The week’s top bike news from around the world, brought to you every Wednesday.
Local news
Ride with Pride
Tas Pride, with assistance from Bicycle Network Tasmania, hosted the inaugural Hobart Pride Ride on Sunday in support of the LGBT community and acclaimed chef Chris Jackman. Riders enjoyed a leisurely trundle along the InterCity Cycleway to the Farm Gate Market for the Chris Jackman memorial bake off.
Build it and they will come
Bicycle Network is calling on the NSW Government to get moving and build the much-needed cycleway through Sydney’s CBD, following news that there may be delays. Bicycle Network’s General Manager of Government and External Relations, Chris Carpenter said: “Let’s just get the lane built, and we will all soon see that there is no need for panic.”
Labor promises $100 million for active travel
With the Victorian State election just over a week away, Labor has committed to spend $100 million on a shared-use path network over the next six years, as well as establishing a new authority to promote active travel called Active Transport Victoria. According to Bicycle Network’s General Manager of Government and External Relations Chris Carpenter, this is a welcome move: “At the moment what happens is people get up and go to work and they jump in a car because the environment doesn’t exist for people to be active,” he said. “They need to put a magnifying glass over the whole thing and think: how can we get more people riding? How can we get more people walking?”
International news
Spend money to make money
A recent report from the British Department for Transport has found that for every £1 the Government spends on bikes, £5.50 is reaped in economic, social and health benefits. According to Prime Minister David Cameron, it’s a sound investment: “Following our success in the Olympics, the Paralympics and the Tour de France, British cycling is riding high—now we want to see cycling soar.”
2020 vision: one million bike jobs in Europe
With bikes being used for 3% of journeys in Europe, the continent’s cycling industry currently employs 655,000 people—more than the mining, quarrying and steel industries. However, a recent study has predicted that this figure may rise to seven digits by 2020.
Rollin’ to the chapel
Health
Active recovery
After a hard ride you probably feel like complete rest, but a bit more low-intensity activity will make you feel better in the long run. Try these exercises to speed your recovery.
Video
In just over a week 3,800 riders will pedal 520km from Albury to Lilydale as part of this year’s RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride. Check out CyclingInform‘s video below for some last minute preparation tips and find out what you need to pack, according to Wheel Women‘s Tina McCarthy:
Upcoming events
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20–23 November | AvantiPlus hellfire Cup | Kellevie and Wielangta, TAS |
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21–23 November | Tour de Tamborine | Tamborine Mountain, QLD |
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23 November | Gear Up Girl SA | Adelaide, SA |
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