How do you Solve a Problem like Maria? This is the catchy title, with a nod to The Sound of Music, of the 2015 SheSpoke event hosted by the City of Port Phillip as a part of The Women’s Ride.
Have you ever thought about choosing pedal power in favour of driving your car for a year?This and many more ideas to encourage women to enjoy the benefits of bike riding will be explored.
There are two components to the free event to run from 10am-2pm on Sunday 12 April at the Great Provider Café, 42A Marine Parade, St Kilda. The event kicks off with a champagne breakfast before a Q&A style session at 11am which will examine why more women aren’t riding and what can encourage participation. Speakers will include high profile bloggers and research analysts.
The SheSpoke Hub will feature an array of cargo bikes to test ride and feature four social rides riding into the Hub. And Back2Bikes volunteers, who fix donated bikes so they can be used by asylum seekers, will be offering advice, recruiting more female volunteers and running competitions. The volunteers will include Moya White, who is going car free for a year to improve fitness and reduce her carbon footprint.
Ms White travels to work in Port Melbourne by bike and train from her Craigieburn home.
“I feel fantastic and am saving lots of money. I’m also enjoying chatting to people on the train. It’s about having a balanced life and social connections,” she said. “You don’t have to make a big change to enjoy the benefits of bike riding – smaller steps can also have great results.”
Mayor Amanda Stevens, a keen bike rider who will be part of the Q&A session, encouraged women to sign up for the breakfast and take a look at the Hub.
“The 2011 ABS Census showed that 33 per cent of all Port Phillip residents who rode to work on Census day were women compared to 67 per cent of men,” Cr Stevens said.
“Regular bike rides can reduce stress and using pedal power, instead of cars, fosters a fun and fit lifestyle, This event is a great opportunity to meet other women, share stories, be inspired and join the conversation. Those thinking of taking up bike riding can chat with experienced riders and learn how to get started. It can be surprisingly easy to incorporate bike riding into a regular routine, whether getting to work or making a quick trip to the shops.”
Anyone organising on of the other rides or events listed at The Women’s Ride can stop off at SheSpoke 2015 or are welcome to start or end their planned activities there. To register, contact Jessica Cerejo on 9209 6274 or [email protected]