Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is encouraging women to explore the region with the launch of its Women Bike Riding Campaign.
Council Transport and Drainage Planning portfolio spokesperson, Councillor Trevor Manteufel said the new campaign shines a spotlight on the many benefits women experience from bike riding.
“Bike riding has many interpersonal and social benefits which are often overlooked. It has extraordinary benefits for people’s mental health,” Cr Manteufel said.
“I’m excited for this campaign to also showcase some of the amazing bike paths, cycleways and trails across our Region. We live in such a picturesque part of Queensland and this campaign is a great way for people to discover it.”
The Women Bike Riding Campaign features two local women who share their experiences of riding within the Region and what they love most about being on two wheels.
One of the women featuring in the campaign, Natalia Hautala, loves bike riding for the opportunity to take her family and friends on thrilling adventures.
“I love cycling for its spontaneity. So, you can hop on your bike and you’re out in the community and you see things happening… whereas you might be a little bit more goal directed if you’re in your car,” Mrs Hautala said.
She has been using the Toowoomba City bike paths and cycleways for several years and enjoys many aspects of using her bike as her primary mode of transportation.
“…I find it empowering, because I feel like I’m helping out my family a little bit by keeping costs down, helping out my community a little bit by taking the car off the road.”
The second woman to feature in TRC’s Women Bike Riding Campaign, Elaine Brennan, is a member of a local bike riding group who enjoys making new connections whilst out on her bike.
“I think it’s the friendships actually; it’s that part of cycling that I enjoy the most. It’s the coffee at the end of the ride…,’ Mrs Brennan said.
As a retired teaching principal, Mrs Brennan says she also enjoyed bike riding as a healthy way to clear her head after coming home from a busy day.
“I urge women in the Region to take a chance and try one of our Region’s many bike paths, cycleways and trails. You really have nothing to lose – embrace wherever your bike takes you,” Cr Manteufel said.
The Women Bike Riding Campaign is being supported by the Queensland Government.
To hear more from Mrs Brennan and Mrs Hautala about where their bike takes them, and how women can start their own bike riding journey, visit: Women bike riding.
To view detailed maps of popular routes for leisure rides, visit: Recreational bike riding.