THE Bellarine Community Health ‘On Your Bike’ program has recycled bicycles ready to ride for residents on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The aim of the program is to recycle, repair and re-home donated second-hand bicycles and ultimately get more people riding on the northern Bellarine.
“We’re trying to tackle all the reasons why someone may not ride,” healthy communities planner Claire Bower said.
“The program works to connect bikes with people living in 3223, with no costs attached.”
Customers will also receive a helmet to go with their bike thanks to the generous support from Ocean Grove bicycle company Hendry Cycles, which is providing a number of helmets to the program.
Bicycle repairer Mick Morris says until some of the recycled bikes are re-homed, they can’t accept any more bikes due to space restrictions.
“We’re asking people to spread the word about the program and encourage their friends and family to contact the program and pick up a bike,” Mick said.
A Bike Buddies booklet has also been put together which lists several local bike riding groups which support beginners. These booklets are given to customers once they have been set up with a bike.
The ‘On Your Bike’ program aims to get more people being active in their local area.
Riding is a great form of low impact exercise and perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels.
“Riding a bike is a smart way to get around because you can do all your errands such as shopping and visiting friends and get your daily 30 minutes of physical activity without even realising it,” Ms Bower said.
To give bike riding a go, contact Claire at Bellarine Community Health on 5258 6144 or email claire.bower@bch.org.au.
Once contact has been made, riders can visit the Bike Shed (located at the back of the Memorial Hall on Murradoc Road, St Leonards) on a Wednesday afternoon where a friendly volunteer will help choose a bike to suit.
