Wednesday 18 October is National Ride to Work Day

Happy Ride to Work Day

Cycling is one of the most efficient modes of human transportation and can improve your physical and mental health, as well as reduce cost of living pressures and impact on our environment.

“People who cycle to work tend to be less stressed, more relaxed and experience greater freedom than people who drive to work,” said Wayne Bradshaw, CEO Of WestCycle, the peak body for cycling in WA.

“It is easier than ever to ride to work, with a growing number of people commuting on e-bikes and even e-cargo bikes. E-bikes enable an easier, stress free ride to work and simply lock up your bike and start work. There is no need for a shower, change of clothes or make up.”  

Cycling helps reduce the risk of various illnesses such as diabetes, some forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and depression. Cycling is an efficient and affordable way to prevent obesity, being a low impact and injury-friendly exercise that boosts strength, stamina and aerobic fitness.  It also improves bone and muscle development to prevent osteoporosis. Cycling has also been shown to reduce the levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. 

Riding a bike supports human and environmental health by cutting emissions, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution. Switching from a car to a bike will save 150g of CO2 per kilometre.

Riding a bike 10km to and from work each day will save about $1700 in transport costs per year. The cost of buying and maintaining a bike is about 1% of the cost of buying and maintaining a car.

“When you ride to work, you’re not only more relaxed but also more energised and ready to tackle the day’s challenges,” Mr Bradshaw said.

Riding to work puts you in control of your commute, rather than being at the mercy of public transport or traffic jams and parking hassles. It allows you to connect with nature and move your body in a rhythmic and meditative way sets you up for the day.

“Gone is the chore of commuting, replaced with something energising, joyful and revitalising! So, grab your helmet, hop on your bike, and start pedalling your way to a happier, healthier, and less stressful life by riding to work this Wednesday – or any day!” Mr Bradshaw concluded.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Rachel Pemberton 0408 988 977 

more news items

Tim Roach

Elected Director | Off Road

Tim has been in senior leadership and strategic development roles for more than twenty years. He is currently Director of Executive Education in the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University and is a past Assistant Commissioner and General Manager in the public service. He is an Accountant (FCPA) and sits on the Divisional Council of CPA Australia.

Tim has been involved in racing mountain bikes, BMX and triathlon for many years, both as a father of two children who race and as a past and current bike racer. Tim is the current over-50 State Champion in downhill mountain biking. He is also a very regular and enthusiastic transport cyclist; frequently seen in a suit and tie riding to meetings in the city on a mountain bike.

Denise Sullivan

Chair | Governance & Risk Committee

Denise Sullivan has a career spanning over twenty years in senior management and executive roles in the state public and not-for-profit health sectors.

In her usual role of Director Chronic Disease Prevention with the Western Australian Department of Health, she leads the development of state chronic disease and injury prevention policy and planning frameworks and contributes to the shaping of the national preventive health policy agenda.

Her professional interests cover many aspects of chronic disease and injury prevention encompassing health communications, health promotion and research, public policy on health and workforce planning and development.

She has a particular interest in furthering collaborations with other sectors with a mutual interest in promoting a more active and healthier WA community, and creating and sustaining environments that support this. Denise is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Leadership WA Signature Program, and an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian College of Health Service Managers.

Denise is a recreational cyclist and recent convert to mountain biking (although trainer wheels still on!).