AusCycling’s Ride Nation launches in Gippsland

A new bike riding participation program launched by AusCycling (the National Sporting Organisation representing all disciplines of cycling in Australia) will expand into Gippsland today, with the aim of getting more people on bikes and bringing cycling tourism to the region.

Ride Nation is the participation brand and strategy of AusCycling, with its mission to encourage more people to enjoy riding their bikes regardless of skill level, age, discipline, location or preference.

The Gippsland initiative will involve a range of opportunities for the region including upskilling coaches to conduct bike education lessons in schools, as well as providing a dedicated website for cycling clubs, events, coaches and bike shops to advertise any participation services or opportunities.

"Ride Nation is the flagship participation brand of AusCycling. With the launch of Ride Nation Gippsland, we look forward to working collaboratively with the community to support bike riding of all types throughout the region," AusCycling’s acting joint CEO Steve Drake said.

A unique ‘bike library’ program is also being piloted in the region. The library will provide school children who would otherwise not have access to a bike, the opportunity to participate in their school’s bike education lessons.

Partnering with Men’s Shed Trafalgar, the first of the donated bikes were handed over to the Trafalgar Primary School today.

Ride Nation Gippsland is supported by Latrobe Valley Authority, the Baw Baw Shire Council and Bendigo Community Bank in Trafalgar.

Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor, Danny Goss, was thrilled that the region formed a large part of the flagship AusCycling program.

“Baw Baw Shire is the first region in Australia to introduce this exciting program in partnership with AusCycling - the new national sporting organisation representing all cycling disciplines.”

“Our goal is for Baw Baw Shire to be a premier cycling destination, and together with our commitment to improving our cycling infrastructure, this program will help to achieve that. Ride Nation brings together all parts of the cycling community and will offer long term benefits to the Gippsland region.”

Christine Holland, the Chair of the Trafalgar and District Community Bank said the Ride Nation program aligned with the bank’s values.

"Community Bank Trafalgar and District are delighted to have the opportunity to support Ride Nation as a community project that meets our values in caring for community well-being through outdoor pursuits, providing an opportunity for our young people and assisting the hard-hit hospitality industry with increased visitation as use is made of local tracks, trails and roads. It is our aim to support community and business recover from a very challenging year. This commitment is made possible by our customers - we thank them."