Riding with Ian Roberts
It’s National Ride To Work Day on Wednesday, October 13, and the City of Sydney is offering free cycling confidence courses for those eager to take part but nervous about taking to the roads on a pushbike.
“Bike riding, even in Sydney traffic, is easier than many people might think,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said in a statement.
“For trips of less than 10km, riding a bike will often get you to work cheaper and faster and will keep you healthy. Better still, it’s a zero emission transport option.”
The confidence courses are run every Saturday and Sunday at Sydney Park, and teach safe and responsible cycling skills. More than 550 people have completed the course since June 2009, with the oldest participant so far aged 83.
The City of Sydney said nearly a quarter of participants drove to work before taking the course and almost half enrolled in the course to build up their confidence on the road.
“The popularity of these courses shows that people are keen to get around the city by bike,” Moore said.
The confidence course runs for 4.5 hours, and while it is free, bookings are essential. You can book via the City of Sydney’s website.
More than 150,000 workers are expected to hop on their bikes for the annual Ride to Work Day. Sydney cyclists can enjoy free breakfasts at two sites covering the eastern and western flanks of the city; Hyde Park South and Union St, Pyrmont.
City of Sydney cycling ambassadors TV presenter Nell Schofield and gay sporting legend Ian Roberts (pictured) will be on hand to give tips to new riders.
info: To register for Ride To Work Day, visit www.bv.com.au/ride-to-work/
Biking will not keep you healthy if you have to share the road with heavier vehicles. Lying on a slab is not too healthy. Do it for long enough and you are bound to have a collision. Litmus test; would you let your kids bicycle to school in capital city traffic?