Cycling for Better Mental Health
9 December 2008

The Mental Health Foundation which provides services for people who experience mental illness has decided to use bikes for many trips by its employees between its five Canberra centres and for other trips around the city. It has recently set up a bike fleet with four bikes for staff use.

The Foundation, which has recently taken over management of the very popular Urban Polaris cycling event, run over the weekend, is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and improving employee health and fitness. Mary Gays, the Executive Officer of the Foundation said today: “Cycling is a great way to get around Canberra – it can often be faster than driving. The bike fleet should certainly save us money”.

Around ten Foundation staff will use the fleet bikes. Mary said: “They are very enthusiastic and will be having a bike orientation session this Wednesday at the Rainbow Centre in Watson”. Well-known cycling trainer Raynie McNee, of Cycle Education will be conducting this session.

The not-for-profit, Canberra-based, bike fleet consulting service bikes4work has helped to set up the bike fleet. “They have been very useful in advising us the type of bikes and other equipment to buy, where to get them and issues like servicing, booking systems and of course training”, Mary said. The bikes were purchased from Cycle City in Lyneham, which gave the Foundation a good price for their bulk buy.

Media contacts:

Mental Health Foundation – 6230 7629, 0410 036 671
Peter Strang, bikes4work – 0408 181 114

Photo opportunity

Foundation bike orientation session - 10.00 AM, Wednesday 10 December
The Rainbow, Canberra Technology Park, Phillip Avenue, Watson.

bikes4work is launched by the BFA
3 April 2008

The Bicycle Federation of Australia (BFA) today launched a new service to help organisations set up bike fleets in their workplaces - bikes4work.

BFA President Jeff Ibbotson said today: “the BFA sees this as an important initiative to promote cycling and to continue our work in this area.  Last year we produced a toolkit - How to set up a successful bike fleet for the federal Department of the Environment – it can be accessed at www.travelsmart.gov.au/toolkits/bikefleets

Workplace bike fleets are similar to car fleets – they are available for employees to use for work trips where riding a bike is more convenient than other transport modes. "It can be much quicker to hop on a bike for a short trip to a client’s office, another work location or around a large site," Mr Ibbotson said.

See media release from the BFA (PDF - 92Kb)

Australian Ethical Investment supports bikes4work
3 April 2008

Australian Ethical Investment has provided some funding to set up bikes4work through sponsorship and their community grant scheme. Anne O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer said today: "We are proud to support the BFA and bikes4work. It is an exciting initiative which will contribute to healthier workplaces and a healthier planet. Organisations with bike fleets are demonstrating strong leadership in environmental sustainability."