Cycle Funding a Boost for Women And Families

Women and families are going to be the biggest winners from the government cycling funding announced recently, says Billie Sue Taylor of Revolution Bikes in Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay.

“Working in a bike shop we’re on the frontline of cycling. We’re seeing so many women returning to cycling now that they have safe places like the Rotary pathways to ride. Getting away from the cars is a constant theme for so many women who just don’t feel safe cycling in traffic on the road. Now there’s $1.88 million for the Landscapes Trail cycleway and $3.6 million to turn Hastings into a model city for cycling and walking. It’s going to mean more women, and more families can have safe places to ride. It’s good for our health, good for our community, good for our culture”.

“Women in their 50’s and 60’s are coming in. It’s the first time in a bike shop for some. They don’t know where to look! Many haven’t ridden a bike since school days. Cycling has evolved so much since then, now there’s so much choice. We ask them where they want to ride and 90% of the time it’s the pathways. There’s a big call for what’s known as ‘comfort bikes’, with nice big seats, easy step-through (so you don’t have to swing your leg over the back), and a comfortable upright position. Some ladies want a basket on the front, others just laugh their heads off at the idea”.

Families are getting into pedalling together on the pathways too, especially now there’s a wide range of balance bikes that younger kids can ride before they learn to pedal. “They extend the distance you can cover as a family” says Billie Sue. “If you are limited by the range of the youngest rider’s legs, you want to make it easy on them. A balance bike means they can walk or run next to you. You’d be surprised how fast they can go. And for back-up, a toddler’s seat on Dad’s bike is always a good idea!”.

Find out more about pathway bikes at www.revolutionbikes.co.nz or at Revolution Bikes, 8 Donnelly Street, Havelock North.