Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is encouraging women to explore the vast Region in an exciting, new way by embracing bike riding through the launch of the Women Bike Riding Campaign.
TRC Transport and Drainage Planning portfolio spokesperson Councillor Trevor Manteufel said Council's new Women Bike Riding campaign shines a spotlight on the many benefits women experience because of bike riding.
"Bike riding has many interpersonal and social benefits which are often overlooked. It has extraordinary benefits for people's mental health," Cr Manteufel said.
"I'm excited for this campaign to also showcase some of the amazing bike paths, cycleways and trails across our Region. We live in such a picturesque part of Queensland and this campaign is a great way for people to discover it."
The Women Bike Riding Campaign features two local women who share their experiences of riding within the Region and what they love most about being on two wheels.
One of the women featuring in the campaign Mrs Natalia Hautala loves bike riding for the opportunity to take her family and friends on thrilling adventures.
"I love cycling for its spontaneity. So, you can hop on your bike and you're out in the community and you see things happening… whereas you might be a little bit more goal directed if you're in your car," Mrs Hautala said.
Mrs Hautala has been using the Toowoomba City bike paths and cycleways for several years and enjoys many aspects of using her bike as her primary mode of transportation.
"…I find it empowering, because I feel like I'm helping out my family a little bit by keeping costs down, helping out my community a little bit by taking the car off the road."
The second woman to feature in TRC's Women Bike Riding Campaign, Mrs Elaine Brennan, is a member of a local bike riding group who enjoys making new connections whilst out on her bike.
"I think it's the friendships actually; it's that part of cycling that I enjoy the most. It's the coffee at the end of the ride…,' Mrs Brennan said.
As a retired teaching principal, Mrs Brennan also enjoyed bike riding as a healthy way to clear her head after coming home from a busy day.
"I always felt [like] there was never a ride long enough…"
Regardless of how woman choose to ride their bike, there are certainly many mental and physical health benefits.
"I urge women in the Region to take a chance and try one of our Region's many bike paths, cycleways and trails. You really have nothing to lose - embrace wherever your bike takes you," Cr Manteufel said.
To hear more from Mrs Brennan and Mrs Hautala about where their bike takes them, and how women can start their own bike riding journey, please visit: Women bike riding
To view detailed maps of popular routes for leisure rides, please visit: Recreational bike riding
The Women Bike Riding Campaign is proudly supported by the Queensland Government to help get more women experiencing the joy of bike riding.
Photo caption: Mrs Hautala riding along Toowoomba's West Creek cycleway.
