Optus workers cycling with bicycle mechanic at Macquarie Park

YOU don’t hear many people say they love commuting to Macquarie Park, but James Leech is one of them.

Optus employee James Leech enjoys a drink while mechanic Karlo Bozic works on his bicycle. Picture: Virginia Young

YOU don’t hear many people say they love commuting to Macquarie Park, but James Leech is one of them.

He rides from Haberfield to his workplace at Optus and back each day – 15.5km each way – often breezing past the many motorists stuck in traffic.

While cycling to work is not realistic for everyone, Mr Leech’s employer has helped make cycling more practical.

Optus has organised for a bicycle mechanic to visit every month so employees can ensure wobbly wheels or loose chains are fixed before the next ride.

It is one of a number of measures Optus provides that keeps Mr Leech commuting on two wheels rather than four.

“I love riding my bike to work at Optus – it’s been made easy,” Mr Leech said.

“I have my own locker, secure bike lockup and services on site to keep the performance of my bike fine­tuned.

“We have a great cycling community. Sometimes we take the bike out at lunch.

“It’s a great way to refresh in the middle of a busy work day.”

The telco has about 300 regular cyclists, although some only cycle at lunch.

Bicycle mechanic Karlo Bozic said employee facilities like showers could help people choose to cycle to work, rather than drive.

“It is a bit of encouragement for people to bring their bikes to work,” Mr Bozic said.

“It just shows when there are facilities, people will ride to work.”

The general manager of transport association Connect Macquarie Park and North Ryde, Zara Whitwell, said other member businesses provided similar assistance for cyclists.

This helped reduce congestion and commuter stress, she said.