Initiatives, research and events where bicycles create positive social change
I was sad to hear of the tragic deaths of two to the world’s most recognised and beloved bike superstars this week – Kelly McGarry (NZ father of freestyle mountain biking) and BMX hotshot Dave Mirra. Having ridden just a month ago on tracks created by Kelly, who died while mountain biking and knowing that Dave leaves behind a …
Last night I went to lend a hand for the inaugural Brisbane Ride the Night event. It was a collaboration between Bicycle Network and Youth Services to create a 70km night ride around the city to raise money for homelessness and disadvantaged youth and for bicycle advocacy. This event has been successfully running for a number …
Below is a sample of some of Bicycles Create Change’s community bike projects. See the blog for other events and projects. BIOBIKE – YOUR FUTURE THANKS YOU! The BioBike is a roving sustainable performance that myself, Claire Tracey and Sarah Cole performed at the Melbourne Sustainable Living Festival 2018. This reiteration of the BioBike (there …
Everyone has a right to ride a bike and feel the wind in their hair – so here is a community cycling initiative that is right up my alley!! “Cycling Without Age” is a movement started in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elderly get back on their bicycles, but he had …
Continue reading “The right to feel the wind in your hair – Cycling Without Age”
I was shocked to hear the news that the NSW government is implementing surprising mandatory NSW IDs for any cyclists and increasing fines for cyclists by 500%. Now, my Blogs are about the positive changes that bicycles create. So this post is somewhat of an anomaly as this is the first time I have ever posted …
Having been back in Australia for a few days now, I was reminiscing about my recent NZ trip. I found myself revisiting the Rotorua Strategic Cycling Plan 2015-2018. Particularly, I have been reflecting on why it is that Australia has not yet implemented any similar clearly worthwhile initiatives. The backing of the local, regional and national …
Continue reading “Politicians and Prime Ministers riding bikes”
What a change – from riding endless breathtaking mountain bike trails with good mates every day to the sharp jolt back into the hot seat and the office *OUCH*!! First day back at work and it has been very interesting managing a new timetable and new class responsibilities with continuing commitments for research, work and …
After visiting Rotorua this summer, I was impressed by the amount of support for cycling that the local Council and Businesses provided. As a visiting cyclist, it was easy to get around town, given the safe and considerable bike lanes that weave throughout town and around the local tourist attractions, parks, lakes and geysers. I …
Continue reading “Rotorua Urban Cycling Strategic Plan 2015-2018”
Digging through Rotorua’s mountain bike archives, I found this little gem. I thought it was a particularly interesting initiative as it was focused on getting more men riding, whereas it is usually women who are the focus of such programs. I was especially excited about the follow-up outcomes that emerged out of this program. Background …
I’ve been away for four days in Regional Victoria visiting family who live just outside of Castlemaine. On Saturday, we went to the Wesley Hill markets to get some supplies. It was a lovely market – very inviting and really showcasing local products. You know you are onto a good thing when you see this out the front …
Continue reading “Wesley Hill Weekend Market (Chewton, Regional Victoria)”