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Many hands, good work!

The good folk at Riverlee joined our Good Spaces team for a volunteer day at the New Epping site. Along with our CEO Kirra, they donned the high vis and took to the tools, helping with slashing, mowing and other general maintenance we do onsite. 

Riverlee have been a valued partner to Good Cycles for over two years, with Good Spaces providing a huge number of outdoor services including slashing, mowing, weed control, kerb inlet and drain cleaning and dumped rubbish removal and litter control across the entire New Epping site. 

We even complete all the fire cuts across the entire 500,000 sqm site, ensuring the 40m fire buffer zone is compliant. 

The most important work it offers? It’s a brilliant supporter of our Youth Employment Program, allowing a number of YEP participants to gain invaluable experience – on the tools and off – for a number of different skills.

“I once always did [a job] just for the money. Cause, like, money’s good. I could put money away. Save, maybe have plans or do things I probably couldn’t do before. But it’s not just about the money at the end of the day. When I first started, it was about going out onsite, doing something, [being active]. But I enjoy working in a team, and taking on responsibilities that were not initially there.”

YEP participant

 

“I think providing jobs for young people in this type of industry is actually really good because personally it makes me feel good and I can go home and say. ‘Oh, I made a difference today’. Even if it was small, I did something.” 

YEP participant

Does your business need the above work done and wants to partner with a provider that delivers outstanding work and a positive impact for young people in securing meaningful employment? Lets talk more! Contact us and we would love to chat further on ways we could partner together.

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Spring back into riding!

Spring is a beautiful time to be back on the bike. The days are longer, the air is warmer, and many riders return to commuting after a winter break. But with spring comes unpredictable weather, especially in Melbourne with sudden showers, gusty winds, and the odd extra cold morning! Preparing for these conditions will help you stay safe and comfortable on your rides.

Layer up for changing temperatures.
Spring mornings can still be crisp, while afternoons may feel warm. Wearing layers you can easily remove or add back on makes a big difference. A lightweight rain jacket is very helpful to keep on you, especially when showers appear out of nowhere.

Keep an eye on the road surface.
Winter rains often leave debris, potholes, or slick patches behind. Be extra alert to these hazards, especially after heavy rainfall. A set of quality tyres with good tread will give you the grip you need for mixed conditions. To maximize your grip on wet roads, increase your tyres’ total surface area by riding road bike tyres at 85 PSI and wider MTB or hybrid bike tyres at 40 PSI.

Need new tyres? Have a look at our range here.

Don’t forget your lights!
Even though the days are longer, low light in early mornings, late afternoons, or during sudden downpours can still make visibility low. Having front and rear bike lights ensures you stay visible to other road users and helps you spot hazards on the road.

Browse our range of lights online here.

Plan for spring showers.
Mudguards are a simple way to keep yourself (and anyone riding behind you) dry when you’re caught in the rain. A small waterproof bag or pannier is also handy for protecting your essentials on your commute. A rear rack will help you add panniers to the sides of your rear wheel. For less drag or single speed bikes, a front rack might suit you better. 

Racks are a great place to start! Here’s what we have in our stores.

Check your bike after winter storage.
If your bike has been sitting idle during winter, now’s the time to give it some attention. Chains may need lubrication, tyres could need air, and brakes should be tested before you hit the road regularly again.

At Good Cycles, our expert mechanics can help you get your bike ready for riding after the winter break. Whether it’s a simple tune-up, a tyre check, or advice on the right gear, we’re here to keep you moving comfortably and safely. Visit us today or book a service online for a day that is convenient for you.

 

Our members get 20% off services and 10% off parts and accessories! Not yet a member?

Sign up in store or online today!

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Good Deliveries: Helping keep communities green

Our Good Deliveries team partnered with Citywide for the fourth time to deliver 10,160 bin liners packages to City of Melbourne residents. We’re so proud to recognise the work our team did, given this huge project requires an incredible amount of planning, flexibility and communication.

Under the management of our Operations Coordinator Lucas, a crew of six assembled each morning in a North Melbourne warehouse to be assigned their section, which they were dropped off to with their trolley and boxes of packages in a van driven by our Youth Employment Program coaches.

The team then got busy! Using the ‘NowGo’ app on provided work phones, they could see the streets and houses involved, mark the delivery as done and record a ‘proof of delivery’ photo.

