Dust off the training wheels because Biketober is here

It’s never too late to try Active Travel!  Some say nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle.

When was the last time you rode a bike?  Maybe you’ve never had the opportunity.

Now is the perfect time to dust off your two-wheeler or borrow a bike and experience the benefits and joy of riding with the Biketober Business Challenge in Parramatta.

Whether you cycle daily, recreationally, or have never tried bike riding before – Biketober is a fun and friendly challenge to rethink how you get to work and to try something new.

All you need to do is ride a bike anywhere, anytime for at least 10 minutes during October.

Staff from WSLHD’s Centre for Population Health have taken up the challenge and are currently top of the leader board for the Parramatta area.

Based at Cumberland Hospital campus, Helen Ryan from the Centre for Population Health, says the challenge has encouraged her to try cycling to work for the first time, using the safe and connected cycling paths along the Parramatta River.

“A few of my work colleagues regularly cycle to work and encouraged me to join Biketober. Not only do I feel like I’m helping the environment by leaving the car at home, I’m also enjoying a scenic bike ride to replace the walking component of my commute,” said Helen.

“The ride along Parramatta River and through Parramatta Park is delightful. The Active Transport Planners at Parramatta Council have created great off-road options which means less confident riders like myself can give ‘active travel’ a go in a safe environment.”

So far, more than 3,000 Biketober participants statewide have:

• Cycled for fun or transport for a combined distance of 524,732 kilometres

• Completed over 25,000 trips and

• Saved a huge 53,270 kilograms of carbon dioxide in the process.

Christine Newman, deputy director of Centre for Population Health, endorsed the health benefits of cycling.

“Many occupations involve a lot of inactive time, such as sitting or being desk-bound, so the more opportunities we have to be physically active the better,” said Christine.

“Cycling is a low-impact, fun exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

“As well as increasing fitness, muscle strength and flexibility, a regular ride to work can be helpful for decreasing stress levels, improved posture and for preventing and managing some diseases.”

It’s not too late to join the Biketober Business Challenge in Parramatta.

Why not rally your workmates to sign up a team today here: https://www.lovetoride.net/parramatta

The link also offers some great tips and resources for new riders, as well as seasoned cyclists, to help make you a smarter, stronger and more confident cyclist.

The statewide Biketober Business Challenge is a NSW Government Get Healthy at Work initiative, which aims to help create healthy workplaces and improve the health of working adults in NSW.