Andrew Turns, WestCycle’s regional coordinator, recently spent time in Geraldton meeting with the local cycling community, listening to their needs, and helping deliver a community Bike Fun Day. “It was great to hear directly from the local bike riding community, including the Geraldton Cycling Academy, Spokes Cycle Club, DLGSC (Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries), and local bike shops,” Andrew said. “There’s clear enthusiasm and some fantastic ideas around how we can improve bike riding participation, particularly by advocating for safer routes for kids riding to school and promoting broader community education on safe passing laws that protect all road users.”

Andrew continued: “The Bike Fun Day, delivered in conjunction with DLGSC, saw riders of all ages come along for skills development, bike maintenance workshops, and a fun group ride. The focus was on building confidence and demonstrating the joy of cycling.

“WestCycle is launching a new funded initiative in Geraldton called ‘Connecting Communities.’ This program aims to enable an active lifestyles through active travel by supporting local projects that make walking, scootering, or biking to the shops, school, and work commonplace. Imagine a community where active travel is the norm – the health benefits, both physical and mental, are immense! If you have an idea for a project that enables an active lifestyle in your community, please get in touch with me at info@westcycle.org.au.”

WestCycle will be back in Geraldton in July to host an Active Travel Forum with our Active Transport experts Dr Georgia Scott and Tim Burns. This forum will be a great opportunity to discuss local needs and best advocate for improved active transport options in the region while launching ‘Connecting Communities’. Oh, and look out Carnarvon – Andrew is heading your way next week to continue these important community conversations!