Cycling for all ages - an information guide
Whether you are just starting to cycle or are an experienced cyclist, it's great to know that there are many groups in Western Australia who are devoted to helping people enjoy cycling.
Cycling for Children
Learning to ride a bike is a rewarding experience for all children. It gives a great sense of achievement, helps develop balance and coordination and encourages social contact.
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What to Buy
The best bike for your child is one that is easy to handle and has a frame suitable for your child's body shape.
When buying a bike for a child, it is important to consider:
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Learning to ride
It is important to let your child learn at his or her own pace. Training wheels are an effective way to help your son or daughter gain confidence and stability. When your child starts riding without training wheels, support the bike at the back of the saddle and run behind as they learn to balance. Once your child is more confident, teach them to ride unsupported on a grass park or tennis court.
The next stage should be on a dual-use path with other light traffic and, later, on the road with a parent. In this latter stage, a parent can teach road rules and how to exercise necessary care. Remember that children under 12 have difficulty maintaining concentration, gauging distances and judging speed. Teach children to:
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Wear a helmet
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Wear bright clothes
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Ride safely and control their speed and braking
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Be particularly alert near driveways, gateways and intersections
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Ride a safe distance from other vehicles including bikes
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Keep left unless turning right
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Give hand signals clearly and in good time;
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Check the traffic behind them at all times
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Ride in single file on a dual-use path and no more than two abreast on a road
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Helmets
Child helmets are vital for children up to age five or six. After that, their head is almost adult size and they should be able to wear adult helmets.
Cycling for young people
Cycling has always been popular among young people. The benefits of cycling for young people, including cycling to school, include less traffic and congestion around schools; increased physical activity; independence and reduced travelling costs for the family. It is important to supervise younger children when cycling to school the first few times. An older brother or sister can be a good role model for your younger child.
Parents can request cycling lessons through a school's P&C. |
Family cycling
Many families enjoy cycling for recreation.
Perth's Bicycle Network traverses some beautiful areas, such as the Swan River, Kings Park, and through heritage areas in Fremantle, Subiaco and Guildford. |
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Cycling for seniors
Cycling is an excellent exercise for seniors. It offers aerobic fitness benefits which can help to reverse some of the effects of ageing and is an enjoyable way to get outdoors.
Cycling can help to reduce symptoms associated with arthritis, hypertension, asthma and depression. It can also help prevent heart disease when coupled with a diet low in fat, salt and sugar.
Any exercise is good for you, especially exercise that uses the major muscle groups. Remember to enjoy your exercise program and avoid exercises that are too exhausting or intense. Exercise regularly from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the intensity of the exercise. If you are over 45 and suffer from a heart condition, obesity or high blood pressure, or if you are a smoker, see your doctor before starting to exercise. |
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Useful contacts
Department of Planning - Bikewest
Bikewest is dedicated to encouraging people to cycle and promoting safety. Every year, Bikewest organises Cycle Instead Bikeweek – ten days of events and displays to increase public awareness of cycling and involve people in cycling activities. Bikewest also produces publications on cycling activities and a range of maps. Maps are available from metropolitan bike shops, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and local government authorities, and some maps and guides are available online.
You can contact the Bikewest by email or phone 9216 8000.
WA Police (Road Traffic Act)
The Police Service enforces the Road Traffic Act and Codes that relate to cycling. The Police also help educate cyclists and motorists about the rights and responsibilities of all road users.
For enquiries about road laws that relate to cycling, phone the Police Assistance Centre on 131 444, or general enquiries on 9222 1111.
Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA)
The BTA promotes cycling as a form of transport and recreational activity, and actively encourages cyclists to become involved in cycling issues such as lobbying for better cycling facilities. The Alliance produces a regular bi-monthly newsletter to keep WA cyclists informed of its activities and distributes the Australian Cyclist magazine to its members.
The BTA is affiliated with the Bicycle Federation of Australia.
For more information, call 9420 7210 or visit the BTA website.
Cyclists' Action Group
This group is affiliated with the Bicycle Federation of Australia and has been active since 1979, lobbying for improved conditions for cyclists. It provides information to cyclists to help them get action from local, State and Federal government agencies.
You can contact the Cyclists' Action Group by e-mailing CyclistsActionGp@hotmail.com or by phoning 9384 7409 (h).
Cycling WA
Cycling WA (formally Western Australian Cycling Federation) looks after competitive and sporting cycling in WA and is affiliated with Cycling Australia (formally Australian Cycling Federation). Cycling WA comprises metropolitan and country clubs and has a keen interest in developing juniors' and women's sports. It produces a calendar of races each year and organises coaching for new cyclists.
Further details are available on the Cycling WA website or by phoning 9287 1700 (w).
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West Coast Masters Cycling Council
This group organises races and competitions for male cyclists over 35 and females over 30.
Contact Mel Davies on 9295 3265 (h) for further details.
Cycling 4 Pleasure Inc.
This is a recreational cycling club that organises rides every second week. Rides are usually in the metropolitan area, are non-competitive and not overly difficult, and have a fun emphasis on enjoying the gastronomic delights of the rides’ regions. It also organises weekends away in the country and tours.
Contact Bill Noffsinger on 9384 9430 (h) or email noffy@it.net.au for further details.
Over 55'S Cycling Club
As the name implies, this club caters for riders aged over 55. It organises recreational rides during the week around the metropolitan area. The rides vary in time and distance to suit beginners through to experienced cyclists.
Contact Ron Hardy on 9457 3716 (h) for further information.
Cycle Touring Association of WA (Inc.)
Short and long-distance rides around Perth and the surrounding area are originated by this group.
For further details, visit the Cycle Touring Association of WA website, contact Noel Eddington on 9355 2745 (h), or email info@ctawa.asn.au.
WA Mountain Bike Association
This association organises competitive and recreational mountain bike rides for levels from beginner to professional.
Write to PO Box 93, Nedlands WA 6909 for further details or visit the WA Mountain Bike Association website.
Munda Biddi Trail Foundation
The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation aims to assist land management agencies to develop and promote Western Australia’s first long-distance off-road cycle trail. Members represent various interests including bicycle and other outdoor clubs, businesses and government, as well as cyclists of every level.
For information or trail maps, phone 0422 112 229 or email foundation@mundabiddi.org.au. You can also visit the visit the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation website.
The following brochures in this series are available at bicycle retailers.
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