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LOCAL cycling identity Eddie Barkla has embraced council’s call for Bendigonians to commute at least once a week to work on foot, by bicycle or on public transport.
The veteran rider said Bendigo had all the ingredients to be the “bike capital of Australia” – long straight roads, bike paths and a vibrant cycling community.
“Riding in Bendigo is extremely safe,” he said.
But employers need to pitch in if their workers are going to leave their car in the garage..
“People do have to have somewhere to park their bike, somewhere to put gear, they might need have a shower….depending on how far you have to commute and what your working conditions are, you’ve got to have the necessary requirements,” he said.
For those who make the effort, though, the benefits are many.
“I'm extremely fortunate that I do have all those things and I can attest to how good it is to get up, ride to work, have a shower and put on some clean clothes,” Mr Barkla said.
“Weight loss, decrees diabetes risk, increased heart and lung capacity and mental health – we call it ‘Doctor Bike.
“Get on ‘Doctor Bike’ for ten minutes and you clear your mind… there's a feeling of freedom that, once you’re bitten with, you don’t want to give up.
“For me it is a time of personal space, prayer, dedication… I thank God for my ride every day.”
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW POLL
A technical officer with Powercor Australia for more than 20 years, Mr Barkla has ridden for nearly two decades to work – and then some. Rain, hail or shine, Mr Barkla takes the long way from his flat in Quarry Hill to his work in Epsom, a 25 kilometre loop every day.
“I’m a bit of a nut,” he admits.
But Mr Barkla said nuts like him could play a significant role in helping people make the transition to bikes.
“You’ve got to think about your route, stay away from schools around pick up times, when parents are looking to cut into a park, kids are screaming…. so if you’re asking people to make that switch they might need support, education and conditioning,” he said.
“I think we should be creating community advocates to help in that process.”
Mr Barkla is involved with the Bendigo Bicycle Network and encouraged new riders to contact him on e.barkla@powercor.com.au.
On Wednesday night, the City of Greater Bendigo will vote on adopting the Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS), which aims to reduce congestion on roads by encouraging alternative forms of transport.
