By Briar Sinclair
GETTING around town on two wheels is set to be the trendiest thing to do around Hobsons Bay this month.
Ride to Work Day on Wednesday, 5 October starts the bicycle activities for the month.
As part of a limited trial, the hours of the Westgate Bicycle Punt service will be extended to include peak hours on weekdays and earlier crossings on weekends.
Starting on Ride to Work Day, the punt will run every 30 minutes from 6.30am to 9am on weekdays at the Scienceworks Jetty and from 4.30pm to 7pm from Fisherman’s Bend.
The punt, which takes 15 minutes to cross the river, will also operate from 7am to 10am on Saturdays and Sundays.
It will run on its current timetable after 10am.
On Sunday 9 October, thousands of spectators are expected to watch the launch of the 2005 Jayco Herald Sun Tour from Williamstown.
Twenty bicycle teams each consisting of eight professional riders will take part in a 9.6 kilometre time trial along Nelson Pl and The Strand. October is also the statewide Safe Cycle month, with Victoria Police keeping a watchful eye on cyclists.
“Those detected doing the right thing such as obeying the rules, wearing a helmet and having all the lights and bells on will be rewarded,” Sergeant Graeme Lee of the Williamstown traffic management unit said.
“They will have their names taken and put into a ballot where they could receive substantial bicycle equipment including a bike.
“Those who don’t obey the road rules are likely to be given either a caution or warning or a penalty notice for the appropriate offence.”
Hobsons Bay City Council staff will get a workout when they take part in the Ride to Work Day.
Last year 28 staff participated, with some using the punt.
Hobsons Bay mayor Renee Caruana said extending the punt’s operating hours would encourage more people to make use of it and enjoy the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail.
“The bicycle punt is a handy resource for residents in Hobsons Bay wanting to travel to other areas of Melbourne, and for people from other regions who can enjoy a quick ride over to our municipality,” Cr Caruana said.
“The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail provides both residents and visitors with a beautiful scenic backdrop to enjoy while they are out riding their bikes.”
For more information about the punt or Ride to Work Day 2005, visitthe Bicycle Victoria website at www.bv.com.au.
