Residents are urged to ditch the car in favour of two wheels for Ride 2 Work Day next week, and potentially go home with a new bike, a six-week personal training plan or gym membership.
Designed to encourage more people to make riding to work a daily habit, Ride 2 Work Day (Wednesday 16 October) will this year feature three Cycle Packs led by Bicycle Buddies, providing camaraderie and added support for cyclists not used to a bike commute.
The packs leave from Kewarra Beach, Manunda and Edge Hill, winding along Council bike paths to the Esplanade.
Confident cyclists can make their own way to the Esplanade and join like-minded riders for a free breakfast and bike tune-ups, between 6.30am and 8.30am on the lawn area near the lagoon.
Avid cyclist Cr Richie Bates said riding to work was not only good for the environment, but general health and wellbeing.
“Riding to work is one of the easiest and most time efficient ways to get your daily work out,” Cr Bates said. “It’s a great way to start your day, and just as importantly a nice way to de-stress at a leisurely pace on the way home.
“We have more than 650 kilometres of off-road cycle paths throughout the city, providing safe, relaxed riding, through some very picturesque areas. So why not reduce your carbon foot print and explore the region on two wheels.”
Cr Brett Olds has been practicing the ride in from the beaches ready for next week’s event.
“I’m hardly what you’d call a lycra warrior,” Cr Olds said. “But I’ve got a couple of practice trips under my belt and I can honestly say that if ‘I can do it, anyone can’.
“And if you need an added incentive to get out of bed and on your bike, don’t forget there’ll be breakfast waiting for you and the chance to win some great prizes thanks to Bicycle Central on Mulgrave and Genesis Cairns Central.”
Cycle Packs:
Maps of each Cycle Pack route are available on Council’s website.
Anyone wishing to be part of a “Cycle Pack” should be at their nearest station 5 minutes prior to departure.
- Kewarra Beach via Smithfield, Caravonica, Redlynch, Freshwater, Stratford, Aeroglen
Led by Councillor Brett Olds, departing 6am from the bus stop at the Kewarra Beach roundabout.
- Manunda via Bungalow and Parramatta Park
Led by Councillor Richie Bates, departing 6.30am from Harald Falge Park
- Edge Hill via Manunda and Cairns North
Led by Christine Posgate, departing 6.30am from Edge Hill State School
