A unique cycling program, targeting members of Sydney’s Indigenous community, could also help produce Australia’s next Cadel Evans.
The Indigenous Mountain Bike Project takes budding cyclists from Indigenous backgrounds to the scenic tracks and trails around Sydney’s bushland, reminding the participants that “anything is possible.”
“We sort of use the bikes and the Mountain Bike Project as a vehicle for health promotion,” said Sam Appoo from the MTB Project.
Teachings include mastering all riding skills, experiencing the benefits of clean living and the responsibilities that come with being a cyclist.
“If someone could show them a little bit of the way and some of the opportunities that cycling and triathlon and that open up… it would be a great opportunity,” said Ben Bowen, who also works on the project.
With studies showing up to half of all car trips are under five kilometres in distance, changing the mindset of a new generation of cyclists is seen as the next step forward.
