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RACV and councils join forces to help people get riding

RACV, City of Melbourne, City of Port Phillip and Yarra City Council have joined to launch Let’s Ride Melbourne!, a new program aiming to help more people start riding bikes.

Let’s Ride Melbourne! encourages commuters to consider choosing a bike as a convenient, healthy way of getting around and includes bike confidence workshops plus an online portal with tips and information.

Tips and information include everything from buying a new bike (or restoring a second hand clunker) to riding to work and making bike riding something you can do easily every day.

The program can also help experienced riders, with RACV's bike-friendly journey planner map arevo also part of the show.

Arevo has current bike lane and trail information and can help riders choose the most bike friendly and efficient routes.

RACV General Manager arevo Mobility, Elizabeth Kim, said research found the COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced how we choose to get around, and has understandably prompted people to consider alternative mobility options.

“The mental, physical and financial benefits of riding for transport, as well as for leisure, are being discovered by more people than ever before,” Ms Kim said.

“We have an opportunity to adopt new ways of getting around and choose more environmentally friendly transport options such as bike riding. Many Victorians rediscovered their appreciation of cycling over the past year.”

Bike workshops kick off on Saturday 6 March, with two workshops held in each of the Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip council areas.

The workshops include bike maintenance knowledge and practical riding skills, including on-road group rides.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece, said: “Let’s Ride Melbourne! is a great way to access helpful resources and activities for new riders who want to learn more and build confidence.

“We’re fast-tracking the installation of new bike lanes to make it safer for more people to ride, which frees up space on public transport for those who need to travel into the city from the outer suburbs.

City of Port Phillip Mayor, Cr. Louise Crawford, said: “Our scenic City is a wonderful place to explore by bike and we’re improving accessibility by adding new bike lanes to our existing network. Summer is the perfect time to re-familiarise yourself with the road rules and peddle away in Port Phillip.”

Mayor of the City of Yarra, Cr. Gabrielle de Vietri, said: “Cycling significantly contributes to our sustainability and liveability as a city and will ease congestion on our roads. Let’s Ride Melbourne! will give people the support and confidence they need to get back on the bike after this pandemic and enjoy the remainder of a COVIDSafe summer.”

Find our more about the program and download the arevo app at letsride.melbourne.vic.gov.au.

Let's Ride Melbourne!

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