Tag: Perth

Profile Bikefriendly business: Svelto Bikes

We love featuring local business that help promote riding bicycles.* Is there a more bikefriendly business than one that actually builds bicycles? We’ve had a chat to Kate Biondo of the Galactic Cooperative, which is the mothership of Svelto Bikes, the only Western Australian (maybe even Australian?) e-bike manufacturer:

“Svelto Bikes is our quality Australian designed and built e-bike, and, as a business, is part of the Galactic Co-operative. As a local business with a passion for renewable energy we had a mission to see less cars on Australian roads. Electric bikes can be seen as a definite answer to Australia’s congested roads. Around six years ago we started experimenting with different electric bike technologies. We tried front, rear and two wheel drive motor combinations; many different controller and battery chemistry alternatives and always striving for the most reliable sustainable solution to the commuting problem. The result was our commuter electric bikes.”

“Our sustainability focus starts with the idea that an electric bike is a viable alternative to a second car. More than that though, a well designed and manufactured electric bike, suited to Australia’s climate and urban makeup is a sustainable alternative to a single occupant fossil fuelled car. It’s even more than that though; our bikes are designed to last longer than any other electric bike on the market, and in some cases will outlive most other motorised items as well. Our commuter electric bike has a 25 year design philosophy! We only make or use components that we believe will last 25 years (excluding consumables like tyres, brakes and battery). We’ll train you to ride and look after your bike, we’ll service your bike and maintain a relationship with you for the life of your bike. It’s all part of our commitment to the environmental, social and economic well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.”

“Several people from Galactic Cooperative and Svelto Bikes have come together to express their thoughts on the role that bicycles and e-bikes have played, and continue to play, in their lives. As a business, Svelto Bikes has a vision to put every commuter whose journey suits cycling on an e-bike. This ties in with the Galactic Co-operative mandates to engage with the community, and reduce the environmental impact of human activity. Svelto Bikes believes that innovation will allow people to move to a more environmentally responsible paradigm while also having a higher quality of life, rather than feeling like they’re sacrificing anything, which is where the environmental movement finds a great deal of resistance.”

“We have a pool bike ready for use at the office and everyone is encouraged to use it for small trips around the place from picking up parts from local suppliers and lunch items.”

“The Svelto Bike was conceptualised by Andrea Biondo. Andrea has always ridden a bike and given the opportunity will ride to most places. While in training for an apprenticeship back in the eighties he would ride his bike to the training facility on Ley Street, Manning from Langford everyday. Once in the workforce Andrea struggled to find opportunities to ride because of the nature of his work in the service industry. Change of career and a move towards being where we are today meant that bike riding came to the forefront once more. Riding his bike to and from Curtin University where he studied Physics and then went on to work at Curtin University for a couple of years riding his bike rain or shine. Starting work at University of Western Australia meant more a longer commute and Andrea started thinking how to make the 16 kilometre journey there and back more manageable. His thoughts went into the realm of an electric bike, and hence the beginning of the Svelto prototype.”

“Kate Biondo didn’t have such a close relationship to the bicycle as some others. It was always a means to get to places and she was so keen to get her licence and drive a car at 17. Until she could drive though, Kate has many fond memories of being one of the Charlie’s angels riding around the deserted Primary School grounds with her friends and the independence of going to and from friends homes, the shops and High School. Having her son, Isaac, was another big boost to use a bike once more. Kate wanted to make sure Isaac new that cycling was a part of what he does as a family and it was seen as a normal way of getting about. Kate, Andrea and Isaac have cycled a lot; to and from Isaac’s school, all around Rottnest on a yearly basis from when Isaac was 3 to about 10 years of age and still do at any opportunity, and on weekends to explore along the Canning and Swan River. Isaac to this day rides his e-bike (A very pieced together machine from discarded items Andrea didn’t need) to High School and the local shops.”

“Kat Sherwin’s personal relationship with the bicycle combines different facets of the commuter, the exerciser and the leisure rider. She uses her bike primarily as a commuter vehicle, but considers its fitness benefits as a supporting factor in her sports training. For her, it is a way to minimise her environmental impact as a commuter. Not least of all, she has found an unexpected joy in feeling connected to the world as she moves through it, rather than being insulated and isolated as one tends to be in a car. She finds it fascinating to be able to smell the seasons and the different times of day, to note the different wind directions between morning and evening, and to enjoy the work of gardeners whose roses and jasmine and fig trees line her route to the gym, work and home.”