Our Impact coaches drove around throughout the shift, checking in on staff (especially on super hot days with fresh fruit, water and sunscreen!) and replenishing the FOGO package tubs. The coaches would also collect everyone to return back to the warehouse at the end of the shift . 

Lucas was able to track the deliveries throughout the day, advise on any delivery issues and crosscheck each day to plan for the next.

This work was great team work by our Good Deliveries, supported by our Impact and Central Services teams, and provided hours for six Youth Employment Program staff. A shout out to Lani, Brian, Ben, Luz, Georgia and Ivy for their diligent work. Well done to Brian and Ben who have also gone on to other roles with Good Cycles in our Good Deliveries organic waste and solar bin teams. 

"We’re so happy to see that since the completion of the program, two young people have transitioned into other roles with Good Cycles and are absolutely thriving, which is exactly what we hope for from short-term opportunities like this."

Lucas has been involved every year however this was his first as Team Leader. We are exceptionally proud of his management of this work, the problem solving and initiative he showed and his care for his fellow team members.  We asked him some questions about this year’s project.

What were the main differences between your involvement this year compared to last year?

In previous years I was more behind the scenes and only helping out during the rollout. This year I was the team lead and was much more in charge of the planning prior to the start. I was also more involved in the employees and performance management, of which there was not much to do as the team was fantastic.

What did you enjoy about this year’s work?

I enjoyed learning about the team and figuring out how they work and what the most suitable area I can assign to them to get their best potential. I also enjoyed having autonomy over how the contract was fulfilled.

What are you most proud of?

I am the most proud of the effort that the team made. This year was full of really great people who did their best. Everyone was also super open and proactive with communication and as the supervisor, I really really appreciated it.

Khan Churchill, our Head of Impact, reflected upon this work, “This project has been such a fantastic opportunity for Good Cycles, allowing us to employ some incredible young people many of whom have had a really rough time gaining and maintaining employment in the past. This gives them the chance to show what a valuable contribution they can make given the opportunity and support.” 

We’re proud to highlight the exceptional effort our staff have demonstrated over this project, showcasing outstanding teamwork and communication skills to again successfully complete this important environmental initiative. 

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It’s World Youth Skills Day 2025!

Today is World Youth Skills Day, a day to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.

At Good Cycles, we know that real jobs and real experience make all the difference. In 2024, we provided 34,578 hours of paid work to 49 young people through our Youth Employment Program, helping them build both technical and transferable skills whilst earning adult award wages.

Our participants face significant barriers – 82% had 2 or more barriers to employment including lack of work experience (65%), mental health challenges (51%), and long-term unemployment (39%). Yet from the hard work they put into their roles with Good Cycles, we also see some great outcomes:

🔸 100% reported increasing their skills relevant to future employment 

🔸 88% maintained employment with Good Cycles for more than 6 months

🔸 83% reported improved peer relationships

🔸 81% reported increased sense of self-confidence 

Creating green, inclusive and sustainable jobs isn’t just about employment – it’s about building confidence, fostering community connection, and empowering young people to reach their full potential.

Read more in our 2024 Impact Snapshot here.

"This is a place where you can feel comfortable learning on the job, where you are expected to make mistakes and gradually improve in your role. Having the Impact team to assist you in any issues you may have and all the resources they provide makes everybody here feel comfortable on the job."

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We’re proud to be a part of this year’s Electric Homes Program!

The Electric Homes Program, powered by Sustainability Geelong, is back and fully charged for 2025!

Good Cycles Geelong is very proud to join this award winning initiative, encouraging and educating households to lower energy bills, transition away from gas, take climate action and improve home comfort in all temperatures – hot and cold.

What is an all electric home? 

An all-electric home is 100 percent powered by electricity – all appliances that are powered by gas are replaced with modern, efficient electric versions. Going all-electric helps support a sustainable – and renewable – future. Unlike gas, which is a fossil fuel, electricity can be generated from renewable sources like solar and wind. With gas prices rising, electricity is an efficient and the environmentally friendly option. Plus, you can generate electricity from your rooftop, tapping into the sun’s power, a free energy source!

Switching to electric helps reduce costs, improve home comfort and take climate action.

