National Ride to Work Day is an annual event run in conjunction with Australian State and Territory Bicycle Organisations held during October.
The event encourages commuters to bicycle to work which was first held in 1994 in Melbourne with 615 cyclists. Since then, the event has grown substantially and this year there is an estimated over 60,000 active participants from all over the country.[1]
It is a free event for individuals to register and participate in.
Workplace bicycle user groups are formed and workplace coordinators are encourage other work colleagues to participate. Workplaces will be recognised for outstanding participation.
In October 2006, 10,000 first-time riders and regular commuters registered prior to the event. An estimated 30,000 took part on the day throughout the state including sponsorship by more than 1300 businesses.[2] 34% of those who took up riding in the Victorian event in 2006 were still riding to work 5 months later.
In Melbourne, the event also features a public breakfast at Federation Square, in the Melbourne CBD. Free Breakfast events are also confirmed in Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth. The event also often includes free massage, helmet hair repair, bike engravings by police, "Spokespersonalities", high profile ambassadors including CEOs and politicians, prizes and giveaways.
Up to 6,000 cyclists met at Federation Square to have breakfast as part of Ride to Work Day in 2005, double the number from 2004. About 10,000 Victorians are estimated to have left their cars at home in favour of the bike.[3][4]