Bicycle NSW’s flagship recreational bike ride, the SPRING CYCLE launched last night with the announcement of Real Insurance as the Principal Partner joining Transport for NSW, Major Supporting Partner. Since 1984, Bicycle NSW has delivered this festival of cycling event for Australian’s of all ages and abilities on bikes of all shapes and sizes to showcase Sydney’s growing cycling infrastructure.

The NSW Government’s commitment to encouraging more cycling is in response to the proven contribution urban cycling makes in reducing transport congestion which delivers greater productivity, enhances public health and improves the liveability of cities. The Real Insurance SPRING CYCLE is the ideal family friendly event that welcomes everyone to ride through Sydney’s iconic landscape out to Sydney Olympic Park.

All riders push off from North Sydney and have the exhilaration and unique experience of riding across the Sydney Harbour Bridge main deck. SPRING CYCLE is the only event to ‘ride the bridge’ and in 2014 kids ride free encouraging everyone to dust off their bicycle, join in this celebration of cycling and be reminded to ride more regularly.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Spring Cycle was a great opportunity for new riders to see Sydney at its best. “Spring Cycle is ideal for new riders and families with children. The 15km ride from North Sydney to Pirrama Park in Pyrmont is safe and simple, and as part of our Sydney Rides Festival we’ll have plenty of entertainment and information on offer for riders of all ages.”

Jon Leighton, Bicycle NSW Board President, said “SPRING CYCLE has captivated NSW and Australia for over 30 years and we are thrilled to have Real Insurance join our partners including Transport for NSW and the City of Sydney. Together we are creating a better environment for cycling by working together to showcase Sydney’s connected cycle ways, the increasing popularity of bike riding and the importance of an active lifestyle. The bicycle is a symbol of freedom around the world and SPRING CYCLE is proud to fundraise for TAD Disability Services Freedom Wheels who customise bikes for children with disabilities. To watch a child unable to walk, to find their mobility and freedom on a bicycle is inspiring”.

Real Insurance SPRING CYCLE announced an impressive line up of Ambassadors who all share the love of bike riding, and a commitment to encourage all Australians to ride regularly. Katie Brown, elite road cyclist; Jayme Richardson, Paralympic bronze medal cyclist; Todd Philpott, Paralympic World Record Handcyclist; the Para-cycling Tandem World Champions and Record Holders Michael Curran and Matt Formston; Sunrise sports reporter Mark Beretta and SBS Cycling Central host Mike Tomalaris.

“Real Insurance are very proud to be associated with the Spring Cycle for 2014. The Spring Cycle is a long-standing community event that celebrates participation from all walks of life and promotes healthy living, something that Real Insurance is passionate about. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family and we look forward to seeing fellow Sydneysiders riding their bikes on the 19th October”, Richard Enthoven, CEO, Hollard Australia Group.

Click here to join the Bicycle NSW SPRING CYCLE