A wheelie good time

More than 16,400 kilometres have been ridden in Ballarat as part of the month long Biketober initiative, with 472 kilograms of carbon emissions eliminated from the city.  

In Ballarat, 176 riders including 45 new riders travelled 1702 trips across the month from 22 individual workplaces as part of the national bike challenge.  

This brings the total kilometres travelled during 2023 in Ballarat on the ‘love to ride’ platform to an impressive 61,553 kilometres, across a total of 2,718 rides.

The City of Ballarat finished in seventh place across government and public services participants nationally and was the second placed city in Victoria in terms of workplaces registered.

The fun, free and friendly biking challenge reminded those not currently riding how great it is to get around via pedal power.  

It also enabled regular riders to connect with other riders within their workplace or city.  

City of Ballarat Councillor Belinda Coates said she rides because it’s an easy way to stay healthy and its kind to the environment.  

“I ride my bike most days to get from A to B, work commitments or the shops. I also enjoy getting out in nature and cycling the recreational track and trails,” she said.

“During Biketober I rode along Lake Wendouree to get to the Aquatic Centre for a swim, which was a great way to get there!

“I want to thank my co-riders for participating in the great riding challenge that was Biketober, I hope many people will continue to use their bike for active transport in the future.”  

City of Ballarat staff used the Biketober initiative to commute together and learn from each other about the best bike routes around the city. Staff from the City of Ballarat totalled 3,291 kilometres across the month.  

If you caught the bike riding bug during Biketober, or want to give it a go for the first time, some helpful tips can be found at the love to ride website. 

Details of great local rides around Ballarat are available from the Visit Ballarat website.