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Women called on to get rolling for Ride2Work Day

Women across Australia are being encouraging to leave the car at home and jump on their bike for Bicycle Network’s National Ride2Work Day this Wednesday, 17 October.

An analysis of commuter bike rider count data has found that less than a third of those who ride a bike to work are female.

Bicycle Network spokesperson Leyla Asadi said that National Ride2Work Day is the perfect time for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds to jump on a bike and give it a go.

“Riding a bike to work can seem daunting, but it is actually quite easy. You don’t need lycra or a flash new bike to get involved, you just need to feel comfortable,” said Ms Asadi.

“And with thousands of other people taking part in National Ride2Work Day, it will be easy to find a friend or someone you work with that can show you just how convenient and fun riding a bike really is.”

Not only does riding a bike to work mean you avoid the stress of congested roads and busy public transport, it is also an alternative to the gym, saving both time and money.

“A 5km to 10km ride to work can take between 15 and 30 minutes, which is enough to get your daily dose of exercise. You can then forget about waking up early for the gym.” added Ms Asadi.

Free community breakfasts for commuter bike riders are being held in cities and suburbs around the country on Ride2Work Day, with anyone who pedals encouraged to attend.

Data on women bike riding has come from Bicycle Network’s recently completed gender participation report which looks at the growth and variation of female ridership across Australia.

The Northern Territory has more women riders than anywhere else, with 31.3 per cent of riders being female. This is well above the national average of 23.9 per cent. Victoria and Tasmania also sit above average, with 25 per cent and 24.2 per cent respectively.

More information and registrations for Ride2Work Day can be found at ride2work.com.au, as well as free tips and resources to answer any questions and help you get going on the day.

National Ride2Work Day is a behaviour change initiative of Bicycle Network. It is supported by councils and event partners in every state and territory. 

Register with Ride2Work and win

New, old and regular bike commuters are encouraged to visit the official website of National Ride2Work Day and register their participation for this year.

Registration provides valuable data for government and planners of how many people choose cycling for their transport.

Riders who register for Ride2Work Day will also go into the draw to win a $1,000 Flight Centre travel voucher.

Register For Ride2work Day

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp joins Ride2Work

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp will be joining Ride2Work Day and called on women to join the initiative.

“I’ve had my silver and purple Malvern Star bike ‘Bacall’ for about 20 years. My husband Andrew has the matching Bogart model and I love using it to get around,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Aside from the personal health benefits, when people choose to ride they reduce vehicle emissions, noise and car congestion and help free-up public transport capacity.

“According to Bicycle Network research, 27 per cent of bike riders in the City of Melbourne are women. While I’m proud that we are above the national average of 24 per cent, it would be great to see more women getting on their bike and using our city’s cycling network which has more than 135 km of on and off-road routes.”

Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Transport Portfolio Councillor Nicolas Frances Gilley said commuting by bike had many wide-reaching benefits. 

“We are a city that supports cycling through our extensive network of on and off-road bike paths, provision of 4000 bike hoops for commuters and commitment to improving safety on some of our busiest cycling thoroughfares,” Cr Frances Gilley said.

“As our city grows, the need to transport more people in a smaller amount of space will become increasingly important. A bike lane is able to carry three times as many people as a traffic lane in less than half the space. Now is the time to get onto a bike and enjoy the benefits of avoiding traffic on the way to work, while getting some exercise and feeling the wind in your hair.”  

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