By YASEMIN TALAT
THE Happiness Cycle rode into Brimbank last week with over 270 Brimbank teens receiving a brand new bike from attending the event.
The Happiness Cycle, an initiative by Coca-Cola, aims to help teens become more active by partnering with the Bicycle Network and donating bikes.
Last Thursday, 277 teens from schools across the municipality spent the day at the West Sunshine Community Centre where they assembled their new bikes – choosing either a BMX, hybrid or single-speed bike.
Australian BMX 2012 Olympic medallist Sam Willoughby is the official ambassador of the program, which is aimed at teens aged between 15 to 17.
Willoughby urged teens to give cycling a go and enjoy the freedom that came with having a bike.
“I was fortunate enough to have a bike as a teenager and it quickly became an important part of my lifestyle,” he said.
“My bike was my passport to freedom and it’s great to see Brimbank take part in this movement,” he said.
“I’m hugely behind this program as I’ve seen first-hand the benefits that cycling can have.”
Coca-Cola hoped the partnership between The Happiness Cycle and Bicycle Network would further strengthen its ongoing commitment to encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle.
Bicycle Network chief executive officer Craig Richards said the focus on teenagers in the program was a great way to help improve their physical health and well-being and embrace their independence.
Brimbank is one of 26 councils in the nation to be part of the program. For more information visit www.coca-colajourney.com.au.
