail business, the bikes were of low quality and cost the community and environment as waste disposal. The bikes were also subject to a safety recall, which required a replacement front quick-release skewer. "Hell Ride" controversy In August 2006, the death of pedestrian James Gould, as a result of a collision with a cyclist riding in the weekly "Hell Ride", saw a prolonged media backlash against the perceived bad behaviour of some Melbourne cyclists. Some considerate and law-abiding cyclists felt that the condemnation was unfair, and were critical of public statements made by Bicycle Victoria CEO, Harry Barber. Bikes on trains ban From 1 January 2008, bicycles were banned from most Victorian train services during peak hour, including peak direction suburban trains. The statement on Bicycle Victoria's website said that the organisation supported the ban. An effective grassroots campaign against the ban quickly formed, and shortly thereafter Bicycle Victoria reversed its position and apologised, stating that it had not actually supported the ban in the first place. (The ban was overturned 6 weeks after its introduction by the Transport Minister). Subaru promotion to members In April 2008, Bicycle Victoria began a cross promotion with Subaru dealers in Melbourne. The deal offered free bike maps and bike pumps to Bicycle Victoria members who test rode Subaru 4WD's. It is assumed the Bicycle Victoria receives advertising revenue from the promotion. Some criticised this promotion, seeing it as pro-car and against the mission of the organisation. Others believe that the promotion is within the mission, as the majority of members also own and use a motor vehicle. Helmet laws and fines In late 2018 Bicycle Network issued a major report on the issue and several press releases and policy recommendations. The 2018 report was based on a 20,000 person survey of members and non-members, and consultation of experts and scholarly studies.