Hi Mark, and all Melbourne BUGers,

I didn’t actually attend Russell Greig’s “Cycle Instead – Encouraging Behaviour Change” presentation last year (couldn’t organise child care), but I have access to it here (if you’d like me to send it to you, let me know). They did a survey and found that respondents in the 30-34 age group were most likely to take up cycling, and the reasons included to get fit (41%), leisure (12%), get out (6%) and bought a bike (9%). From what I remember of people who attended the presentation telling me (this isn’t in what I’ve got at work), he said men and women are interested in cycling for different reasons. Hopefully I’m right in saying that women are attracted to it for reasons of fitness and weight loss, whereas men are interested as a way of spending more time with their families (if there is anyone on this list who can correct me, please do so!).

The main reasons I started riding a bike (at age 30) was to get fit, lose weight, and to save money (I was primarily a public transport commuter at the time). I’ve recently convinced a friend who’s aiming to be fully commuting by Christmas, and her reasons are much the same as mine (she’s hoping to also cut down on car parking and gym fees by riding to work).

I’m very pleased with myself as I had a letter printed in The Age recently. Feel free to use any of it in discussions you may have with would-be cyclists.

WHY I CYCLE

Yes, W. Dawson (3/7), I do spare a thought for those who were held up by the Critical Mass cyclists last week. They are obviously ignorant of the joys and benefits of sustainable transport.

I was a motorist once, before I discovered how easy, cheap and liberating it is to travel by bicycle.

Once overweight, I can now eat what I like while saving on gym fees, car parks and pollutive petrol and oil. I’m not restrained by timetables and I never have to walk far to find a park. Often, it’s faster for me to ride than catch public transport or drive. I can see and hear the birds, talk to friends; even make new ones, while riding my bike. I feel good, am healthier than ever, and enjoy a fabulous relationship with my two-year-old son who loves riding with me. How many motorists feel that good about their daily commute to work?

Printed Saturday 5 July 2003

See ya, and happy cycling!

Kathy Brunning  Executive Assistant

Cycling Promotion Fund

The Augustine Centre  2 Minona St HAWTHORN 3122

Ph: (03) 9818 5400    Fax: (03) 9818 4535

kathy@...

The CPF: a bicycle industry initiative: http://www.cyclingpromotion.com

In partnership with Bicycle Industries Australia Ltd. www.bikeoz.com