How cycling can help ease the cost of living
Cecily Michaels | Executive Director
Pedal Power took Canberra’s advocacy experience to Wollongong this month, joining researchers, community groups and cycling advocates at the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group’s conference, Pedalling Through the Cost-of-Living Crisis. With 94 people attending, the conference was a buzz with stimulating, informative and inspirational presentations.
IBUG President Ed Birt opened with the real costs of car dependence. He called it “Car-partheid”: a transport system that disadvantages people who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. Associate Professor Jennifer Kent explored why walking or cycling to school can feel impossible for families juggling parenting responsibilities and tight schedules, even when the distance is short.
Canberra by Bike’s Paris Lord showed how a bike bus can help children ride to school together, while making the trip social and enjoyable. George Takacs drew on health research to show that regular riding is associated with benefits extending beyond cardiovascular health, including lower risks of some cancers and improved mental health.
There were also stories about what cycling can make possible. Vision-impaired para athlete Lily Piccolo described rediscovering her freedom and sense of belonging on a tandem after she could no longer ride a solo bike. She has since competed alongside pilot Jay Gaffey at national championships and a UCI World Cup event. Luke Jansz took us from Europe through Spain and Morocco, across the Western Sahara with a surfboard, and 6,000 kilometres across Australia, sharing how bikepacking changed the way he experiences the world.
Advocacy was another strong theme. Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean described the organisation’s success in taking a more strategic, business-minded approach to making the case for cycling investment.
Pedal Power’s presentation was a shout-out to the extraordinary volunteer advocates who have helped shape Canberra over more than 50 years. It focused particularly on Tony Shields, whose persistence, relationships and carefully researched proposals helped build the case for the Civic Cycle Loop. His work shows what committed volunteers can achieve when they keep making the case for safer cycling.
These were just some of the speakers from government, local government, transport planning and community organisations who made the day so valuable. Making riding more affordable, accessible and safe takes courage and investment. It is essential to a sustainable future.
