Community ride puts cycling in the spotlight

WHEN Liam Prescott moved from Melbourne to Geelong in 2019, he found himself searching for more than just a way to connect and get around the city.

Looking to rebuild the sense of community he’d left behind, the urban planner stumbled across local group Friday Night by Bike (FNBB) online.

Whilst it took him some time to work up the confidence to join the group for their monthly ride in 2021, five years on, he hasn’t looked back.

“I felt like I was missing some of the community involvement, and social connections I’d had in Melbourne,” he said.

“It actually took quite a few months for me to show up for the ride, but once i did I became a regular.”

Held on the second Friday of each month, FNBB brings together riders of all ages and abilities for a leisurely cruise through Geelong’s streets, laneways and shared trails.

The ride changes each time, ensuring the group get to explore areas and nooks of Geelong they may not have seen before.

Prescott emphasised the social aspect of the monthly rides, explaining that they have become much more than just cycling.

“Riding along with a large group of people is a fun thing to do,” he said. “It’s such a simple thing, but not something you can do everyday – you get to switch off a little and just enjoy the ride.”

The group has also helped Prescott build friendships and confidence riding on local roads, something he believes has improved alongside Geelong’s growing cycling culture.

This Friday’s ‘Gimme 5’ ride (July 10) will double as the local launch of Bicycle Network’s campaign calling on the Victorian Government to dedicate five per cent of transport funding to active transport infrastructure.

Prescott believes the investment would benefit everyone in a number of ways, including safety and convenience.

“We all walk, and a lot of people have a bike at home,” he said. “When Geelong provides a truly safe and convenient active transport path network where people can get where they need to go, the uptake will be massive.”

Now a regular, Prescott encouraged others to experience FNBB for themselves.

“If you’re thinking this sounds interesting, or something you’d like to do, you’ll fit right in,” he said.

“There are no fitness requirements or bike snobs – it’s a leisurely paced ride with plenty of stops.”

The free ride kicks off at Hop City in Geelong’s CBD, where the group will have a pre-ride chat and drink before embarking on an approximately 75 minute-long trip.