Canberra cyclists brave winter chill, children's bike bus promotes healthy habits

Canberra, often lauded as Australia's "cycling capital," typically sees a drop in cycling numbers during the winter months as residents opt for warmer transport. This year, however, the city has maintained a relatively steady number of cyclists, even as temperatures fall.

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If it's below -1C or -2C, I generally have no feeling in my hands.

Candice, a public servant, exemplifies the year-round cyclist. She commutes to work regardless of the weather, though she admits the cold presents challenges. "If it's below -1C or -2C, I generally have no feeling in my hands," she shared. To combat the chill, she layers up, describing herself as looking "a bit like a snowman" in her puffer jacket, gloves, and balaclava. For Candice, cycling is purely a practical means of transportation, a choice she made when her workplace introduced paid parking. She estimates cycling about 2,500 kilometers annually, saving money on parking and car maintenance.

While many Canberra commuters switch to cars in inclement weather, a growing initiative is encouraging younger residents to embrace cycling. The "Downer Bike Bus," formed earlier this year, sees a group of children cycling to Lyneham Primary School together every Wednesday. Inspired by another bike bus, local parent Haydn helped establish the Downer version, which follows a planned route, picking up children along the way, much like a traditional bus.

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I'm an all-year-round cyclist.

Haydn views the bike bus as a "really positive way to get to school," noting the children's enthusiasm for the journey. He believes it helps establish healthy habits and promotes sustainability, calling it a "flip-side benefit" to getting kids active and having fun. He encourages others not to be deterred, emphasizing that starting a bike bus is "pretty easy."

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You're not only saving money from parking, but there's also the wear and tear on your car.

Canberra boasts over 1,000 kilometers of dedicated bike paths, providing a solid infrastructure for cyclists. The Downer Bike Bus even enhances the experience with a large speaker attached to Haydn's bike, playing the children's favorite songs during their commute. This initiative highlights a community effort to make cycling accessible, enjoyable, and a sustainable choice for all ages.

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A 'positive way to get to school'.