19 Aug, 2015

Ride2Work And Reap The Benefits

Almost two-thirds of Australians who register and start riding on National Ride2Work Day are now riding regularly – helping them keep fit and get to work quicker than ever.

The results from Bicycle Network’s annual Ride2Work survey shows 61 per cent of new riders are still commuting by bike at least once a week after taking part in National Ride2Work Day last year.

The news comes as registrations officially open for this year’s free National Ride2Work Day, which will be held on Wednesday, 14 October 2015.

City of Adelaide is putting on a free breakfast from 7:00-9:00am for all registered participants to enjoy in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. As well as national sponsors Australian Bananas and Bakers Delight, there will be plenty of local organisations taking part, including SAPOL, the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Bike SA and the Adelaide Mobile Bike Service.

To help prepare for the day, Council has organised a special ‘Ride a Bike Right’ course for those who want to join the ‘Commuter Revolution’ and make bike commuting a regular part of their life.

Acting Lord Mayor, Houssam Abiad, said that by registering and participating in National Ride2Work Day, many people found the confidence they needed to try commuting by bike.

“Council is right behind Ride2Work Day and encourages city employers and employees to register and give riding to work a try on 14 October,” said Houssam.

“A big crowd is expected for the breakfast and we thank the local organisations getting involved.”

Bicycle Network’s General Manager of Behaviour Change, Chris Carpenter, said that with almost 66 per cent of Australians not physically active enough to stay healthy, more people riding to work tackles the growing health costs as well as costs related to traffic congestion across the country – costing a total of $30 billion every year.

“It’s fantastic to see that our Ride2Work program is helping grow Australia’s commuter community as more people than ever commute to and from work by bike,” said Chris.

Of the 5,400 people surveyed, many first-time ride-to-workers said the main reason they continued commuting was because it kept them fit and was quicker and cheaper than driving. More than 150,000 people across the country are expected to participate on the day.

National Ride2Work Day

Free registrations for National Ride2Work Day 2015 are now open at ride2work.com.au.

To register for the Ride2Work Bike Skills session email: [email protected].

What: National Ride2Work Day

When: Wednesday, 14 October 2015

Who: Over 150,000 Australian workers nation-wide. 3854 South Australian registrants in 2014.

Why: Ride2Work Day provides a day in the workplace calendar to encourage those thinking about commuting by bike to give it a go, or to re-energise those whose cycling habits have been deterred by the winter months. Regular commuters also celebrate what is, for them, their favourite part of every day.

How: More than 150,000 employees across the nation are expected to demonstrate the power of the pedal as they hop on their bikes and enjoy the health and fitness benefits of riding to work. Free event registration, tips and more: ride2work.com.au

Matt Halliwell