For 25 years, Bikeweek has been a major fixture on the Western Australian recreational calendar.  This year, Cycle Instead Bikeweek 2010 runs from Saturday March 21 to Sunday March 28.  During these 8 days, it will showcase the enjoyable aspects of cycling for every family member, and how it can play a significant role in reducing waistlines and helping with the household budget.

Supported by Bikewest, in the Department for Transport, this year’s programme will see more opportunities for residents in regional towns to become involved, with events in Northampton, Kalbarri, Dongara, Morawa and Mt Magnet, as well as Geraldton.

Isabel Ross, Health Promotion Officer for Primary Health, says that the support and involvement of so many community groups, cycling organisations and local government authorities will ensure this year’s events will be a true celebration of cycling that will encourage people from all over the Midwest, to ride more often.

As part of this celebration, Cycle Instead Midwest Bike Festival 2010 will kick off on the 21^st March, with a bike ride and bike workshops at Dongara Rec Centre, and a mini-Triathlon in Mt Magnet.  The following Saturday, March 27^th, prizes will be given in Kalbarri for the “Best Dressed Bike” as part of their bicycle parade, or people can head to Morawa’s Old Hospital for a community ride and health forum.  Finally, Northampton residents can also join in with professional BMX coaching for kids on Thursday 27^th, and a family ride and BBQ on the 28^th.

Last, but not least, the Cycle Instead Bikeweek will again support the annual Ride 2 School Day on March 24.  Seven schools from as far away as Karalundi, Sandstone and Leeman will conduct their own activities, with another nine schools in Geraldton taking advantage of the free Ride 2 School breakfast offered by the City of Geraldton-Greenough.  

Isabel Ross says the 2010 events will offer a wonderful opportunity for those outside of Geraldton to participate in some exciting events and reignite a love of cycling.  

“As children, almost all of us loved to beat around on a bike.  This is a great opportunity to release your inner child and reignite that love of cycling”.

“This bike festival caters for cyclists at every level.  Every member of the family, from children to seniors, and everyone in between, can enjoy riding a bike and gain something from the experience,” Miss Ross said.

“It could be the start of better time for your health, your wallet and the environment.”

A full timetable of Midwest Bikeweek events for 2010 is located around Geraldton, or for more information you can contact Isabel on 9956 2213 or email Isabel.Ross@health.wa.gov.au.  Bikeweek 2010 events around the state can also be viewed at the Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s cycling web address: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/bikeweek.

 10/03/2010

ENDS