Today is World Bicycle Day (3 June), instituted by the United Nations to celebrate the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle.
Even after two centuries of use it remains "a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health".
Kiama Council is a proud promoter of cycling in our Municipality, none more so than Andy from our IT team.
Andy racks up around 178km a week making his two-wheeled way to work and back, between his Wollongong home and work.
"I fondly remember riding my bicycle to school each day, which was commonplace in the 70's and 80's."
"Later, what started as a health and fitness exercise soon morphed into competitive mountain biking, including The Mont and Scott 24-hour team races," Andy said.
"When the children came along it was more practical to road race and they could sit on the back of my bicycle in a child's seat whilst I did my exercise."
"I became involved with the Illawarra Cycling Club and then helping out with the juniors cycling at the Unanderra Velodrome."
Photos: Andy's two-wheeled enthusiasm has seen him mix with a diverse range of fellow cyclists and cycling fans, and enjoy some fantastic scenery along the way
"Cycling is great exercise and even better for the environment if you're fortunate to be able to commute to work."
The United Nations agrees, estimating that living car-free can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 2 tons of CO2 per year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway for achieving greater health equity.
For those who often cannot afford private vehicles, walking and cycling can provide a form of transport while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death.
Kiama Council, for its part, has a strong track record promoting the many benefits of cycling for our community with events such as the Seniors Week bike ride, Kiama Classic Family Fun Bike Ride and our SENTRAL Youth Service's bike repair workshops.
We also provide the infrastructure to use your bike, whether commuting, competing, exercising or sight-seeing, with more than 270 km of roads and 77 km of footpaths and cycleways, through some of the best scenery you could hope to pedal through.
Our Destination Kiama website has a great list of our cycleways, that cater to every level, novice to professional.
There are designated bike paths and lanes, shared paths, as well as on-road and off-road options:
Council is also working to complete the Jamberoo Valley Cycleway
