Caption: MQ Cycling Ambassador Catherine Ennis exploring Tasmania on her mountain bike.

Have you been thinking about cycling to work but are unsure how to take the next step and make it happen? Well, the MQ Cycling Ambassador Network is here to help.

Macquarie’s cycling advocates have come together to set up the MQ Cycling Ambassadors Network to share their love of cycling and promote cycling to work.

The MQ Cycling Ambassador Network is a group of Macquarie staff whose mission is to educate and encourage students and staff to use their bicycles to commute for some, or all, of their journey to and from work, and around campus.

The network can provide advice on the best routes to take, give information on end-of-trip facilities, and can even cycle with you to help you gain confidence (where possible).

One of the MQ Cycling Ambassadors Francois Horion, who is a Project Manager from the Office of the Executive Director Student & Registrar, says there are many benefits to cycling to work.

“For me, cycling to work ticks all the boxes: great for health, immune system and fitness, cost-efficient, green and more social,” explains Francois.

“When you cycle you appreciate the city landscape and views better. I always pinch myself when I see a nice sunset over the city and harbour from Gladesville Bridge.

“When I cycle to work, I forget about COVID-19 and feel more relaxed. It contributes to better mental health and makes your immune system stronger.”

Caption: Francois enjoying a sunset view from Gladesville Bridge

HDR Industry Engagement and Placements Manager Catherine Ennis is also a MQ Cycling Ambassador, and is a long-term fan of cycling and commuting by bike.

“I have a 20-minute commute to work by bike which I appreciate even more now with social distancing restrictions on public transport,” says Catherine.

“There are some great cycle paths through Shrimptons Creek and Santa Rosa Park with lots of wildlife, and also nice and cool during summer with all the greenery.”

Get involved
To gauge the experience, concerns and feedback students and staff may have regarding cycling to work, the Network has created a cycling inventory survey. If you are interested in getting advice from the MQ Cycling Ambassadors or would like to know more, please complete the survey and they will be in touch.

You can also email them directly at cycling@mq.edu.au or join the conversation on their Yammer Community.

There are two exciting events coming up which you can get involved in:

• Biketober: This is a cycling business challenge during the month of October. Sign up and join the Macquarie cycling team. We were the first university last year and third overall.
• Ride2Work Day – 21 October: This event helps people who have never commuted by bike before to give it a go and allows regular riders to stay motivated and encourage their work mates to get involved. Register before 21 October and stand a chance to win a $1000 Webjet travel voucher.

Find out more
For information about Macquarie Park’s network of bike paths, low traffic streets, maps, and to plan your bike route to work, check out Connect Mac Park.

To learn more about the benefits of cycling, read Cycling to work: major new study suggests health benefits are staggering.