Why Cairns is at the forefront of a post-Covid bicycle revolution

A combination of Covid, council bike paths, flat streets and warm weather has made Cairns the perfect place to enjoy riding a bike. Be it for fun, fitness, commuting or as a serious sporting pursuit.

MORE Cairns residents are enjoying the benefits of cycling be it to commute, keep fit, save money or simply have fun with family and friends.

While the pandemic saw many open the garage and pull out an old bike as an antidote to their favourite sporting activity on hold due to lockdown, for many, even as their netball, footy or gym came back, they elected to keep pedalling.

According to bike shop owners and riders alike, you don’t need to gear up in Lycra to enjoy the ride.

In fact, cycling now embraces an incredibly diverse range of people of all ages from mountain bikers to road racers, BMX, cyclocross and track cyclists, through to those who like a refreshing – and frugal – commute or want a gentle pedal along the Esplanade on their e-bike.

Cairns resident Garry Potter said he's a recent convert to e-bikes which he rides as well as his regular bike. Picture: Alison Paterson

E-bikes have soared in popularity as they have reduced in price and bulkiness and allow older riders or those with injuries to still have a great ride with a little assistance as needed.

Cairns resident Garry Potter, 65, has been cycling for over 50 years and is a recent convert to the electric bike.

“I bought it second hand it’s great,” he said.

“I have a couple of health issues and it’s a good to have along with my other regular bicycle.”

FIFO Nurse Amutha Kanthasamy said she loves riding her bike to work when she is in Cairns. Picture: Alison Paterson

Riding to work each morning along the Esplanade, FIFO nurse Amutha Kanthasamy, 45, said it’s the perfect way to commute.

“I love the physical and mental health benefits that riding in such a beautiful place as Cairns brings,” she said.

“It’s such an enjoyable way to get to work and to keep fit.”

Eric Fisher has been riding his retro cruiser to work in Cairns for about 13 years and said it's enjoyable in all weather. Picture: Alison Paterson

Astride his retro cruiser, Eric Fisher, 52, said he’s been cycling to work in town from his home in Manoora for 13 years.

“I love it no matter the weather,” he said.

“It’s sustainable, no problem parking and you get two 20 minutes rides a day.”

Cairns offers many cycle paths to allow riders to get around town. Picture: Alison Paterson

Cairns Cycling Club coach Richie Bates said the city is punching well above its weight with cyclists enjoying excellent cycling infrastructure, weather and quality bike shops.

Cairns Cycling Club coach and commissaire Richie Bates said the city offers marvellous opportunities for competitive as well as recreational cyclists.

“Bike riders in Cairns are fortunate, there’s a great collaboration between racing clubs, touring rides, charity events and a great sense of community between cyclists across all walks of life,” he said.

“For commuters, the inner suburbs are flat, the weather is pretty good and council and the state government invested heavily in cycleways which means people can enjoy doing those rides which are cheaper than driving, no rego, petrol or parking costs.”

QLD_CP_NEWS_CYCLINGCAIRNS_07DEC21

Former pro cyclist Marie Eribo has owned Cairns Bicycle Works in Earlville for 18 years after racing professionally in Europe and the US.

Ms Eribo said her family-orientated shop offers assistance from those looking for their first bike through to serious cyclists.

“During the initial pandemic lockdown, many people pulled out that rusty old bike, brought it to us and had it serviced, which we thought was fantastic,” she said.

“Now they’ve got fitter, decided they love cycling and want a bike that reflects their style, be it road, mountain, cyclocross, commute or family fun, as they have realised the value of a bicycle, its adaptability and the independence it brings to their lives.

“And for many, an e-bike provides the prefect ride.”

Cairns offers an ideal cycling environment with flat roads, many cycle paths and beautiful weather. Picture: Alison Paterson

At Trinity Cycle Works, owner since 1997, Oliver Wacek has seen cycling grow in Cairns since he took over the store thought to be one of Australia’s oldest.

Mr Wacek said the growth of e-bikes “has been phenomenal.”

Owner of Trinity Cycle Works, Oliver Wacek, said he’s delighted that so many people are enjoying the benefits of cycling. Picture: Anna Rogers

“E-bikes allow people who may have had knee surgery for example, still get out and ride with their friends, you still have to pedal but they allow a lot of independence,” he said.

“People are realising that they can leave their car at home, cycling is environmentally friendly, no parking fees, it costs a fraction of running a motor vehicle.

“Bikes are the oldest, most efficient and cleanest forms of transport.”

According to She Spoke Cairns Co-ordinator Karen Bland, the women-only cycling group has been going for seven years and includes an online community of around 1,000 members, although only a small fraction ride together weekly.

“I think we are inspired by women athletes who do well such as world champions like Anna Meares,” she said.

“The women’s UCI international teams are getting so much more coverage along with the prevalence of women-specific bikes and clothing.

“We are always happy to have women come along learn skills and build confidence on our rides.”

Women's cycling group She Spoke Cairns welcome new members to join any time. Picture: Alison Paterson

ON YOUR BIKE

Ride what makes you happy, is the advice from Cairns Bicycle Works owner Marie Eribo.

Ms Eribo said as more people in Cairns discovered the joys cycling offered there was lots of right ways, whether on one of the city’s many cycle paths, flat roads or on mountain bike trails.

“Ride what you like,” she said.

“Lycra is not required, wear what you like.”

The former pro cyclist says no matter the type of bike you ride, ensure it is fit for purpose.

“You must be comfortable whatever you choose to ride,” Ms Eribo said.

“You don’t have to have the flash bike, it’s really an individual choice and be brave enough to say this is what suits me and makes me happy.

“But have your bike serviced regularly to make sure it’s safe to ride.

“While e-bikes are the biggest thing in the industry right now, some of the cheaper e-bikes don’t function well in the tropics, so you are probably looking at spending at least $2000.”

Cycling tips

* Have your bike serviced

* Always wear a helmet

* Always follow road rules

Originally published as Why Cairns is at the forefront of a post-Covid bicycle revolution