Cycling in the City
The City recently completed the second round of its Cycling in the City program which encourages people to ride to work.
The program is based on a successful pilot developed by Dr Gabrielle Kuiper and Dr Chloe Mason in 2004 with grant funding received from the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation. Download the PDF Cycling in the City Pilot Summary
The program works by offering incentives and training for people who don’t already ride to work. In return, these cyclists agree to ride to work at least once a week for 3 months and record the number of kilometres travelled plus any relevant experiences.
The companies which have taken part include: AMP, ANZ, Australian Taxation Office, City of Sydney, Department of Environment and Conservation, Insurance Australia Group, Lend Lease, Macquarie Bank, NSW Roads and Traffic Authority, Telstra and Westpac.
To date 125 riders have completed the program, riding a total combined distance of more than 39,000km over 12 weeks. More than 90% of participants have also indicated they will continue to ride to work on a regular basis.
Aside from reducing congestion and pollution in the city, participants also reported a range of health benefits including weight loss, improved blood pressure and increased well-being.
The program has received two awards, one through the Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards and the other from Environs Australia.
The City of Sydney would like to acknowledge all course participants and organisations involved for making the program a success. Also:
- The Department of Environment and Conservation;
- Cheeky Monkey Cycle Company;
- Clarence Street Cyclery;
- City Bike Depot;
- Woolys Wheels;
- Bicycle NSW;
- BikeSydney;
- Tanya Bosch (cycle coach);
- the Health Promotion Unit of South Western Sydney Area Health Service (Eastern Region);
- Dr Gabrielle Kuiper;
- Dr Chloe Mason;
- French Curve (graphic design) and GEMS Pty Ltd.
Feedback
“Cycling in the City has meant I cycled up Bellevue Road for the first time in 14 years. Previously I would have never attempted cycling up such a steep gradient. I used to struggle when I was younger to ride up the hill and had to stop half-way for breath. My lack of fitness made me feel that my days of cycling were over… after sometime on the bike getting fit again I decided to relive my childhood experience and ride up the hill. Much to my surprise the ride was a breeze. I was stronger and fitter than I had ever been before and once at the top I felt like a million dollars.”
“Cycling in the City has certainly helped improve my health. Previously I did not exercise. My bicycle, which I bought a few years ago, was still in pristine condition. Now I cycle to work everyday... the program was instrumental in building up my confidence to ride in traffic. It is commonly perceived as very dangerous to cycle in traffic but with the training and support, I have overcome this impression…”
“I have lost 8 kilos in the first 4 weeks with no other change in lifestyle… the weight loss now has trickled into the rest of my life… I am eating healthier food and I have far more energy, at work, study and with my kids… my intention now is to continue riding to and from work every day indefinitely. It has changed my life, and it's so simple.”
“The project has provided an excellent opportunity to develop and consolidate bicycling networks (within our organisation) and to link our people in with other cycling organisations such as Bicycle NSW. Many people have been able to support each other to 'have a go'. Tips, ideas and issues around sustainable transport and other environment issues are flowing through the network and beyond… one other spin-off: our bike cage is now too small for all the people who are riding everyday!”
“An excellent project. Thanks for the experience. The project has helped me feel confident that I am cycling to work correctly (i.e. following the correct road rules, using the correct cycling style, taking the correct route). I feel better at work. I feel healthier at home. I am helping the natural environment as well as helping free the city of cars. I am contributing to my local community.”
“Door to door travelling by bike is actually quicker than bus. Bus usually takes anywhere between 30 and 40 minutes. Bike takes 25 minutes. Pretty happy with that. Feel quite energised when I arrive at my seat for work”
“First real ride to work last Saturday… after the course on Friday. Using what I learnt… I found a good back road that got me from my house to the Sydney Harbour Bridge without riding on the Pacific Highway. I also practised changing my inner tube using the tricks shown in the lesson… and found it really easy. Now I am much more confident to ride further away from home and know that I can change my a flat and still get home.”
“The cycle to work project has been fantastic. It has increased my knowledge and skill base and increased my confidence considerably.”
“Was a very worthwhile exercise. For me personally it set off a chain reaction to regain my fitness. Along with the cycling I got back into touch footy and joined a dragon boat racing team. All in all the past 3-4 months I have lost about 10kgs and I'm feeling great. The riding experience was great. I am now confident to ride anywhere in any conditions. I also know how to maintain my bike properly to keep it in optimum operating condition… Would recommend this program to anyone.”
“It's been a great opportunity, well worth doing. I consistently recommend it to people both in and outside the COS (City of Sydney) as an achievable way of getting to work and enjoying yourself. My daily journey is something I once thought I couldn't do once, but have now been doing daily for the last three months. There is a great sense of achievement and opportunity, it's been an incredibly positive and empowering experience.”
“Cycling is now my preferred choice for work travel as it is at least ten minutes faster than my previous journey time (walk + train). It also works better for dropping off and collecting my daughter from child care (I have a baby seat). Parking at work is secure and reasonably convenient. The project was very well conceived and conducted and succeeded in changing my commuting habits.”
“Because I've been diabetic for over 40 years, it's always been in my interest to engage in activities that promote healthier living. Although, activities like sailing and occasional surfing keep me somewhat fit, these activities don't actually make that much of a difference on my overall health. The "Cycling in the City" program has inspired me to ride my bike to work from Ashfield to Sydney several times a week, which is roughly 20 kilometres round trip.
“In doing so, I've lost roughly 8 kilograms of body fat and I've noticed an increased improvement in my overall health - and this is only after 7 weeks. My blood glucose readings have improved and improved blood glucose readings ultimately determines my longevity and quality of life.
“The program has convinced me that riding to work when ever possible not only improves my health, but saves on the travel budget and gets me to work on time. Regardless of any pre-existing conditions one might have, I hope that everyone becomes inspired to ride for health.”
Highlights
“Going across the bridge and through town with Valentines Day flowers strapped to my backpack.”
“Being charged up the minute I sit down at my desk in the morning. Saving ten minutes each way on my work journey.”
“Smells, sights and sounds. Interacting with courteous motorists, increasing levels of fitness and comfort in own body and stress reduction.”
Downloads
- Cycling in the City Pilot Summary | PDF 360Kb
