
Click a thumbnail to take a tour through The King George Square Cycle Centre.
View our latest centre video (3 mins) at http://youtube.com/watch?v=yG_ck1XeNjM
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Sean Harrison the cycle2city facility opened just as I started my new job. As a result I have excellent end of trip facilities that are secure, clean and staffed by friendly people who believe in what they are doing. Cycling is a big part of my life. A 40km round trip allows me to get in valuable training with a purpose. I arrive at work feeling vital and also arrive at home feeling like i have left my day behind me. I ride no matter the weather, as there is no such thing as poor weather, just poor clothing choices. |
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Naomi Meade Naomi Meade Riding to work has always been a tricky thing for me. Although embarrassing to admit, I require quite an armoury of implements and particular conditions to prepare for work - a shower, air conditioning (to cool down from the ride!), a mirror, good lighting, makeup, a hairdryer, a hair-straightener, an iron, a choice of clothes, and someplace to store it all so I don't have to cart it back and forth. Thankfully, the ideas people behind C2C were prepared for members with needs like me! Riding to work costs less than my daily 2 zone bus fare, and takes about the same amount of time. Plus I get the added benefit of regular exercise – which means a lot with a desk job like mine. The most challenging aspect of riding into the city is, well, I have a few: negotiating peak hour traffic and making it up the big hills. However the exercise benefits and the times when I’ve caught the sunset from the riverside bikeway on my way home more than makes it all worthwhile. I have even set myself new challenges! I’m going to try my hand at something a little more competitive and put my newfound energy and cycling enthusiasm to use in triathlons. So if you see someone hobbling around the bike racks, it’s likely to be me. |
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Sarah George I’m an acupuncturist based in a busy natural health clinic in the city. Through my work, I see a lot of people suffering from preventable conditions, often worsened by stress or inactivity. I’m also a big believer in practicing what I preach, so in February 2009 I joined cycle2city myself. Cycling for me is an environmentally friendly way to get from A to B. I don’t have a fancy bike or cycling specific clothing (except for a pair of gloves to keep my hands warm in the chilly winter weather) but that does not stop me from enjoying my daily trips to and from work which take me past the picturesque Kangaroo Point cliffs and over the Goodwill Bridge. It’s a great way to start the day, work up a sweat, get the heart rate up, remind myself how lucky I am to live in Brisbane and sharpen my mind for a busy day in the clinic. For those who have trouble letting go of their work day, by the time you have pedalled home, any office worries are long gone – cycling is a stress-buster! I enter cycle2city usually just before 7am and am always greeted with a big smile and a good morning from the friendly staff and other cyclists. I park my bike in the secure racks and pick up a fluffy white towel on the way to the lockers. I’m often one of the first in the ladies locker room so get to choose from the many immaculate showers – no queuing here. It’s at this time when you have a moment to fully appreciate the musical soundtrack piped into the amenities, it could be anything from ACDC to The Proclaimers - I can’t help but be in a good mood. The irons and hairdryers top off the conveniences to make sure that no one would ever know we cycled to work, well if it wasn’t for that extra glow we get from our morning ride. All this for less than the price of a daily bus fare – I’m sold! Cycling to work is a time-effective way to give your health a boost, move a sedentary body and de-stress. |
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Lakshmi Kerr Lakshmi Kerr In March 2009 I joined the growing number of people adopting cycling for transportation. I bought a commuter bike and started cycling to work. I was a little dubious about the bike I chose at first because of its lack of creature comforts—no padded seat or suspension; however, after a month of riding I have not looked back. What my bike lacks in comfort it far makes up for with its low weight and speed. (I have also bought some padded bike pants!) I primarily want to cycle for environmental reasons. Cycling is a very clean way to get around. I also like getting exercise while getting to and from work. I now cycle to work 7 km each way 4 or 5 days a week, which is just enough to get my heart up and racing. I live in Bulimba, so I have a really pleasant route to ride. I take the Teneriffe Ferry and then cycle along the river until Adelaide Street. This probably isn’t the fastest route but it is a nice way to start and end the day. I think I have chosen the most magical time of year to start riding. The weather is beautiful and Brisbane looks great at all times of day. I don’t think I would appreciate this as much driving a car to work. The Cycle2City centre helped me overcome some of the barriers that could have prevented me from cycling. They provide a clean and secure place to get ready and store my bike and gear. I have all the mod cons I need to make myself presentable in the office including a hair dryer and an iron. I also have access to a cycling community who are helping me to learn the ropes. To become a commuter I have also had to overcome my fear of cycling on busy roads. Brisbane is still very much a car-dominated city, and although this is changing, cyclists don’t yet have a big presence on the roads. Unfortunately this means that drivers don’t look out for cyclists as much as they should and some become nervous when cyclists are on the road. I think the key to being safe on the road is to always have your wits about you and to exaggerate your indications. As one friend said to me “cyclists sometimes have too much faith in me as a driver”. I haven’t had any bad experiences yet and I hope that continues. Riding a bike has far exceeded my expectations. It is becoming my vehicle of choice to get out and about in Brisbane both on weekdays and the weekend. I absolutely love it. |
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Doug Skelton Doug Skelton “Rain or shine, hot or cold, windy or still, light or dark – 4830 kilometres a year – the decision was made prior to joining cycle2city. This is what I wanted to do for my health and my enjoyment – I made a decision. In 1999 I was a Carpenter– life was good. Then …minor operation..... turns out I may never walk again.....in hospital 18 months. Sorry they told me, but be glad you're still alive – the decision was made for me. I was told I would never ride a motorbike or push bike again. 3 brain cells left - what to do? Lawyer of course! The decision is made. I bought a bike, a Scott, made in 2007, a flat bar racer, 24 gears (I use everyone!), specifically set up for acquired brain injury. The motor was created 1953, a very good year for pushbike motors. Motor needed an overhaul, valves re-seated, cylinders decoked, air filter cleaned, fuel injectors cleared. I needed to convert my fat into fuel, my flab into forward motion – it was my decision. At 4.50am every week day I'm out the door–I know every hill up and down. No one around, only myself to compete against. Don’t stop – resist the temptation to free wheel. No one else knows but me. At last the river. Always changing. Finally down to the Centre. Always a warm welcome, always glad to see you. “How was the ride”, “Good to see you” – what a way to start the day. “Can you get Amos to check the gears?”...... “No worries”. Fresh towel, hot shower, clean laundered pressed clothes. “Enjoy your day”. I’m at my desk by 5.55am. People often ask me am I tempted to sleep in, have a day off, I answer ‘ the decision is not made when the alarm goes off, it is made a long time ago. He who conquers himself is greater than he who conquers the world. Rain or shine, hot or cold, windy or still, light or dark – 4830 kilometres a year – the decision has been made. |