“People have a preconception of e-bikes as being big, clunky, inconvenient things. Svelto Bikes are designed from the starting point of a traditional bicycle, to be sleek, modern and easy to handle. They’re simple and safe to operate and maintain and this makes them the ideal replacement for cars as commuter vehicles. A Bluetooth Android app allows you to be in total control of your bike and achieve the most personalised, connected riding experience possible.”

“Additionally, a concerning trend has emerged, where more and more people are purchasing e-bikes as short-term, consumable, throw-away items. This approach is clearly disastrous on an environmental front, which is why Svelto Bikes are designed to last 25 years. Current battery technology isn’t quite sufficient but Svelto Bikes is constantly working to improve the product, and battery life will only get better. To this end, we are committed to helping you keep your Svelto Bike at the cutting edge of technology throughout its lifetime, by offering opportunities to upgrade the hardware as better innovations become available.”

“Svelto’s aim is to move people away from thinking of bicycles as accessories to be replaced when they’re “out of fashion”. This bike is an investment in your future, and a companion that will be in your life for many, many years to come.”

*Please note: our regular bikefriendly business profiles aim to highlight businesses that are of interested to people on bicycles. We don’t receive any payment for these features. If you run a business that supports people riding bicycles, please drop us a line!

Life from the backseat: Profile by Mr Mo

Hi there, My name is Mr Mo, you can call me Mo or Momo. In fact, you could call me anything (preferably endearing) as I don’t hear. I’m 100% deaf, but that’s okay. My disability doesn’t impact on my riding at all. I’ve got my whits about and other senses to help. My nose for example works splendidly despite my age.

But let’s start at the beginning. At 79 years I’m a senior cyclist and I’ve come to riding bicycles very late in my life – I’ve only just started about two years ago. I love it so much though.

I’ll be honest with you, I was a little reluctant to try a bicycle. I mean, at my age? I’m not exactly a spring chicken anymore. What would I do if the bicycle tipped? At first I found it all a bit uncomfortable and really couldn’t see the point. Walking seemed like such a better way of getting around. Keeping the balance was the hardest part and it took me a little while to work it out. But paws down, now that it’s not so new to me anymore, I really can’t get enough of it.

I mostly ride on weekends either to the beach or I join Him and Her who like to hang out at cafés. I myself am not so much of a coffee drinker, which I suppose means that I’ll never be a real ‘cyclist’. Him and her also take me and the bikes on holidays and we explore things together. We went to Denmark a few months ago, rode into town, the beach and visited wineries. Just gorgeous!

I actually experience a whole lot more by bike than sitting in the car where I’m way to short to see anything. And it’s also hard to smell much. With my arthritic hips riding a bike means that I can get around so much faster, yet I’m still connected to the outside. In summer sniffing fresh air, but I’m not getting too hot and exhausted.

Feeling the wind in my face and smelling the scents of my hometown is really important to me. It makes me feel that I belong here.

Payal’s chain reaction

I actually never learnt riding when I was young, just one of those things that got totally missed out. We had a bicycle at home and my brother rode it often, but I never did! I learnt how to drive a car but could never balance myself on a bicycle and never really tried. Somehow, I wanted to learn much later in life in my late twenties, but never came around to doing much about it.

I had my kids and then whenever they’d ride I would think of teaching myself. Finally, when I saw the course at the City of Belmont I just had to join. I learnt a lot at the course, but my balance was still off even on the last day of training. By that time though my confidence was high and I was persistent. I just learnt how to balance very recently after practising with my kids on my elder boy’s bike. It’s only been three or four weeks since I can ride a bike. But I enjoy it immensely.

Now I ride about two to three times a week and for very short distances. I still do not have the stamina to ride uphill from my cul-de-sac, so haven’t gone much further from home yet. But I practice regularly and intend to eventually be able to ride farther from home, maybe to the train station or every day for work, if possible.

