Leave your car at home on Ride2Work Day

By either riding your own bike (or a friends), or riding a share e-bike or e-scooter, commuters can receive a free bike tune up at Norwood bike shop, Treadly, on the day and a month of discount services at Whippets Workshop, Stepney

Mayor Robert Bria said he hoped many residents, visitors and workers to our City take part in the event next month.

“Ride2Work Day is also an ideal time for people looking to either get back on the bike or start riding for the first time,” he said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to try an e-bike or e-scooter for the first time as there will be discounts on the day. Residents can ride them all the way to the CBD or just to a bus stop and complete their trip on a bus.”

“The Council is committed to encouraging sustainable transport and is actively working to improve safety for people who choose to walk or ride a bike.”

“It is great to see that more and more people are taking the opportunity to ride – rather than use their car. Riding a bike over short distances can be faster than driving a car during peak hour, and it’s also great for health and well-being, reduces traffic congestion and frees up parking spaces.

“The Council is continuing to improve local bikeways and the safety of cyclists and pedestrians is a major focus in all of Council’s infrastructure upgrades,” Mayor Bria said.

The Council is also asking motorists to drive with extra care on Ride2Work Day with a higher than usual number of cyclists expected to be sharing the road. And remember always look for a cyclist before opening your car door.

Organised nationally by Bicycle Network, Ride2Work Day is the largest celebration of commuter bike riding in Australia. However, only a few states are taking part this year due to COVID lockdowns.

“The main objective of the day is to normalise the idea of riding to work. It encourages people who have never ridden to work before to give it a go, and it allows regular riders to stay motivated and encourage their work mates to get involved.”

Some tips to prepare for Ride2Work Day:

• find a low traffic route
• do a practice run on the weekend before
• check all equipment including lights, bell and lock
• wear a helmet and bright colour clothes
• take clothes the work the day before to change into
• find someone to cycle with (ask a colleague at work or a family member)
• check if there is somewhere at your work place you can securely park your bike

Refresh your knowledge of the Australian Road Rules by taking this quiz: My Licence – Road Rules Quiz