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Chain reaction expected on Ride to Work Day
Linking up with other cyclists could be the key to boosting the number of people who regularly ride to work across the region.
That’s the theory that will be put to the test at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s annual Ride to Work Day event on Wednesday 12 October, hosted by Travel2USC, a group committed to raising the awareness and use of sustainable forms of transport.
As part of its emphasis on sustainability, the University has urged staff, students and community members to “saddle up” for the event and join forces with other cyclists for the trip in on their treadlies.
Those seeking bicycle buddies are encouraged to visit the Travel2USC Facebook page or Bicycle Queensland’s website page for Bicycle User Groups.
They can also join a planned “northern bike train” which will travel to USC on Wednesday morning from Pacific Paradise through Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mountain Creek.
Those interested can register for the event by emailing ride2work@usc.edu.au
Participants who cycle, walk, use public transport and even car pool on the day will be treated to a special breakfast at the UniClub from 7.30-10.30am, along with guided warm-down exercises, expert advice for bike maintenance and the chance to win prizes, including cycling gear and a $400 bicycle.
The USC breakfast event has been supported by the Sunshine Coast Council’s TravelSmart program and Revolution Cycling.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the University viewed Ride to Work Day as an important opportunity to encourage greater use of alternative methods of transport.
He said the campus now had an impressive bike hub – with secure parking, personal lockers, showers and toilet facilities – as well as a modern bus transit centre and priority car parking for car-poolers.
A survey conducted by USC shows that the percentage of students who ride bicycles to the University at least once a week has increased from 1.65 percent in 2009 to 4.2 percent in 2011. For USC staff, this has increased from 1.18 percent to 6.2 percent over the same period.
— Terry Walsh