In a first event of its kind WeRide has conducted a briefing for Parliamentarians and guests on the bikes that can give back mobility to those experiencing disability and a lack of choice in mobility.

In a breakfast event in Parliament, the Chairs of the Friends of Cycling group hosted their colleagues, guests and the Shadow Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, for a presentation on the latest e-assist bikes and trikes that provide people of all ages and abilities options for independent mobility, physical activity or simply fun.

Watch a short video of the event – 3 min.

Above: the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling group welcomed their colleagues and guests to an event showcasing the latest machines that give back mobility to those suffering disability.

Andrea Herklots from Everybody ebikes talked about the machines they provide to children and adults with a range of diverse needs and the transformational power of being able to cycle.

This includes children who can ride to school for the first time in their lives, adults who can use an e-assist bike or trike to get to work and local destinations for the first time or simply being able to take their partner who has a disability or dementia out riding again.

Above: Andrea Herklots, of EveryBody eBikes talks about the transformational nature of e-assist bikes and trikes that give mobility to young and old alike.

The emotional stories show how modern cycling technology, including e-bikes, provides choice, improves accessibility and provides affordable pathways to overcome exclusion from mainstream transport options.

Watch Andrea’s address at the event (8min video).

Justin Le Couteur, representing the National Inclusive Transport Advocacy Network, talked about the 4.4 million people with disability in Australia today, which is 18% of the population. Of all those who are of driving age, only about half actually drive and Justin emphasised the importance of equitable options for all those with a disability.

Above: Justin Le Couteur, representing the National Inclusive Transport Advocacy Network, gave the opening address talking about the transformational power of accessible mobility and the 4.4 million Australians who can benefit from access to some of the machines on display today.

With a humorous take on the technology available to him growing up with cerebral palsy, he compared his (low tech) training wheels and devil-may-care attitude to the enormous opportunities available today. He discussed the institutional and infrastructure barriers that are beginning to be addressed by policy and programs such as the NDIS.

Watch Justin’s address at the event (4 min video).

Above: Josh Wilson, the Member for Fremantle, was standing in for Chair Zaneta Mascarenhas who was unfortunately on a Parliamentary delegation in the Pacific, but ably led the event on her behalf.

We Ride Australia is proud to support the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling and bring the interests of a very diverse cycling sector to the attention of our federal Parliament as part of achieving our vision that:

Australia is a greener, healthier, better place to be because more people are riding bikes.

Above: Andrea and Richard Herklots came down from Brisbane with this Orthros trike and more to give our Parliamentarians an idea of the ways Australians with a disability can be active participants in their communities.

Above: the event in Parliament elicited a lot of interest and guests included Lindy Hou, multiple Paralympic medallist, here with her guide dog Comet, MPs and Co-Chairs and representatives from AusCycling, Pedal Power and local charitable organisations.

Above: the Hon. Andrew Wallace takes WeRide’s Stephen Hodge for a spin at the event.

Above: Alison Byrnes MP tries out the Orthros side-by-side with Richard Herklots, owner of EveryBody eBikes and Edward Burt of The Disability Trust.

Above: Helen Haines, the Member for Indi, has been a committed Co-Chair of the group since its inception.

Above: Shadow Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Michael Sukkar, provided a thoughtful address to assembled MPs and guests on the importance of options for mobility.

Above: Co-Chair, the Hon. Andrew Wallace, has a particular and personal interest in mobility for all ages and abilities and has been a strong supporter of cycling in the House.

Above: the event provided some unique opportunities for MPs to try out the machines in the heart of Parliament House!! The Hon. Andrew Wallace and Josh Wilson certainly look like they are having fun. This amazing machine is designed with a modular, removable wheelchair in front that allows more choice for those who wish to get out or travel with a friend to local destinations.

Above: our videographer John gets up close and personal with Richard Herklots as he rides around the Mural Hall in Parliament House to get the perfect shots!

L-R: The Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling group, Dr Helen Haines MP, Josh Wilson MP (for Chair Zaneta Mascarenhas MP), the Hon. Andrew Wallace MP and Shadow Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Michael Sukkar MP.

More:

The Parliamentary Friends of Cycling group is an initiative of WeRide and is hosted by Zaneta Mascarenhas, the Member for Swan; the Hon Andrew Wallace, the Member for Fisher and Dr Helen Haines, the Member for Indi. More information here: www.weride.org.au/programs/parliamentary-friends-of-cycling

Future events WeRide will organise in Parliament include the announcement of the national Cycling Luminaries Awards and the launch of the 2023 WeRide Australian Cycling Economy Report by EY in November.

Cycling Luminaries Awards

Nominations are now open for the Awards and can be submitted here: www.weride.org.au/what-we-do/cycling-awards