Across NSW we know the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives, but we wanted to share some of the great work going on.
Creating Safe Spaces For Bike Riding
COVID-19 has been tough for everyone, but people across NSW have had the chance to ride their bikes more often. Councils and park managers have seen the increase in demand and responded with more infrastructure and car-free days, to increase space for riding and walking.
As well as riding more often, we have been contacted by members and riders sharing their efforts to make NSW better for everyone who rides a bike. Some hazards needed to be made safe when construction had to stop, and we appreciate your reports. This is also a great time to remind people in Council or the State Government of the needs in your area.
Helping Communities
Community and charitable groups have formed, or increased their outreach, to help those struggling with accessing essentials, learning online and mental health. Government has not always kept pace with local needs, especially in the LGA’s of concern and some regional communities. The Community Care Kitchen is a great example of people stepping up to help others, but the Red Cross, Care, Care2Share, Turbans 4 Australia and Rapid Relief Team are some other organisations who are offering support at the moment.
Bicycle NSW would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the community groups and volunteers who are offering support to others. Whether it’s direct care like providing food, or staffing counselling lines, or indirect help like Rotary groups who fundraise to provide financial support to community groups, this is vital work. We encourage you to share links on our social media about groups doing work like this in your community.
Bike servicing
Bike riding has been booming over the last year and it’s been great to see so many new people enjoying life on a bike. Although this has meant our bike shops are at capacity for servicing and maintaining bikes.
Where possible, we encourage you to support your local bike shops through this challenging time, whilst also following the current COVID-19 restrictions.
If you can’t get your bike serviced at the moment, Bicycle NSW also has a number of resources to help maintain your bike here.
Staying Connected
Technology has helped us stay connected with our friends, family and riding buddies across the world, now more so than ever before. Video calls have become second nature for many and it has become an important way for us to check in with the people we care about.
A chat to connect and see how others are doing, goes a long way when we are all isolated during the current lockdown. It is now even more important that we all promote a sense of community, reach out and ask our friends, family and colleagues, “Are you OK?”
Beyond Blue has some tips here on how to check in with family and friends through these challenging times. Lifeline also offers some tips on how to help friends and family who are struggling.
“We know it’s a challenging time for NSW at the moment but together we are strong and we can get through this,” said Kim Lavender, Bicycle NSW Communications Manager.
