Free bike workshops in Ballina and Lennox

BALLINA Shire Council will host two free bike safety workshops next month, helping riders build skills and stay safe on local roads and pathways.

The two-hour sessions will be held at the Richmond Room in Ballina on April 8 and at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on April 9.

Participants can have their bikes checked by experts, receive practical maintenance tips and learn how to ensure helmets are properly fitted.

Topics will include laws and etiquette for riding on roads, shared paths and rail trails, e-bike rules and tips for cycling safely with children.

Ballina Shire Council road safety officer Helen Carpenter said attendees can ask questions and stay up to date with the latest rules. “Whether you are an experienced rider and mechanic or new to the game, come along and have your bike checked over by experts, get some great tips and have your questions answered,” she said.

The workshops also cover broader safety issues, including fatigue, which can affect bicycle riders as well as drivers and motorcyclists.

The state government handbook for bicycle users highlights the need for riders to be aware of other road users.

People on bikes need to be alert to the movement of car wheels, changes in speed, brake lights and indicators that signal a change of direction.

Riders should make eye contact with other road users and avoid riding alongside a motor vehicle for longer than necessary.