The week’s top bike news from around the world, brought to you every Wednesday.
Local news
Love and good will on Bupa Around the Bay
On Sunday 14,000 riders were up early for Australia’s biggest one-day bike ride, Bupa Around the Bay – Fundraise for the Smith Family. As well as challenging themselves to complete the iconic course, the riders have so far raised over $900,000 for The Smith Family. We also hear it was particularly memorable event for riders Marty and Christy, with Marty proposing on the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento. Congratulations guys!
Austroads Australian Cycling Participation Survey 2013 results released
The Austroads Australian Cycling Participation Survey 2013 is now available online. The survey is part of the National Cycling Scheme 2011-2016, which aims to have doubled the number of people cycling by 2016. According to the survey, 16.6% of Australians had ridden in the previous week and 37.4% within the previous year. Read the survey results and see how your state compared to the national average.
Riverwalk returns
Construction has begun on Brisbane’s new Riverwalk, which will include separated bikeways and pedestrian paths. The old Riverwalk was used by more than 3,000 riders and pedestrians daily until it was destroyed in the 2011 floods.
International news
Glow-in-the-dark bike path lights the way
UK company Pro-Teq Surfacing has designed a new path coating, called Startpath, which is made from environmentally-friendly materials and uses stored solar energy to light the path at night. The surface is currently being trialed at a park in Cambridge and could soon be lighting footpaths, bike tracks and even roads across the UK..
New cycle clothing company caters for real riders
After 15 years of struggling to find technical riding gear that din’t make him feel like a shrink wrapped sausage, Richard Bye has started Fat Lad at the Back, a UK-based cycling apparel company for riders with meat on their bones. While initial stock is designed for the lads, a women’s rage is also on the cards for next year.
Bike lanes get cars moving in the Big Apple
Anti-bike lobbyists often protest against bike lanes for fear they’ll slow the flow of car traffic, but according to data from the New York City Department of Transport, newly-installed bikeways and pedestrian strips in New York City have actually eased congestion.
Health
HIT hard or keep it steady
High intensity workouts are the next big thing in the exercise world, but are they really better than your current workout?
Video
Were you caught on camera for Ride2Work Day?
Over 150,000 new and regular riders saddled up for National Ride2Work Day last Wednesday. Were you among those that dropped in for the Bicycle network breakfast at city Square?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC0bSfYxpRM&w=640&h=360]
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