My kids ride with me too. And just a couple weeks back my husband bought a bike for himself. Even my father in-law has picked up bike riding. He used to drop my kids to school and walk with them while they rode, which was frustrating for him. He now rides a bike alongside them when he goes to drop and pick them up. This all started in a way after I mentioned that I wanted to learn how to ride…like a chain reaction!<

Christina buys a tent: more experiences in quaxing

I’ve learned two things on the weekend.

  1. A lot can be accomplished in a dress [or, insert any other garment that is generally considered only suitable for looking pretty] and
  2. One must know the the word  “quaxing”.

After my recent post on transporting things on bikes I was keen to share my latest experience with Jillian, who writes on this blog too. Jillian knows everything – especially when it concerns dresses, bikes and social media.  She loved my story, because it contained dresses and bikes and she introduced me to quaxing, which I know now translates “to shop,  in the western world, by means of walking, cycling or public transit”. Apparently I missed the twitter row in 2015 about whether people shop by bike and public transport or not. It’s a shame, because I would have loved to add my two cents worth. As social media has the longevity of a mayfly I’m basically reaching back into the archives and add some more fodder to the topic that is quaxing.

So. Last weekend I decided to buy a tent. Not just any tent. I decided that the humongous six people sleeping Spinifex Huon was EXACTLY what a couple with dog (by dog I really mean “tiny pooch”) needed for a weekend away – the verdict whether this purchase was wise is still out. But: it was on special. How can one resist?

My Saturday started with a semi-work function at part the Perth Writers Festival at the University of Western Australia. If you’re not from Perth: this venue is notorious for expensive, limited parking and best, if not solely, accessible by bus.

Picture crystal blue skies, sizzling summer heat, I’m strutting along in a flattering wrap-dress. On my way to the bus stop after the function I’m thinking, ‘Well, it’s now close to 40 degrees and not even noon yet. Do I want to catch the bus to Innaloo, pick-up the tent and then bus, train and bike the package home to Fremantle? But yes, of course I do. Not only am I half-way there already, it’s also on special. Who knows whether any will be left tomorrow?’

So, off I go and hop on the bus to Innaloo and do what I do best on public transport: relax and listen to music. I arrive at the outdoor shop and ask for the tent. The friendly shop attendant hauls my parcel onto the front counter. It is not just a cute box. It’s THE MOTHER OF A TENT: a 13.7kg bag, which from hereon I will refer to as ‘the mother’. I gulp and reconsider the parameters of my adventure: a big box, a girl in a dress, a bus, a train and a bicycle. I’m thinking, ‘Well, I could leave ‘the mother’ at the shop and come back tomorrow. But I’m already here and it’s on special!” So I pay and haul ‘the mother’ to the bus stop to start my journey home.

The great thing about public transport is, once you’re on it, your work is accomplished. So, I sit, relax and listen to more music. The bus I’m on will go all the way to the Fremantle train station, but if I change on to the train half-way, I’ll save about twenty minutes. It’s basically public transport on special – do you see a pattern here? I’m also considering poochy at home, who is probably longing for me so, of course I swap to the train at Shenton Park.

After a seamless transfer, I marvel at the ocean (another perk of riding the train) and realise, I have actually no idea of how to attach ‘the mother’ to my bicycle. In wise anticipation I packed three straps, but I have no clue how to use them. Vivid childhood memories of teddies and bags resurface that I had tried to transport on my treadlie only to realise they had either disappeared along the journey and worse, flipped off and almost taken me with them. I’m thinking ‘the mother’ is not to be reckoned with, a fluffy toy she aint! If the box moves or tips only slightly there’s no doubt I will come off my bike.

But that’s okay, because the great thing about public transport and smart phones is that I’ve got space and time to research the best approach to my next phase of getting home. I google “How to strap a box on your bike rack”, because everything has already been done and documented. And it has. I find this excellent forum in which ‘freiheit’, a forum user, has taken the time to explain EXACTLY how to do what I’m about to do. Because I’m a visual learner I’m greatly appreciating ‘freiheit’s’ images of how to attach things.

Once I arrive in Fremantle I already know how to handle ‘the mother’. Freiheit recommends having a second person on hand to load the box, but using my kickstand is just fine. I wrap the straps around my rack, place the box on top, fasten the straps, compare my work with freiheit’s images, jiggle the box: it’s tight as!

