The car parks around Bond University will be a little emptier this Wednesday [15 October], with staff and students set to swap their mode of transportation to the two-wheeled variety as part of National Ride to Work Day.
Associate Professor Daniel O’Hare, from the Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development, is coordinating Bond’s involvement in what has been dubbed “Australia's largest active transport event", and he says it’s all about playing a part in creating a healthy and sustainable future.
“Not only is this a chance for commuters to do something positive for their own health and wellbeing, but it’s also a chance to do something positive for the environment,” he said.
“By choosing to ride to work instead of taking the car we can reduce our environmental footprint, with around 300 grams of greenhouse gas emissions saved, per kilometre, for every vehicle that is taken off our roads.”
Associate Professor O’Hare encouraged both regular bike commuters and first-time riders to get behind the event.
“If you've ever thought of riding to work or uni, this is the day to give it a go.
“Thousands of new riders around Australia joined in last year and five months later 29% of those new riders were still riding to work - so this may just be your chance to create a healthy habit for life,” he said.
Bond University will host a community breakfast from 7.30 - 9.00am this Wednesday [15 October] at the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development to celebrate the efforts of hungry bike riders. Gold Coast City Councillor Jan Grew will also attend the breakfast, which will be sponsored by Bond’s Bond Business School, Technology and Sustainable Development and Baker’s Delight.
Register yourself or your workplace for this year’s National Ride to Work Day. All registered participants go in to the draw to win some great prizes, including one of 16 Trek bicycles, valued at $1299 each.