As a long-time cycling enthusiast, Craig has always cherished the freedom and joy that comes with riding a bike.
Growing up, bikes were a significant part of his life, and now, as a parent, he wants to share that sense of adventure with his children.
He and his wife, Mairi considered getting a second car, but with Noosa’s fantastic weather and the minimal use a second car would get, they decided to invest in an e-bike instead.
Craig loves the versatility of the e-bike. They bought a Trek cargo bike, which was available locally.
“It can accommodate our two kids and as they grow we can still carry them until they are 10 or 12 years old,” Craig said.
The baby seats can be changed to a long cargo seat, or panniers can be added, giving the bike a longer life. It also has a telescopic bike seat that can be easily adjusted to suit Craig and Mairi’s heights.
The convenience of an e-bike is unmatched. Craig’s office is just a 10-minute ride from home, and the bike has ample storage for all his needs. Most round trips are no more than 17 kilometres, but the e-bike’s battery can last up to 50 to 55 km, depending on the gear choices and pedal assist usage.
“We take the kids down to Main Beach with the beach cabana strapped on. There’s no issue with parking, even during peak season. To have one less car going down Hastings Street, is a plus,” he said.
Craig has noticed that the council bike path infrastructure has improved in recent years, making cycling safer and more accessible. But he also sees that there are gaps.
“Cycling to Main Beach you do have to go on the road, but there is a dedicated shoulder, and it is pretty good, although you have to be aware of parked cars opening their doors up. That’s where it gets risky.”
Safety is always front-of-mind. The e-bike is equipped with front and rear lights that are always on, providing excellent visibility, especially at night. The bike is limited to 25 km per hour, making it safer than throttle bikes.
“I love seeing kids and adults out on bikes,” says Craig “but when you see them doing 40 or 50kms per hour on these “throttle bikes” in urban settings, especially kids that don’t have road experience, it’s a concern”.
Riding an e-bike is also part of a healthy lifestyle. After a day at the office, riding back home helps relieve any stress. It’s a great workout, and anyone with general fitness can handle it, even with two kids and a load of gear. The pedal assist feature ensures that even challenging routes, like going from Hastings Street over the hill to the Junction, are manageable.
In recent months, Craig has noticed more people taking up e-bikes. For families, they offer a unique way to bond and explore the outdoors. Unlike being confined in a car, riding an e-bike allows Craig’s family to be more present in their surroundings. The kids love the sense of adventure, and it’s never an issue getting them to jump on the bike. They’ve met other parents on bikes, fostering a sense of community that wouldn’t be possible if they were just driving from point A to point B.
If you are e-bike curious, Zero Emissions Noosa Inc is starting up an e-bike library which will loan cargo bikes to Noosa residents so they can try before they buy. Contact us on ebikes@zeroemissionsnoosa.com or visit zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au to learn more or get involved.
