Calling all rusty rainbow riders
MARDI Gras might just be better on a bike with LGBTI people who may not have ridden for a while to have the chance to brush up on their cycling skills on a safe riding course next month.
The Rusty Rider course run by the Sydney Council is tailored towards those with lower confidence and fitness levels.
The course will be held at the Sydney Park Cycling Centre, on February 15 and February 22, and runs at a slower pace than other workshops to allow participants to develop their skills and confidence.
“Expert instructors take participants through a series of skills and drills at the Sydney Park Cycling Centre followed by a short led ride on quiet streets,” council’s Vicky Skarlatos said.
The inner-city is in the midst of a cycling boom, with a 100 per cent increase over the past three years in the number of Sydneysiders riding bikes as a mode of transport. The rate is twice the national average of people cycling as transport.
A 2013 Australian Bicycle Council survey found that about 31,600 Sydney Council residents get on a bike in a typical week.
The surge in bike use comes as the city continues its aim of completing a 200km bike network, mostly consisting of dedicated bike paths that separate riders from traffic and pedestrians.
Matching grants from council are also available for projects that promote greater bike use in the community, with the University of Technology, Sydney’s Housing Bike Club recently awarded a grant to purchase the frames and components for two cargo and 15 shared community bikes.
INFO: Details: Vicky Skarlatos at vskarlatos@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or call 9246 7325.
