Skip to content | Change text size
 

Cyclists get a healthy start to the day

12 October 2005

About 75 staff and students from Monash's Clayton campus took part in Bicycle Victoria's annual Ride to Work Day last week to raise awareness of the physical and environmental benefits of pedal power.

Mr Hayden Mathysen from the Department of Economics was one of many Monash staff members who rode to work and enjoyed a free breakfast.

Ride to Work Day is celebrated throughout Victoria and encourages people to leave their cars at home and cycle to work.

The Monash ride was organised by the Monash Student Association (MSA) and the Monash Community Bicycle User Group. It was made possible with support from the Monash University Alternative Transport Fund, the Monash Bookshop, Anaconda outdoor store, Wholefoods Restaurant and The Bikery.

MSA bicycle projects officer Mr Ian Adams, who has been cycling to Monash almost every day for the past seven years, said cyclists came from all corners of Melbourne.

"Some rode from as far as Hallam, Tecoma, Ringwood, Collingwood and North Melbourne," Mr Adams said.

"The event attracted several first-timers as well as those who regularly cycle to work.

"One of the best things about Ride to Work Day is being inspired by so many other cyclists who travel to work regularly by bike, some from 30 kilometres away."

Mr Adams said Monash's involvement in Ride to Work Day was part of the university's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and trying to ensure staff and students were living healthily.

"One of the easiest ways to do this is by changing your transport habits and riding to work or the station," he said.

"Bike riding often takes a similar amount of time as driving or taking public transport. I would encourage others to take up the challenge and ride to work at least once a week."

To celebrate Ride to Work Day, participants enjoyed a free breakfast of sausages and hash browns with fresh fruit, muesli, tea and espresso coffee outside the Monash International building.

Mr Ben Leung from the Education faculty and his amazing bike.