The extra weight makes the bike a tad sluggish, but the best part about my ride home is that I don’t have to lift ‘the mother’. She’s tightly secured and stays in place just fine. Who would have thought it’s THAT easy to quax in a dress?

Here is a photo of me – ‘the mother’ is lingering behind me, out of sight, but I promise she was there!

Me in pretty dress. 'The mother' is safely tied to the bike behind me.
Me in pretty dress. ‘The mother’ is safely tied to the bike behind me.

Riding with Joy

Hi my name is Joy Bolton and I have been cycling with the Wheelie Wonderful Women for about 4 years. My first memory of riding a bike was when my sister and myself received bikes for Christmas when I was 12 which I was to ride to High School in the following year. I loved the freedom of being able to go out on the weekends and explore.

I did not do a cycling class with the City of Stirling but my friend Alison was doing one as we had been talking about buying a bike each to do some cycling. Although I had not ridden for many years except for the trips to Rottnest I felt confident on a bike. Once I went down to part-time work I was looking for something to be involved with which required exercising and would be social as well and I found the perfect outlet in the Wheelie Wonderful Women Group. Once Alison had completed the course she told me about the different riding groups within the City of Stirling program. So we started riding with Sally in the Saturday group and Marie in the Sunday group.

From then I went onto ride with the Wednesday group and once I had retired from work I started cycling with the Friday group as well. I still enjoy the freedom of being on a bike out in the fresh air and hopefully will be cycling for many more years to come. My most favourite ride is anywhere around the Swan and Canning Rivers.

Before joining the group I used to visit the gym regularly so I suppose I was quiet fit. Although my first day out by myself on my new bike did test me from Hillarys to Burns Beach which I had to turn back because of the hills and my longest ride to date is 100km so I have come a long way. I usually ride a minimum of 3 times a week and that has really built up my stamina. Sometimes I ride solo when I am training for one of my cycling trips away but normally I like riding in a group. I have been to New Zealand in 2014 and cycled the Alps to Ocean Trail. In 2015 I went to Victoria and cycled the Three Rail Trails and 2016 I cycled for two weeks along the Danube River from Passau to Budapest all of these trips with ladies from our cycling groups.

On 24 February, I will also be travelling to Tasmania with some of the ladies and a few husbands as well and we will be cycling from Launceston to the East Coast and then down to Port Arthur over 10 days. We also have long weekends away in Albany, Margaret River and Rottnest Island so there is always something in the planning. I bought a mountain bike a couple of years ago and have also done sections of the Munda Biddi from Manjimup to Northcliffe over 4 days and many day trips on the Railway Heritage Trail.

I am so lucky to have found this great group of ladies. We all love our cycling and coffee stops for a chat and the girls are very supportive of each other. I would like to get my husband involved in doing some cycling with me but so far it has been baby steps. It would be great if we could do a trip together sometime.

Barrack Square Ice-Cream Kiosk Offer

Riding along the Swan River is GORGEOUS and perfect for a family day out, group ride or solo trips. Frolicking dolphins, soothing parks and the marvellous scenery of the river – why wouldn’t you want to explore the shared paths along the area?

The new Elisabeth Keys development is worthwhile checking out too and while you’re there we’d like to pass on an offer from the Barrack Square Ice-Cream Kiosk, which is tucked between the Lucky Shag and Halo, which form the Old Perth Port to the East of the Bell Tower.

If none of these locations mean anything to you then it’s high time to venture into town. But, back to the offer: Print the above voucher and get 10% off of your next purchase over $5. Yay!

Glendale Primary: Getting Kids to Ride to School

Glendale Primary School in the northern suburbs of Perth is, probably like many other primary schools around town, nestled into quiet suburbia surrounded by quiet streets, parkland and ovals. One look and it’s clear: this location is pure bliss for anyone keen to ride to school.

Which is why it wasn’t a surprise that the bike parking area was filled to the brim with all sized, shaped and coloured bicycles on our recent visit to the school to teach bicycle skills. Or was it? The PE teacher Tanya, who had previously invited us to run the course, said otherwise. Usually not that many children ride to school and it was the fact that the she had organised the training that suddenly everybody rode to school. We like it!