 The initiative can introduce you to local businesses to help your home cover product and services such as:

  • Home Energy Audits
  • Draught Proofing
  • Home Insulation
  • Heating and Cooling Split Systems
  • Hot Water Heat Pumps
  • Solar, Battery Systems
  • Induction Cooktop Installation
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Electric Vehicle Chargers
  • eBikes – that’s us!

eBikes are a great way to transport yourself and your family, as a cleaner, greener and cheaper alternative to a car.

If you are a resident in the Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Golden Plains and Colac Otway shires, check out the Electric Homes Program website for more information, and sign up to the products and services you are interested in.

You can find more information, including on-demand webinars, here!
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Cheers to Hop Nation for supporting us with Heart!

Melbourne folk may well know a Footscray icon called Hop Nation. In ten short years, they have become one of the country’s most loved craft breweries, known for their innovative releases and strong sense of community.

Each year they support a local charity, someone that is committed to creating meaningful change. We were stoked to get the call that in 2025, Hop Nation chose us!

For all of June, 5% of their flagship The Heart Pale Ale was donated to Good Cycles – from their own taphouse through to pints poured in pubs and 6 packs from independent bottle shops. 

To celebrate, Hop Nation invited us for a community bike ride and a pop-up servicing. Despite the gloomy clouds, a great crew joined us for a ride around the west, ahead of the new Veloway opening (conveniently right by Hop Nation!)

Thank you so much to all that supported this initiative! 

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We release our 2024 Impact Snapshot.

We know that meaningful work can change lives. Creating these opportunities isn’t always straightforward — particularly in a year shaped by uncertainty and external pressures.

Today we release our 2024 Impact Snapshot, a year marked by growth and challenge. Our work with young people continued to expand, reaching more communities across Australia. At the same time, multiple factors including rising living costs, mental health challenges and lower commercial growth made the path to long-term employment even harder for many of the young people we support.

In challenging times, job-focused social enterprises are needed the most. In 2024, 49 young people participated in our Youth Employment Program (YEP) for a total of 34,578 hours, up 3.2% from the year before. 88% of YEP participants maintained employment with Good Cycles for more than 6 months, a key milestone to achieve. 

 

2024 was also the first full year Good Cycles operated across our four established services:

Good Spaces: Large scale green space and asset maintenance services.

Good Deliveries: Specialist last mile deliveries, organic waste services and specialised logistics delivered via e-bikes.

Good Bikes: Bike retail, corporate servicing and tailored micro-mobility services.

Good People: Specialist managed workforce partnerships (labour hire) with value-aligned partners

We remain grounded in the belief that social impact must be meaningful, measured and continually improved. The need for inclusive employment opportunities is only growing, and Good Cycles aims to strengthen the bridge between social enterprise and commercial partners. By nurturing these relationships, we can generate even greater social value while demonstrating the power of purpose-driven business.

We invite you to read our full 2024 Impact Snapshot, which shares insights from young people themselves about the challenges they face, the visions for their future and the results of last year’s collaborative efforts. These voices remind us why this work matters and inspire us to continue building a future where every young person can thrive.

Good Cycles is incredibly proud of our coaches, team leaders and staff who are committed towards creating good jobs for young people.

 

When we create good workplaces for people who’ve experienced barriers to employment, we’re creating good communities for everyone.

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It’s World Recycling Day!

At Good Cycles, we create employment opportunities for young people, with a focus on green jobs of the future – roles that help keep our communities cleaner, safer and healthier.

Do you know what important role we play in Melbourne’s recycling?

Renowned for its bustling cafe culture, Melbourne’s CBD is laden with cafes and eateries, with many occupying back streets and laneways. Good Cycles works with the City of Melbourne and their municipal waste contractor Citywide to collect and recycle organic waste from commercial venues within a selected project area in the CBD. 

Adding an extra innovative environmental bonus, we use our fleet of cargo e-bicycles to navigate the laneways, saving on further CO2 emissions and traffic congestion. Our bikes and custom made trailers are the perfect alternative, able to weave through tight routes without creating the obstructions, noise and pollution a van or truck may do.

What started as a trial in May 2022, we now collect food waste on cargo bikes all year round from 40 participating restaurants and cafes. Our riders visit the venues at an allotted time to collect the full 15 kg tubs, swap with the venue for an empty tub and deliver the organic waste to the Degraves Street Recycling Facility. 

A day and evening shift is now run every day, seven days a week with one rider during the day and two in the evening. Our team collects an average of 900 kg and rides around 40 km daily!

