Zero Emissions Noosa is hoping that the Active Cycling and Walking Strategy, currently being prepared by Noosa Council to go out for consultation later this year, will acknowledge that e-bikes can play a massive role in a more sustainable transport direction for the Shire.“E-bikes allow for comfortable journeys to work, enable less fit riders to get back on their bike again, and encourage longer journeys of discovery and pleasure on some of our great bike paths,” said ZEN President Vivien Griffin. “Even Noosa Hill can be easily conquered on an e-bike!”
“We are planning for a big contingent of e-bike retailers at our upcoming Electric Vehicle Expo being held on Sunday 21 March, and people will have the opportunity to give them a go in our safe, dedicated test ride area.”
Cycling advocate Desir¨¦ Gralton organised an e-bike trial for councillors late last year to highlight safety issues around the cluster of schools at Sunrise Beach. “It was great to see Mayor Clare Stewart and Councillors Lorentsen and Finzel giving them a go,” she said. “I am sure that experience gave them first-hand knowledge of the benefits of e-bikes. We will be looking for a big focus on school pathway connections in the upcoming Cycling Strategy, which to date has been neglected.”
Peregian locals Brian Hoepper and Kathleen Gordon are enthusiastic supporters of e-bikes. “In the 14 months we’ve had our e-bikes, we’ve ridden a combined total of 4,400km,” said Brian. “Had it not been for our reduced activities during COVID, that figure would have been much higher. Happily, the total includes enjoyable Sunday rides to Mudjimba, Tewantin and the like. But what pleases us most are the many everyday trips when our bikes replaced our car, including 126 trips to the Peregian Village shops. (Yes, we keep a log!) It’s only a six-kilometre round trip, but it culminates in a steep hill near our home – a hill that always dissuaded us from bike riding. Until we went electric!”
Brian continued, “The benefits have been threefold. Because e-bikes must still be pedalled, our fitness has benefited. Importantly, we’ve reduced our ecological footprint. And we’ve lessened our contributions to road and parking congestion.”The Noosa Electric Vehicle Expo is being held on Sunday 21 March at the Noosa Transit Centre Car Park from 10-2pm. Further information about the event can be found at www.noosaevexpo.com.au.