Interestingly our visit was targeting the years 4, 5 and 6 how to ride safely wouldn’t have been unusual. But the racks were STACKED with bicycles and even the younger years, who didn’t even participate in the bicycle classes, were riding to school. All because they heard about the training.

So why is it even necessary to do bicycle education at school when everybody is already riding? Firstly, it is necessary because usually kids aren’t riding to school. The average distance primary school aged children travel from home to school is 4 kilometres or less. An easy distance to travel by bike. But by car it is a blip on the radar for any parent who needs to drive to work. And that’s the core of the problem. The short distance in which you can safely drop of junior at school is just a small diversion. Why not quickly do it and make sure they get where they meant to go?

The impact of riding to school is immense: a healthier, more engaged and alert student because they used active transport, a student who took ownership and responsibility of getting from A to B, a student who is a lot more familiar with their neighbourhood, understands the risks along the way and knows which ones to tackle and which ones to avoid.

Tanya is on the ball and two years after we ran our first bicycle education program through the City of Stirling, we were back with the goal to equip students with safe riding skills. Anyone can ride fast, but not everyone can ride safely. Being able to control the bike in difficult situations, being able to survey what’s around you and make decisions on speed and distance is key. Plus, games on bicycles, which teach and practice all of these skills are fun.

Glendale’s year 6 students looked familiar, just with longer limbs and yes, they did still remember the basics of fitting a helmet, mounting a bicycle and loved a good slow race. That’s a lie. Kids hate slow races. But being able to ride slowly and balance on the bike is a fundamental skill and that’s why we do it!

The bicycle training highlights that there are always a few kids – even in year 6 – who have never learned how to ride a bicycle. With the training they have the opportunity to do so with a coach by their side, which boosts confidence.

As the students bring their own bicycles to school the training also points a spotlight at the safety and maintenance levels of kids bicycles. Deflated tyres, rusty chains and faulty breaks are common and so are bicycles that have become too small for the child to ride on. All of these discoveries, whilst frustrating for students, are essential to unearth, point out and flag with parents. Riding safely also means having safe equipment and what better way to ensure this is happening by pointing it out?

We absolutely loved teaching the bicycle training and can’t wait to be back. For those who don’t want to wait for their school to organise a customised training can enrol their child into our upcoming school holiday workshop.

 

Upcoming workshop: All about bike commute

Have you contemplated riding your bicycle to work? Sometimes trying something new seems like an insurmountable challenge. That’s why we thought we make it as easy as possible and offer you a series of workshop to get you into the right frame of mind.

Partnering with social enterprise Befriend we’re pleased to launch our Commuter Series, which you can directly book online. Pick the topic that you’re keen to learn more about or choose all of them, it’s entirely up to you.

The sessions will cover the following content:

Session 1: Road Rules & Safe Rides – Sat 15 October
This session will cover road safety and how to handle your bike (such as mounting, dismounting, breaking, gears and helmet use). We’ll also practice bike balance, riding with one hand, looking over the shoulder and overtaking.

Session 2: Commuting Kick-Start – Sat 22 October
Think about your needs in regards to your bike: which type would suit you best, and will it need much storage capacity? This session will cover trip planning; assess your skills and fitness; and strategies for shortening rides. We will also revise using gears and why they are key to riding longer routes.

Session 3: Bike Checks & Fixes – Sat 29 October
Learn about key safety requirements of your bike (such as breaks, seat position, chain, and tires). You’ll be taught some DIY quick fixes on the road (replacing the chain, fixing a flat) and what issues require urgent mechanical attention.

Session 4: Commuting Test Ride – Sat 5 November
Combining all the knowledge we’ve learnt from the past three session, we’ll do a medium length test ride, and if possible pick one of your chosen riding routes!

Review: E-bikes share system in Wedel, Germany

You may have read about my newly kindled love for bike share systems. Hamburg’s citybike wasn’t the only project that made my heart flutter: In Wedel, a tranquil little city of Hamburg’s outskirts, we HAD to try the local bike share system. Why was it different to Hamburg’s citybike, you wonder? Well, there you see the boundaries of local government, literally. Wedel belongs to a different local government area, hence they opted for a different bike share system.

