CYCLISTS in the West are urged to explore some of Melbourne’s most scenic locations by taking part in Bike Path Discovery Day on Sunday 4 March.
West Footscray’s Margriet Jellema and husband Michael Stelluto will be riding two of the event’s nominated paths, the Maribyrnong Creek Trail and Waterfront City (Docklands) trail.
Mrs Jellema said she and her husband didn’t ride as much as she would like and so expected to enjoy the day with her two young children.
Mrs Jellema is originally from Holland and moved to Australia about 10 years ago.
“I used to do much more riding in Holland,” Mrs Jellema said.
“Some say there are more bikes in Holland than people – the country is flat and there is not much distance to travel between your home or the shops.”
Mrs Jellema said that as a child she would ride 10 kilometres from home to school every day despite rain or snow.
But Mrs Jellema changed her riding habits in Australia.
“I used to ride from West Footscray to the Alfred Hospital, where I worked,” she said.
“It was only about 12 or 13 kilometres but I had quite a few near-misses – people would open car doors on me.
“I worked as an intensive-care nurse at the hospital and I would see people brought in who were hit by cars or who had injuries falling off bikes.”
Mrs Jellema stopped riding to work but resumed the exercise when she switched jobs and started work at the Western Hospital.
She said getting involved in initiatives like the Discovery Day was safe and allowed for some family fun.
Bike Path Discovery Day is organised by Bicycle Victoria, in partnership with Parks Victoria. The free event takes in more than 10 parks and trails throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Cyclists can choose to be challenged or take it easy patting some ponies at the Collingwood Children’s Farm, choosing to stop at a cafe or for a picnic to break up their journey.
Participants must register on the website to receive a Ride Passport and the chance to win prizes.
Registration is free and all details on ride distances, start times, activities, prizes and ride highlights can be found at bv.com.au (search: discovery).
Public inquiries: call Bicycle Victoria on 1800 616 600.
