The week’s top bike news from around the world, brought to you every Wednesday.
Local news
Ride2School rolls on
Bicycle Network’s Ride2School program will be expanded to include secondary schools and encourage more students across Victoria to be active and healthy.
The news follows the release of the Victorian State Budget on Tuesday and the announcement that the program has been re-funded over the next four years as part of the Government’s Active Communities Package.
Super Tuesday stats are in
The results from Australia’s biggest bike count are in, and they may surprise you. Rider numbers are up by 3% overall in 2015; however, women make up just 23% of the total number. For an easy-to-read overview of the stats, check out the Super Tuesday 2015 infographic.
WA considers allowing riders of all ages on footpaths
Riders in Western Australia may soon be allowed to ride on footpaths under new legislation being considered by the state government. Currently only children under 12 are permitted on footpaths and the move could help make cycling a more feasible option for those not confident riding on the road.
Ride On asks: what’s been your best bike adventure?
Be it an epic, transcontinental odyssey or a weekend mini break on two wheels, we want to know: what’s the ride that put you in touch with your inner explorer?
International news
Bike couriers help Germans shop local
German startup, Kiezkaufhaus, is doing its bit to lower carbon dioxide emissions, promote local businesses and boost employment by hiring senior citizens as bike couriers to deliver local goods purchased online. Founder Nanna Beyer was moved to start the business after seeing how convenient yet unsustainable online shopping can be. “There’s an armada of trucks on the German roads delivering all of that stuff,” she said. “Even more, 800,000 packages are returned—daily. That’s around 400 tons of CO2. Not including the waste of packaging.”
Fifteen things that bike riders love
Okay, there’s actually hundreds of things to love about riding a bike, but Road.cc have complied a list of their top 15. See if you agree with their choices.
Amtrak to welcome bikes
United States passenger rail company, Amtrak, has committed to introducing luggage cars fitted with bike racks on all long distance services by the end of the year, opening new possibilities for bike tourers to explore the States.
Health
Australia fails to measure up
The Heart Foundation has this week taken measure of Australia’s waistline, releasing obesity and inactivity statistics for cities and towns around the nation. Inner city dwellers fared the best, with residents in Sydney’s eastern suburbs boasting the lowest level of obesity nationwide and almost three quarters meeting physical activity guidelines. But many areas are falling short, with 27.5% of all Aussie adults classified as obese and 57% failing to get enough exercise, placing them at a higher risk for preventable chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Video
Hump day inspiration: rider fixes flat with no hands
After watching this, you’ll have no excuse to to fix your own punctures. If you’re not sure how to change a tube, follow our step by step guide.
Upcoming events
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9–24 May | Bike SA Outback Odyssey | Flinders Ranges, SA |
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9–31 May | Giro d’Italia | Italy |
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15–24 May | High Country Harvest | High Country, VIC |
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