Since it started, the program has diverted over 400 tonnes of food waste away from landfill where it creates methane as it decomposes. Methane is a greenhouse gas responsible for more than 25% of the global warming we are experiencing today and, due to its structure, is 80 times more potent than CO2 for twenty years after it is released.

In just the past 3 months, our riders have collected 75.9 tonnes of organic waste!

The organic waste is processed in the special ORCA machines at City of Melbourne’s recycling processing plant. These machines are similar to a mechanical stomach, using both a mechanical process and enzymes (not too dissimilar to those in our own) to break the matter down. Thanks to the proper recycling, the council can use the nutrient-rich compost fertiliser across the city’s gardens and landscaping.

This partnership between Good Cycles, City of Melbourne and Citywide helps the city address a growing environmental issue around the incorrect management of organic waste material, but the ultimate impact for Good Cycles is the employment of staff in our Youth Employment Program (YEP). YEP uses a work-first approach, offering jobs to young people aged 18-28, with real income alongside tailored coaching and support to deliver technical and transferable skills, which increase job-readiness and reduce barriers to employment.

Since commencing in May 2022, our organic waste collections have specifically provided over 6850 hours of employment to YEP participants. A total of 14 YEP participants have been directly involved with the organic waste collection project.

Good Cycles is proud to be a part of this innovative, sustainable solution to organic waste management that not only removes food waste from landfill, reduces noise, vehicle congestion and CO2 emissions used to collect waste, but does so in a way that incorporates our mission of helping young people in creating ‘Jobs for the Future’. 

Fighting climate change is a load of rubbish – one organic waste tub at a time that we are very proud to be a part of!

Across our four commercial divisions, Good Cycles has a number of ways we can work with businesses to improve environmental and social impact. Want to know how we can work together? Reach out and let’s chat! 

“Climate crisis is happening. I think providing jobs for young people in this type of industry is actually really good because personally it makes me feel good and I can go home and say ‘Oh, I made a difference today’. Even if it was small, I did something”.

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We sadly announce the closure of our Brunswick bike shop.

It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of our Brunswick store on Duckett Street, with the last day of trading to be Thursday 27 March.

Over the past two years, we’ve had the privilege of being part of Brunswick’s vibrant community, forming many meaningful connections however several factors have made it unsustainable for us to continue operating at our Brunswick store. This was an incredibly difficult decision but ultimately our limited capacity to create employment opportunities for young people and generate sustainable income led us to this conclusion. 

We want to extend our thanks to our neighbours who have made this journey special, particularly the Nightingale residents, The Village Collective and local businesses, support has meant so much to us. The Brunswick community truly is something special.

A special mention to Leigh P and all Good Bikes staff for setting up an amazing little location!

To our valued Brunswick customers: your support has been incredible, and we hope to continue serving you at our CBD location in Goldsbrough Lane. While this closure marks the end of this chapter, we’re exploring opportunities to return northside in the near future. 

Our remaining three stores will continue to operate as usual and we are thankful that we will see no position losses as staff resources will be redirected to our CBD store.

Customers will be contacted directly to manage any existing booking and membership queries. If you do not hear from us, please contact us via [email protected] so we can arrange alternative options for you. 

This isn’t goodbye – hopefully it is only “see you soon”.

Thank you for being part of our Brunswick story.

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Love your bike this Valentine’s Day

Regular bicycle maintenance ensures longevity, safety and an enjoyable riding experience. Show your bike you care with these tips! 

A thorough service by your qualified Good Cycles mechanic every six months keeps your bike performing optimally, particularly if you ride frequently or in challenging conditions.

Between services, several simple tasks help maintain your bicycle. Clean the frame and components monthly with bicycle-specific cleaning products. Wipe the chain weekly and apply suitable lubricant.

Check tyre pressure before each ride (road bike tyres at 85 PSI and wider MTB or hybrid bike tyres at 40 PSI is ideal) and inspect the tyres for wear or embedded objects. Ensure all bolts are tight and brakes are functioning correctly.

For wet conditions, consider mudguards and additional waterproof lubricant. Store your bicycle in a dry place and use a cover if keeping it outdoors.

Your bike will let you know if it needs attention! Watch out for unusual noises, difficulty changing gears, or reduced braking performance. Address these promptly to prevent more serious problems. Learn to recognise normal wear patterns on components like brake pads, chains, and tyres.

