PEDALLING good health is part of the inspiration behind several groups supporting this year’s Shellharbour Bike About event.
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The 13th annual event will be held as part of NSW Bike Week in September to encourage people to cycle for health and environmental benefits.
‘‘Our city has an extensive shared path system available to walkers and cyclists every day and night of the week,’’ Mayor Marianne Saliba said.
‘‘It is important that all users of this system understand the safety protocols that they need to observe to make sure everyone can enjoy these paths,’’ Cr Saliba said.
‘‘The Bike About day is a fun, family day that increases awareness of safe cycling issues and educates locals of the extensive path system,’’ she said.
In the past more than 500 people have participated in the event, which is run on the Lake Illawarra foreshore.
It is a joint initiative between the council, the Heart Foundation, Lake Illawarra PCYC, Illawarra BUG, Illawarra Road Safety Group and the Roads and Maritime Services.
There are three courses including the 8km short course, suitable for young families and people who haven’t ridden in some time, and the 10km long course. Cycling enthusiasts can complete both for a total ride of 18km.
The event will begin at 9am on Sunday September 14, with the ride starting and finishing at Reddall Parade, Lake South.
Parking is available next door.
Registration forms are available from the council’s administration centre, at libraries and on the council’s website, shellharbour.nsw.gov.au as well as on the day at the start point.
The day will end in festival style between 10am and 1pm at the Lake Illawarra PCYC with a barbecue, giveaways and raffles, stalls, live music and entertainment including a jumping castle.
All participants will be eligible to win a prize in the major draw, sponsored by Bike Hub.
Other sponsors include Shellharbour City Council, Heart Foundation, NSW Bike Week, Lake Illawarra PCYC, Oak Flats Rural Fire Service, Lake Illawarra Volunteering in Policing, Illawarra Bicycle User Group, Illawarra Road Safety Group, St John Ambulance and the RMS.