On yer bike for Biketober

TWO wheels – or maybe even three – look like being a popular way to get about in Ballarat next month as Biketober rolls back with a friendly challenge to get on your bike.

During the month of October, residents of all ages are being encouraged to get on their bicycles to join the free and friendly challenge with prizes up for grabs.

Biketober is open to everyone, whether they’re a daily commuter or haven’t been on a bike in years.

From short trips to the shops to weekend adventures, every ride logged earns points and entries into the Biketober prize draws.

Among local cyclists getting ready to roll is keen recumbent tricycle and standard road bicycle rider Patrick Hockey, who said he’s looking forward to getting out on some of the local trails.

“I’ve got got a few favourites that are always great to get out on, like the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail,” Mr Hockey said.

The longtime bike rider has notched up many thousands of kilometres cycling on either his road bicycle or custom-made touring recumbent tricycle, commuting to work and taking off on camping tours to explore the state’s rail trails over many years.

“It’s just a great way to squeeze a bit of exercise and sunshine into a busy working day, especially during winter,” Mr Hockey said.

“You really get to notice the world around you in a way that you just don’t when you’re rushing around in a car.

“The other aspect that I find motivational is just saving petrol, saving money and doing your own little bit to help reduce carbon emissions.

“The loop around Lake Wendouree is always a lot of fun and pretty social. It tends to involve a fair bit of stopping for a coffee I’ve found.”

Between 2023 and 2024, 229 people and 27 workplaces in Ballarat joined the Biketober challenge, including 67 new riders.

Ballarat totalled 228,284 kilometres over 10,034 rides, which reduced carbon emissions in the city by 3,249 kilograms.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said Biketober is a fantastic way to promote health, sustainability and community spirit.

“Biketober is about celebrating the simple joy of riding a bike,” she said.

“It’s a chance for our community to come together, get active, and enjoy the beautiful cycling routes Ballarat has to offer.”

Registration is easy and free at lovetoride.net/ballarat and riders can participate solo or as part of a workplace, school or community group.

There are also leaderboards for a bit of friendly competition, both locally and nationally.

“We’re proud to support Biketober as part of our Transport Plans,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“Ballarat is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, and this initiative helps us build a culture where cycling is seen as a safe, enjoyable and legitimate way to get around.”

New or improved bike infrastructure across the city includes separated trails and paths along Canadian Creek, Sturt Street, Learmonth Road and Sutton Street with cyclists also encouraged to check out Ballarat’s best cycling trails guide online.

Biketober is an initiative run by Love to Ride and supported by local councils across Victoria.