Regular maintenance not only extends your bicycle’s lifespan but also ensures safer, more enjoyable rides while protecting your investment. Many repairs become costly when problems are ignored, so developing good maintenance habits is worthwhile.

True love means caring for what matters this Valentines Day. Need a service or any parts/accessories to look after your bike? Get what you need (including Good Cycles memberships to save you more) at our bike shops, found in four convenient locations:

📍 Melbourne CBD (Goldsbrough Lane)
📍 Docklands (Harbour Esplanade)
📍 Brunswick (off the Upfield bike path)
📍 Geelong (Little Malop Street)

By supporting Good Cycles, you are also choosing to support our mission to support young people who face marginalisation, and provide opportunities for them to break through the employment barriers they face.

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Introducing Kirra Johnson, our new CEO

Good Cycles is pleased to welcome Kirra Johnson as our new CEO.

A familiar face to many, Kirra brings almost 20 years of experience in the for-purpose sector to the role, having worked across traditional non-profits and social enterprises in leadership, governance and social innovation roles. 

For the past three years, she has been an integral part of the Good Cycles team as our Executive Lead, People & Impact. During this time Kirra has established and led our new Good People operational division, refreshed our Impact model and developed a new performance framework to measure Good Cycles social, environmental and commercial performance. 

Leveraging appetite for social procurement and environmental sustainability, Kirra’s leadership vision is to make Good Cycles a significant industry partner while maintaining the primacy of our social purpose.

“Many businesses are motivated to operate differently, and working with a Social Enterprise as a trusted commercial partner is a clear pathway towards creating that future . We are making a blueprint for a new kind of business that will change the world”.
Kirra Johnson
CEO, Good Cycles

An accomplished social impact leader, Kirra is a 2023 Westpac Social Change Fellow, an Adjunct Industry Fellow at The Centre for Social Impact Swinburne and has recently taught a Social Enterprise postgraduate program at the University of Melbourne. Her commitment to social impact is further exemplified through her six-year board service with Juno, including two years as Board Chair, supporting their vital work with women and non-binary people experiencing homelessness and family violence. She is a champion of change that starts with understanding the social problems we are trying to solve and shifting power towards the people who are experiencing them.   

Kirra shares her thoughts on the appointment: “It’s a tremendous privilege to lead an organisation that is dedicated to creating social impact, particularly one that delivers impact through a Social Enterprise model. Looking ahead, I’m energised by the opportunity to strengthen the bridge between social enterprise and commercial partners. By fostering these relationships, we can create even greater social value while demonstrating the power of purpose-driven business.”

Please join us in welcoming Kirra to her new role as she leads Good Cycles into our next chapter of growth and impact.

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Leadership Transition at Good Cycles.

Jaison Hoernel steps down after nine transformative years and we welcome our new CEO Kirra Johnson.

Good Cycles announces that CEO Jaison Hoernel has stepped down from his role, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter of leadership.

Jaison joined Good Cycles when it was a small Melbourne-based operation with a handful of staff. Over the past nine years, his vision and dedication have driven remarkable growth, expanding the organisation to a team of 160 employees across four divisions and multiple cities throughout Australia. Under his leadership, Good Cycles has positively impacted the lives of over 600 young people, furthering its mission of creating meaningful job opportunities and pathways for young people.

Reflecting on his tenure, Jaison stated: “It’s with a mix of pride and sadness that I announce my departure from Good Cycles. The timing is right as we embark on a new year. I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve experienced, learned, and shared with you over the years. 2025 will begin with some much-needed family time – beach walks and a few bike rides are on the agenda! After that, a new adventure?”

“I extend my sincere thanks to founders Luke and Loretta for their faith in me all those years ago, and to all the board members and staff who built and grew this amazing organisation. A special thank you to the current team and board for their work in facilitating this transition.  I leave behind a strong team, and welcome the new CEO. I have every confidence that Good Cycles will continue to thrive in its next chapter.”

The Board of Good Cycles is pleased to announce that Kirra Johnson, the Executive Lead of People & Impact, has been appointed as the incoming CEO. With a deep understanding of the organisation’s values and goals, Kirra will lead Good Cycles into an exciting new phase.

