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Bike to work for a bite of breakfast - Rider Reviver in Freo during Bikeweek

HERE'S a chance for a free feed - just use some pedal power to get to work.

It’s all part of the Cycle Instead Rider Reviver, the annual free breakfast for cyclists heading to work in Fremantle, or just passing through, during Bikeweek.

Head to Fremantle’s Kings Square on your treadly between 7am and 8.30am on Wednesday, March 12, to grab the most important meal of the day.

City of Fremantle Physical Activity Project Officer Katharine Earl described cycling as an excellent way to get from A to B, allowing people to gain the recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day without harming the environment.

“For every kilometre of moderate cycling completed, a person weighing 70kg can expect to burn about 150 kilojoules,” she said.

“That means an 8km bike ride, taking about 20 minutes, will use the equivalent energy in a chicken and salad sandwich while a 15km ride will burn off a good-sized serving of spaghetti bolognese and a longer 30km ride will take care of three pizza slices.

“By cycling to work instead of driving, it’s possible to save up to $50 a week because costs for parking, fuel and vehicle maintenance will be less.

“Some people say finding the time to exercise is half the problem but time spent in the car, or on the bus or train, could be spent cycling to work instead.

“A 5km to 10km ride to work will only take an average of 15 to 30 minutes and, even if you think you live too far, you can ride to work one day and then ride home the next.”

The event is jointly organised by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, City of Fremantle and Bicycle Transportation Alliance, as part of Cycle Instead Bikeweek, now in its 23rd year.

DPI Cycling Manager Ken Suttie described the 2008 event as a wonderful opportunity for riders from all walks of life and age groups to enjoy the pleasure of riding a bike.

“Bikeweek caters for cyclists at every level, from those who only ride occasionally for recreation, to the people who choose a bike as a primary mode of transport or for competitive events,” he said.

“Every member of the family from the youngest to the oldest can enjoy riding a bike and gain something from the experience.

“It is a great activity to do as a group, allowing you to burn kilojoules and not release greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.”

The full schedule of Bikeweek 2008 events can be found at www.dpi.wa.gov.au/cycling/15368.asp or call 9216 8313.

• For more details on the Fremantle event, contact Katharine Earl on 9432 9982 or e-mail katharinee@fremantle.wa.gov.au.