Rides to music events feature Wollongong pop-up cycleways
A special family fun ride will also be held on Saturday, 28 January along Smith Street between Beaton Park and Lang Park.
Source: iBUG media release, 10 January 2023
Event goers are invited to get pedalling as a part of rides organised by the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group (iBUG), a volunteer organisation that advocates for safer streets, more separated cycleways and more people riding.
Beth Robrahn, iBUG's chairperson, said that the rides were being put on for people attending two festivals in January, Honk Street Music Festival, held last Saturday, January 14th in Wollongong CBD, and Illawarra Folk Festival on Saturday, 21 January at Bulli.
"The Saturday rides are for anyone planning to attend the events who want to discover the joy and ease of hopping on your bike to get yourself there", said Ms Robrahn.
iBUG members Rhonda Hunt and Paul Taylor are trained volunteer ride leaders through Bicycle NSW and will lead the rides. “We’re excited to encourage people to ride to these great events, it’ll add to the fun,” said ride leader Paul Taylor.
Ross Dearden, an Illawarra Folk Festival committee member says the festival encourages people to ride to the event. "I hope people will see how convenient it is to ride to get to special events. It helps ease pressure for car parks too.” The Illawarra Folk Festival is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and there will be an area to park bikes provided.
A special family fun ride will also be held on Saturday, 28 January along Smith Street between Beaton Park and Lang Park.
"The Smith Street cycleway is a really important link in the city’s emerging network and critical for people commuting to the University of Wollongong”, said Juliana Peloche, President of the UoW Cycling Club.
"We look forward to supporting improvements that will make Smith Street safer for everyone.”
The rides coincide with the last few weeks the Wollongong City Council’s final feedback survey for the pop-up cycleways is open.
“Our membership is steadily growing along with the number of people riding in Wollongong. The pop-up cycleways help make it a safer journey and are valuable improvements for all Wollongong residents and visitors. It’s great we can ride on them to get to these events, as well as for daily trips.”
People can visit the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group on Facebook (@bikeillawarra) or https://ibug.org.au/rides/ for further details.
