Media Relase - A Great Start to a Riding Workforce
People from all over the Bellingen Shire united for a community breakfast in the Council Park on Wednesday 14th October to celebrate 'Ride to Work Day'. The local Bicycle User Group (DUBBUG) came from as far as Urunga while Council’s Mayor, Mark Troy, braved the Waterfall Way on his ride from Boggy Creek.
Cr Troy said of his ride that "My recent cycling experiences have reinforced for me the joys and benefits of riding as well as a real need for improved cycling infrastructure in the Bellingen Shire". He was joined by the Council's General Manager, Mike Colreavy who said "It was great to see the bike rack out the front of Council's offices full after the event". Mr Colreavy stated that "Council intends for the community breakfast to become an annual event to promote this most sustainable choice of transport".
This follows Council's recent installation of the second public bike rack in Bellingen's town centre on Church Street as well as a bubbler which provides filtered water. The bike rack and bubbler were installed as part of the Church St amenities development. Council's Sustainability Officer, Nic Denshire said that "The new bike rack is an important step toward providing the infrastructure to encourage bike riding within the Shire. Council promotes cycling as a proven way to improve health and fitness while reducing traffic congestion as well as reducing demand for car parking in the Shire ".
Mayor Mark Troy also advised that Council has recently applied for grants for bike paths in North Bellingen and Urunga. To receive details of future sustainability initiatives such as 'Ride to Work Day', visit Council's website and sign up to the ‘Sustainability and Climate Change' mailing list under the Environment/Climate Change tabs.
Quick cycling facts:
- 1,928,100 Australians rode a bike in 2008, a 21% increase on the year before (ERASS 2009)
- In 2008, for the ninth year in a row Australian bicycle sales outstripped motor vehicle sales. Australians are not just buying bikes, they are using them increasingly frequently.
- Census figures show a 28% increase in riding to work across Australian capital cities. This growth is largely centred in areas with superior levels of bicycle infrastructure.
- Over 50% of car trips in Australian cities are under 5km and 30% are less than 3 km, ideal distances for travelling by bike.
Contact details
General Manager
council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au