Board Chair Malcolm Garrow remarked: “Jaison’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative. His vision for Good Cycles has always been grand, helping Good Cycles grow into one of Australia’s most recognised Social Enterprises. We are also extremely thrilled to have Kirra Johnson step into this role, bringing her passion and expertise to guide us into the future.”

This leadership transition reflects Good Cycles’ commitment to innovation, growth, and its unwavering mission of putting young people at the core of everything it does.

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Our eBike Hubs innovation wins national Bike Culture Award!

Good Cycles and RideKola are proud to announce our win of the Bike Culture Award at the 2024 Cycling Luminaries Awards, recognising our groundbreaking Equitable Commute Project. 

The award-winning initiative has transformed mobility for residents in three Building Communities developments, part of Victoria’s largest social and affordable housing building programme. Located in Flemington, Prahran, and Brighton, these developments comprise 1,084 homes, with 50% dedicated to social and affordable housing residents.

In less than a year, the Equitable Commute Project has made a meaningful impact by creating an active community of eBike users. The programme goes beyond simply providing bikes, offering practical educational programmes to help residents who may not be familiar with cycling develop the skills and confidence to use eBikes and navigate local roads safely.

Adam Lana, Executive Lead Brand & Bikes at Good Cycles said, “The Equitable Commute Project is all about providing affordable active transport options to people who need it most, and what better way than doing that through upcycled e-bikes.”

“We are so proud of the layered impact this program delivers. In the background, Good Cycles is helping young people who face barriers to employment, and at the coal face is Ride Kola and Equitable Commute Project, allowing people in need the access to free transport, which also has a positive effect on both health and the environment. A huge thanks to the team at Building Communities (Tetris) for allowing us to get this project off the ground ”

The e-bikes are similar to a private fleet of Lime bikes, with a bluetooth lock system operated by the RideKola smartphone app, are fitted with lights and guards, helmets are provided and are serviced by Good Cycles with regular onsite visits. All residents are sent a Welcome Pack to introduce the eBikes Hubs and options for use. The Hubs are supported with ‘How-To’ and ‘Tips’ posters around the charging stations.

The programme arrives at a critical time, with recent ABS and RACV data highlighting the financial strain of transportation. The average Australian household now spends nearly $450 per week on transport expenses, a 9.4% increase from the previous year. For lowest-income earners, transport costs can exceed 20% of their income. During a cost of living crisis, the eBike Hubs are having a direct positive benefit for residents within the Building Communities developments.

Resident response has been enthusiastic. To date, a quarter of residents have signed up for eBike access, with bikes logging over 400 hours of journey time in the first six months. They are being used for a variety of reasons, with sixty per cent of journeys under 30 minutes, and the longest single journey was an impressive 25 km round trip. 

With ongoing education, practical training, increasing occupancy, and improving weather, the potential long-term impact of these eBike Hubs on residents’ lives, local community, and road congestion is substantial.

The Cycling Luminaries Awards, hosted by We Ride! Australia, have recognised outstanding cycling initiatives for 21 years. The Bike Culture Award specifically celebrates programmes that demonstrate exceptional innovation in promoting long-term behavioural change, emphasising the importance of communication, presentation, inclusivity, and safety in driving cultural shifts.

Here’s to more shared, safe and sustainable riding!

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Good Cycles a recipient of the of the TAC Road Safety Grant Program

8 people are smiling at the camera. The sun is bright and shining in their faces. There is a black bike in front of them, that has a large black cube basket on the front. The basket has a white panel on the side, with the 'Good Cycles' and 'RideKola' logos on it.

We are proud to announce Good Cycles is a recipient in the TAC Road Safety Grant Program, receiving $50,000 to deliver training and education programs for new e-bike users accessing shared bike hubs within social and affordable housing developments.

 

Announced by the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne, this funding will support our hubs at the Building Communities affordable housing developments in Flemington, Prahran and Brighton, managed in partnership with RideKola.

The shared eBikes are supplied with helmets, baskets, and security provided by a Bluetooth lock system operated by the RideKola smartphone app, similar to a private fleet of Lime bikes. All bikes come with battery chargers for use in the eBike Hub and have been fitted with lights, chain guards, skirt guards and mud guards to enable rides in everyday clothing, in all weather conditions and for any work, recreation or shopping purpose. The bikes are serviced by Good Cycles and regular onsite visits are conducted.