Here a quick review:

The excellent aspects of Wedel’s bike share:

  • This system provides E-bikes, which come with a number of advantages. Hire bicycles cater for normal sized people and anyone bigger (like my partner) than normal will find the bike fit is less than desirable. Imagine yourself borrowing the bike of a five-year old and you’ll get close to my partner’s sensation on a regular bike. While it would have been hard to pedal a small bike, the pedal assist on an e-bike compensated and provided comfort.
  • Wedel is flat as a pancake, but windy as. Again, the e-bikes enabled us to travel without kicking up a sweat. Our goal was to get around in comfort and site-see, which we were able to achieve. I might add, the sleek sit-up style made it VERY comfortable.
  • The self-serve vending machine was easy to use (despite a little paper-dispenser hiccup), accepted credit cards and made picking-up and returning the bike a breeze.
  • Access to the share system was easy: the bike boxes were 20 meters away from the train station and bus port so it was super easy to combine trips with public transport.

The challenges of Wedel’s bike share:

  • We hired the bicycles for two days and by the time we returned our trusted treadlies, both of the bikes’ batteries were starting to run low. While that worked out well for us I wondered how to charge the batteries? One of the options was to hire the bicycles for an entire week – surely you would need a charger cable or replacement battery for the entire time?
  • The system was easy to use, but I couldn’t find any options for regular users like customer cards.
  • The number of access and return points were limited to a few local government run spots (leisure centre and train stations were the ones I came across). Limiting the no doubt expensive infrastructure also limits the use.

If the city’s objective was to provide alternative transport to visitors and tourists then this goal was achieved. We were happy customers and would recommend a trip around town by bike to anyone. Whether this system supports locals’ short trips around town is questionable.

Have you used and e-bike share system? What was your experience?

Bike Share: when it’s done well

What is Bike share? Bike share systems are local government run provisions of bicycles (free or at low cost) supporting a city’s transport system. Such a system works alongside a network of buses, trains, trams, taxi/uber and private vehicles and provide people a way of getting around town without. The nature of trips are usually short and bike shares fills specific needs for users to get around town. Of course, the idea is to get people active, minimise their carbon footprint and alleviating congestion.

Many local government authorities around Australia are playing with the idea of implementing these systems. Advocates and critics cast their eyes to Melbourne and Adelaide where bike shares have been implemented. Running a successful bike share systems contains more than simply buying a bunch of bicycles, locking them at the nearest corner and waiting for people to do their thing. Risk adverse councils like to point to lack of infrastructure and costs versus uptake.

The bike share debate has left me fairly ambivalent in the past for various reasons: my bicycle is dear to me (I’ve named it for god sake!), I plan my trips with my own bicycle and public transport, which means I had no personal need. Yes, I could imagine it may be useful, but as neither Perth nor Fremantle have a bike share I also couldn’t imagine what it would be like with one. You don’t miss what you don’t have.

Well, this all was meant to change on my last stint to Europe.

What are all those red bicycles about, I wondered while doing the tourist shuffle through Hamburg and Berlin. In both cities people were zapping around town on fire engine red “StadtRAD” (Citybike) branded treadlies. Train station exits donned bicycle racks with parked citybikes waiting for their next user. I had to find out more about it.

Hamburg’s bike share website explains how it works: first 30 minutes are free, hire and return your bicycle at any station you like – where are the stations? Well, where AREN’T the stations? There is hundreds of them scattered around town!

Perfect for tourists, I thought. Yes, but actually, perfect for anyone who needs to travel a short journey as the system is set up with customer cards, mobile phone access for very fast and convenient rentals.

It makes sense. The more you know a city the more you know exactly which of your trips are worth using buses or trains for, which require a car and which one you can tick of by bike.

Did people in Hamburg and Berlin complain about traffic? Oh yes, they did. Did they have alternatives for using the car? Hell yes, and they did! In fact, the single most complained about aspect of travelling by car was *drum roll*, you guessed it: parking! Any short, quick trip by car was prolonged by finding parking that riding a bicycle made more sense.

Have you tried a bike share? What were your experiences?