Students can win a new bike during Bike Week 2010

by | Mar 7, 2010 | Media Releases

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said Far Northern students in grades 5 to 7 could be in the running to win a new bike up for grabs in a special competition to celebrate Bike Week 2010 (13 to 21 March).

Mr Pitt said the Premier’s Bike Week Challenge 2010 aims to raise awareness of the benefits of sustainable transport and bike safety to primary school children, with 89 bikes to giveaway to the value of $300 each through an online competition.

“Riding a bike to school is great exercise for children and teaches them important road safety skills while helping to reduce congestion on our roads. Initiatives like ‘bike buses’ take a bit of setting up but the benefits can be great,” Mr Pitt said.

“We’re currently discussing growth issues right across the State so it’s important we continue to stress the importance of sustainable transport options, particularly with children.

“I encourage all grade 5 to 7 students to enter the Premier’s Bike Week Challenge by answering 10 questions about bicycle safety and Bike Week for a chance to win a new bike.”

Mr Pitt is kicking off Bike Week 2010 in the Far North with the inaugural ‘Ride for Isabel’ cycling event on 13 March 2010.

“The 85 kilometre ride is to honour the memory of my daughter Isabel and to raise awareness and funds for Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.

“It’ll also be an opportunity to get a first-hand look at the challenges faced by cyclists between Flying Fish Point and Woree.

“We’re hoping to make the Ride for Isabel an annual event and to date the support has been terrific from riders of varying ages and experience levels.

“Bike events like this go a long way to changing people’s attitudes towards cyclists and showcase that we have a highly organised and vibrant cycling community in the region.”

Mr Pitt said the Queensland Government promoted sustainable travel through its TravelSmart program.

“TravelSmart is working with communities, schools and workplaces across Queensland to reduce reliance on cars, encouraging people to use healthier, more environmentally friendly forms of travel, such as public transport, cycling, walking and carpooling.

“This year the TravelSmart Communities program will work directly with 324,000 households across South East Queensland, providing individualised information on what alternative sustainable travel options are available for them.”

Bike Week is an annual event coordinated by Bicycle Queensland and as principal sponsor the Queensland Government is investing $49,000 in various events and educational activities across the State.

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