Get ready to ride, Ballarat because Biketober is back and bigger than ever!
This October, the city will come alive with the sound of spinning wheels as residents of all ages are invited to join the fun, free and friendly Biketober challenge.
Whether you're riding to work, cruising the trails, or just enjoying the spring sunshine, every ride counts, and there are great prizes to be won along the way.
Biketober is open to everyone. Whether you're a daily commuter or haven't been on a bike in years. Participants can ride anywhere, anytime, and any distance throughout October.
From short trips to the shops to weekend adventures, every ride logged earns points and entries into prize draws.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said Biketober is a fantastic way to promote health, sustainability and community spirit.
"Biketober is about celebrating the simple joy of riding a bike," she said.
"It's a chance for our community to come together, get active, and enjoy the beautiful cycling routes Ballarat has to offer."
Registration is quick and free at www.lovetoride.net/ballarat. Riders can participate solo or as part of a workplace, school or community group. There are also leaderboards for a bit of friendly competition, both locally and nationally.
"We're proud to support Biketober as part of our Transport Plans," Cr Hargreaves said.
"Ballarat is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, and this initiative helps us build a culture where cycling is seen as a safe, enjoyable and legitimate way to get around."
With new and improved bike infrastructure across the city, including separated trails and paths along Canadian Creek, Sturt Street, Learmonth Road and Sutton Street, there's never been a better time to ride.
So, dust off your bike, rally your friends, and join the movement this October. Whether it's your first ride or your hundredth, Biketober is your chance to be part of something bigger and we have your guide to Ballarat's best cycling trails ready to roll.
Biketober is an initiative run by Love to Ride and supported by local councils across Victoria. Between 2023 and 2024, 229 people and 27 workplaces from Ballarat joined the challenge, which included 67 new riders. Ballarat totalled 228,284 kilometres over 10,034 rides, which reduced carbon emissions in the city by 3,249 kilograms.
