Cycle of rewards continues for bike riders

The positive benefits of National Ride to Work Day, held in October, are continuing a month later at the University of Wollongong.

The new Environmental Unit at the University surveyed those who rode their bike to work for the day, with all those who filled out the survey going into the draw to win a range of prizes.

First prize winner Laszlo Abel from the Faculty of Commerce won a new bike and is excited about using his prize to reduce his impact on the environment.

“The bike is fantastic,” he said.

“I’m using the bike to commute to the Uni three times a week and will try to expand on that during the summer months in order to keep reducing my environmental footprint”

Other prizes included one-day bike hire for two, won by UOW student Lauren Fitzgerald and several free passes to the University Recreation and Aquatic Centre, won by UOW staff members Irene Burgess, Bronwyn James and Bruce Robertson.

The results of the survey showed that 62% of respondents believed that available, secure and accessible bike parking was the most important factor when making the decision to ride to work. Twenty-seven percent of respondents rode to work every day.

Project Manager for Transport Tom Hunt said he was pleased with the outcome of Ride to Work Day.

“With everyone becoming aware of the seriousness of global warming, it’s good to know that more and more people are opting to jump on their bike or walk to the Uni,” he said.

“The support for this initiative has been fantastic and everyone involved should be commended for their efforts.”

Next year Ride to Work Day will be held on October 15 and the Environmental Unit hopes to raise the number of participants form this year.

Last reviewed: 27 November, 2008