The eBike Hubs are offered alongside practical educational programs to ensure residents, who may not be culturally familiar with cycling, develop the skills and confidence to use the eBikes and navigate local roads safely for a range of trips. All residents are sent a Welcome Pack to introduce the eBikes Hubs and options for use. The Hubs are supported with ‘How-To’ and ‘Tips’ posters around the charging stations.

“We are fortunate to have so many organisations and community groups dedicated to improving road safety on behalf of Victorian communities. This grant program is critical to helping these groups identify and address the road safety issues they’re facing within their communities, and deliver initiatives that will make a real difference.”
Melissa Horne
Minister for Roads and Road Safety

There are 1,100 homes across the three sites, with half dedicated to social and affordable housing residents. Recent ABS and RACV data shows that the average Australian household now spends close to $450 per week on transport expenses, an increase of 9.4% last year and the lowest income earners spend more than 20% of their income on transport. During a cost-of-living crisis, the eBike Hubs are having a direct positive benefit for all residents within the Building Communities developments.

By encouraging residents to travel by bike, these hubs are also helping lower emissions and enhance the livability of communities. eBikes produce 40 times less emissions than a car and take up less than one sixth of public space.

This program also has the support of Bicycle Network, who brings their expertise in encouraging the residents to use e-bikes to complete short trips safely and confidently.

The TAC Road Safety Grant Program supports community groups and organisations to develop and implement effective community-based road safety projects that align with the TAC’s priority areas and support the aims of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy.

Embedding a culture of road safety within the community is a key focus of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy, which aims to halve road deaths and significantly reduce serious injuries by 2030.

Our eBike Hubs are making a real difference in Melbourne communities and we are thankful for the TAC grant support that will continue to grow the impact of these e-bike Hubs, to both the residents of these developments and the environment around them.

“We are passionate about providing urban mobility transport options that are greener, cleaner and accessible for all. This grant provides Good Cycles and RideKola the opportunity to introduce e-bikes to a new group of people and provide them with the equipment and training to ensure they are safe and confident on Melbourne roads. With safe bikes and education, we can together reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”
Adam Lana
Executive Lead Brand & Retail, Good Cycles
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We celebrate Ride2Work Day 2024!

The Good Cycles team will be out in force on Ride2Work Day this Wednesday, showing off the latest and greatest bikes in our wares. Test ride and check out our range of e-bikes and commuter bikes, get your bike tuned for free and more! 

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just bike-curious, whether you are riding to work or thinking about starting, this Wednesday is the day to celebrate all the benefits of riding to work!

Did we mention we’ll also have free coffees?!

Good Cycles Brunswick

Start your Ride2Work Day right! Pop past our Brunswick store for free bike tune ups, coffee and bike engraving. Look out for the ‘Free Coffee’ and ‘Ride2Work’ signs!

⏰  Time: 7am – 9am

☕️  Free IMA coffee thanks to Bicycle Network and Market Lane

⭐️  Free bike engraving thanks to Victoria Police

🚴  Free bike tune ups thanks to Good Cycles 

📍 2A/12 Duckett Street, Brunswick (off the Upfield bike path)

 

Good Cycles CBD (Goldsbrough Lane)

How fast can you fold and unfold a bike? Here’s your chance to find out! We’ll be celebrating off our new partnership with the iconic English brand Brompton! Try the new folding bikes out, test ride a Tern e-bike, and check out the latest titanium beauties that Wondercross has to offer. 

⏰  From midday

🚴  Supported by Brompton, Wondercross & Tern

☕️  Free coffees thanks to Market Lane

⭐️  Spot prizes from the Good Cycles team

📍  Goldsbrough Lane (Little Bourke St end), Melbourne


Good Cycles Geelong

All day our Geelong team will be celebrating Ride2Work Day with free bike tune ups and coffee vouchers, thanks to our good mates down the road at South American Coffee Co. If you have taken a cycling break over winter and need to get your bike back into gear (pun intended!) get a tune up this Wednesday! Simply call the store on 0478 487 547 to secure your spot. 

* free tune ups by appointment only, subject to availability 

⏰  9am – 5pm

🚴  Free bike tune ups thanks to Good Cycles

☕️  Free coffee vouchers thanks to South America Coffee Co

📍  61-63 Little Malop Street, Geelong