From New Horizons to Cycle More: 23 years of building confidence on bikes
When Marie opened a recent NewsWheel, she was delighted to discover that a program she began more than two decades ago was still helping Canberrans experience the joy of riding.
Marie introduced New Horizons in August 2003. Originally designed to encourage more women to participate in bike touring, the program combined practical education with supportive group rides.
“Times were different, but the concept was the same: education and encouragement,” Marie said.
Over the following 23 years, New Horizons evolved to meet the changing needs of Canberra’s cycling community. Today, that spirit continues through Cycle More, Pedal Power’s confidence-building course for adults and teenagers who can already ride but want support to travel further, explore new environments or feel more comfortable around traffic.
While downsizing after 52 years in the same home, Marie uncovered documentation from those early programs and rides. She also farewelled the Trek 520 touring bike she had bought for New Horizons.
“When I sold it, I noticed the odometer showed 81,000 kilometres,” she said. “I hope the other women in the program found the same enjoyment I did.”
Marie’s own cycling journey has continued. These days, she rides a Merida e-bike, her second, after her first was stolen despite being double-locked outside the Belconnen Arts Centre.
Although the experience understandably made her cautious about leaving her new bike unattended, Marie says the benefits of riding an e-bike have been enormous, particularly during her recovery from double knee replacement surgery.
She had initially set up her conventional bike on a wind trainer in preparation for rehabilitation, but quickly found it wasn’t right for her.
“So, with courage and trust in experience, I got the electric bike out… for better or worse,” Marie recalled. “It was for the better! It worked a treat, with no mishaps. Muscle memory is a great thing.”
Marie’s story captures exactly what Cycle More is about: providing the education, encouragement and practical experience people need to keep riding through life’s different stages.
Ready to Cycle More?
Pedal Power’s next Cycle More course runs over five Sunday sessions from 16 August to 13 September 2026 at St Michael’s Primary School in Kaleen.
Led by an AusCycling-accredited instructor, the course helps participants improve their bike handling, braking, balance, gear use, road awareness and confidence on shared paths and quiet suburban streets. It is suitable for people returning to cycling after a break, progressing from Cycle Well or preparing to ride more often for recreation, commuting or touring.
As Marie says: “Keep on keeping on.”
