The Connecting Communities Group (CCG) is moving forward in its aim to improve and promote active transport and active lifestyles within the Geraldton and Albany communities. This past month, we celebrated two great events focused on improving access to active travel.
Seniors Come-Try an e-Bike Day
We had an impressive turnout, with over 40 attendees across events in Geraldton and Albany who had the opportunity to try an e-Bike with the support of local experts.
Seniors came along to ask questions, explore the technology, and test ride a variety of options, from regular e-bikes to step-through designs and the ever-popular e-trikes that remove the need for balancing like on a normal bike.
Regional Coordinator, Andrew Turns, highlighted the broader impact on ABC Mid-West Radio, noting that e-bikes not only enable an active lifestyle, they help fight social isolation, offer low-impact exercise and mood elevation. “I’m always smiling after a bike ride,” Turns told the listeners.
A huge thank you to the local e-bike experts who supported these events: Phil at Impulse Cycles Albany and Paul at Revolution Cycles Geraldton.
Launching the Walk & Wheel 2 School Initiative
CCG is gearing up to launch our new Walk & Wheel 2 School Initiative in Geraldton and Albany. This program is all about getting more kids to ride, walk, and scoot to school instead of driving.
Better physical and mental health.
Support for safer communities by reducing traffic congestion.
Greater independence and development of life skills.
A clear mental break between school and home, much like an adult commuting to work.
This funding is intended to be used for things like healthy catering and prizes from local bike stores to encourage participation. If your local school isn’t in Geraldton or Albany, encourage them to see if they are part of the government Your Move program.
More Happenings
Other initiatives include the Beachlands placemaking project in Geraldton that will deliver new seating and path murals for the local community. Thanks to Isabel Ross at Beachlands Town Team for leading the project.
Lastly, all this could not be done without the support of Fred Block at the City of Greater Geraldton. His enthusiasm and direction have ensured that this program meets the needs of the local community.
Connecting Communities Albany is now working with Sandie Smith at Cycling without Age to support tri-shaw maintenance, and their services that connect people who can no longer ride themselves with their community and the great outdoors.
We are here to support your ideas! If you live in Albany or Geraldton and have a project idea that supports Active Travel, or if you are interested in joining a local CCG to facilitate the uptake of active travel, we encourage you to get in touch with Andrew Turns at info@westcycle.org.au.
