Cycle Instead in Spring

The start of spring brings with it the opportunity to dust off the bikes, put on a smile, a helmet and get outdoors. You can experience the unique wildflower season while travelling around our city or state on a bike. The annual Cycle Instead in Spring campaign encourages Western Australians get active by riding to work, local shops and cafes, or an inspiring scenic route. Organised by the Department's Bikewest Branch, the spring campaign complements one of the most popular cycling events in Western Australia - the annual Cycle Instead Bikeweek, held in March. Ride on your own or join other cycling enthusiasts in many of the events that form part of the spring campaign. Cycle Instead in Spring 2009 will be held from 1 September to 30 November. The opening event is the annual Cycle Instead Bike to Work Challenge, which runs for six weeks from Monday 7 September to Sunday 18 October.

This workplace friendly competition is very popular, attracting more than 1783 registered participants from 97 organisations from all parts of our State.

Register for the challenge, experience the fun of riding a bike, the friendly rivalry between teams and organisations and, have a chance to win some great prizes and giveaways.  Download a workplace poster.

Glamour Push Live! This is a special promotion encouraging women to register for the challenge and ride in style. A European Kronan Bike, valued at $1,500 can be won.

A number of other community events will be held during the campaign, including the annual Trek the Trail event, the 2009 Commissioner's Family Mountain Bike Ride, the make tracks2school cycling and walking challenge for students in Years 5 - 7 and The Great Bike Ride.

Contact us for more information.

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Did you know?

	Vehicle emissions are the largest source of pollution in Perth - contributing about half of the total
	For every litre of petrol used, the average car emits 2.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide
	Twenty percent of our morning peak hour traffic is for driving children to school Those morning trips for school total 80 million kilometres each year!
	About half of all car trips are under five kilometres, one third are under three kilometres, and one tenth are under one kilometre. Yet, most people can cycle five kilometres within twenty minutes - and one kilometre in less than five minutes!
	A thirty minute ride at a moderate pace burns more than 900 kilojoules or 200 calories ... which equals two Tim Tams or four Weetbix

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Journey Planning Tips

Distance and Time:

• It takes about 4 to 5 minutes to travel each kilometre
• Traffic lights and intersections might add a little time to your journey
• Long stretches of uninterrupted path or road can shorten the journey a little

The Shortest Way is not always The Best Way

• Where possible, avoid riding on busy roads
  • unless they have a sealed shoulder (like a bike lane)
  • ride on an adjacent shared path
  • take extra care during peak hour traffic times
  • be seen, be safe  -  wear light-coloured clothing to be more visible, even during daylight hours
• A safer route might only add one kilometre to your journey
  • which will add only four or five minutes to your trip time
  • or might save time, if it avoids delays at major road intersections
  • and is likely to be less stressful and more enjoyable
• Use maps to identify different ways of getting to your destination
  • Perth Bicycle Network (PBN) maps and TravelSmart maps show suggested cycle routes
  • these maps are available in hard copy, or can be downloaded and printed
  • TravelSmart maps are free and available from most local government offices
  • PBN maps are sold through bicycle retailers, some newsagents and some local government libraries

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Cycle Instead in Spring Objectives

• Increase the participation rates of women in cycling for transport and recreation
• Increase the frequency of cycling trips for work, school and tertiary study
• Increase bicycle use for local, incidental trips
• Promote cycle tourism across the State, with an emphasis on family cycling at holiday destinations
• Promote off-road cycle touring such as the Lake Leschenaultia, Carinyah and Munda Biddi trails

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Cycle Instead in Spring Sponsorship

Limited funding is available to prospective organisations and clubs that wish to hold a cycling event during the spring campaign.

Please refer to our Cycling Instead sponsorship program.

Contact us for more information about the Cycle Instead in Spring 2009 events and activities.

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