People who ride
What do people love most about riding a bike? Why do they start riding more? We asked a few Cycling Brisbane members for their answers.
If you're new to riding or looking to get back on the bike, Cycling Brisbane is here to help. Visit our new to riding hub for more resources and information to help you get started.
If you'd like your story to be heard and featured, tell us here!
You can also follow the @cyclingbrisbane Instagram account, where all sorts of people show what they love about riding in Brisbane.
Joe's story
When I was younger, I used to ride around my neighbourhood exploring the paths outside my house but after a while I lost interest and never really rode anymore. After deciding to ride to school one day with a friend, I rediscovered my love of cycling and now ride to school twice a week.
What started as an active way to get to school has become a passion for me, with weekend rides and long-distance cycle trips exploring our local parks and recreation areas. My biggest ride so far has been up Mount Coot-Tha, and I can often be found travelling between Forestdale and Oxley. I love being able to cycle to places I haven’t been before, stopping into stores I find along the way for a coffee or drink before continuing onwards.
If you’re wondering if cycling is for you, just start small and give it a go! Ride around your neighbourhood and build your confidence from there. Riding is a great way to be social and active with friends and family while taking in the scenery and getting some good fresh air. Cycling is addictive; you’ll be finding reasons to get on your bike and discover all that our city has to offer.
Renee's story
I was always a busy active kid. As life progressed, I got married, had kids and started to put on a little weight. It almost seemed a right of passage that many adults go through. After moving back from Malaysia, and trying to escape a lifestyle that was dictated by highways, I was craving an alternative way to get around. I wanted to design a life that moved away from a car; after some research I decided that an electric cargo bike was the way to go.
I live in Cleveland and ride three days a week to Eight Mile Plains through Chandler. I also run all my errands via electric cargo bike. This means groceries, trips to run club, marital arts, my sons' football practice, gym... everything. I love the alone time when commuting. When I am riding with my kids I love how the slower pace allows us to have calm, positive conversations. I also love the badass feeling on a bike of speeding past in the bike lane while others are stuck in traffic!
It's important to find a bike that suits you. Do your research and don't be afraid to spend money on a quality bike if you are really keen to make it a part of your life. A heavy, clunky bike is not going to encourage you to ride more There are tons of interest-free and other payment options: utilise them and you will be e-laughing.
You can follow Renee's story on Instagram and YouTube.
David's story
My wife and I had always enjoyed riding, but when kids came along, we found it more and more difficult and over time we sold our bikes and simply stopped. We recently saw one of the 'E-Bike Taster group rides' advertised as part of the Brisbane City Council's Active and Healthy program. We booked in for the ride and loved it. In fact, we loved it so much we purchased two e-bikes that week.
The thing I love about riding is the freedom, the stress relief and of course the exercise. As I get older, it is important to remain active and riding is the perfect activity for me—especially when my commute is just under 25km each way, travelling from Westlake to Fortitude Valley. I also love the fact that door to door, my commute time has not changed at all. It is also ecologically sound, which is a big consideration in everything my wife and I do.
To anyone thinking about riding a bike, I say just do it! Start with shorter rides and build up to achieve your goals—it won't take as long as you think. And if you have big hills in your way consider a pedal-assist e-bike—they are amazing!
Johnny's story
I’ve always ridden a bike. I used to ride to school and I joined City Cycle from the beginning when it launched in Brisbane. I’ve kept my membership going all the time. Now, I mainly ride the bike to go to and from work. I use City Cycle as I have a station beside home and at work. It works well for me and saves money with petrol, parking or public transport.
The favourite part of my journey is riding home, coming along the boardwalk around Teneriffe and looking at the river and views. It’s a lot of fun, good exercise and saves money.
Jane's story
Initially I learnt to ride a bike around our backyard in Gladstone. When we moved back to Brisbane I was employed by a bank so rode my bike to work a few days a week to save money on parking.
I am part of a Saturday morning cycle group which has been meeting for over 15 years for riding and breakfast. We do a loop from the Goodwill Bridge over the Story Bridge, out to the river and then loop back through New Farm to West End for breakfast. It's a social ride and a chance to catch up on what everyone has been doing for the week.
A friend and I also run a cycle training/cycle touring business, Cycle Away. We love to encourage new riders to take up bike riding and possibly bicycle touring. We can provide help and advice to get you started.
My advice to a new rider would be to find a relative, friend or co-worker and ask them to help you—perhaps they have a bike you can borrow. Get them to show you the routes they use for recreational riding and commuting. Don't be afraid to ask for help and advice and make friends with your local bike shop.
Remember the thrill you felt when you first started riding as a young child, the sheer joy of being free to choose your own path—you can lose hours on your bike! It's fun and exercise all rolled into one.
Warren's story
I wanted to start doing triathlons. I was a runner who swam laps occasionally in a 25m pool but I took on a part time housemate who was an experienced triathlete. With his encouragement and support I bought my first bike and began doing bunch rides and eventually racing triathlons.
My bikes are now my primary source of transportation; I have not owned a car since 2012. I live at Morningside and I ride to the city, the gym, the dog park, the grocery store, everywhere! It is an efficient way of getting regular exercise and social interaction. My aim is to never own a car ever again.
I also work as a riding guide. When guiding, I take my clients on the bike paths around the river at Kangaroo Point, New Farm, Eagle St, City Botanical Gardens and South Bank. I love seeing the smiles on my client's faces at the end of their tour. It also gives me great joy riding past motorists that have been slowed or are stuck in traffic.
Jordana's story
I started riding because I was recovering from cancer and saw the Ride to Conquer Cancer which was raising money for the hospital in which I was treated.
My favourite thing about riding is the community. I started Chicks Who Ride Bikes, a community to connect women through bike riding. I love getting together with my friends and going for a bike ride, and I love knowing that I’m not stuck in traffic!
My advice for someone starting to ride is to just grab your helmet and give it a try! Even if it's going to a local bike path and taking 20 minutes to explore your local area.
Lorna's story
I started riding a bike for the family time. We love getting into the outdoors, and fitness is an added bonus. It feels great to get outside, and be able to stop and notice the wildlife and world around us. Riding through the heart of the trees, I can hear the birds, feel the wind on my face, and sometimes see the beautiful wildlife like koalas and snakes.
We are very lucky to have easily accessible bike paths through trees and green areas. Once we get going, we like to explore new paths too, stopping off at playgrounds and exercise equipment. This is one big advantage we find in riding over walking. You can’t explore as far and as quickly on foot.
My advice to someone who wants to start riding is simply to get out there! Sometimes it may feel like an effort to get up and get out, but within minutes your wellbeing and connections with those you’re riding with, will thank you for it.