Brian Chapman describes the bike tracks around Clarence as ‘fantastic’. ‘The best one,’ he said, ‘is the coastal track. You can virtually ride from Bellerive to Risdon Brook Dam without confronting traffic, and the other way, too, as far as Tranmere.’
Clarence’s local social ride leader
When Brian retired eight years ago, he joined the Bicycle Network, a national body dedicated to making it easier for people to ride bikes. Now he’s a social ride leader, taking people on weekend and holiday excursions.
‘There are hundreds of tracks on the eastern shore,’ he said. ‘Hats off to Clarence Council, who are extremely supportive in maintaining them.’
In his time as ride leader, Brian has seen considerable changes in technology. When he started, about 80% of people rode ‘knee’ mountain bikes (which rely entirely on the rider’s knees rather than a battery), and 20% rode e-bikes. Now it’s the other way round.
‘An e-bike is like having extra gears,’ he said. ‘People can ride further — 30 km instead of 10 km — and can keep riding as they age. In the past, we wouldn’t have had an 89-year-old rider. And there’s no way in the world I’d be riding so far now without an e-bike. It gets me over the next hill instead of giving up!’
Brian emphasises the fact that social rides aren’t about speed and lycra. ‘In one of our groups,’ he said, ‘we stop for morning tea after about 5 km, and bring out the thermoses and the folding chairs. 80% of the group would be retired people, and we’re not in a hurry.’
As well as the Bicycle Network, Brian is a member of the Clarence Bicycle Advisory Network and Cycling South, both of which focus on transport cycling, i.e. people riding their bikes to work and other destinations. ‘We’re trying to make it safer, to keep cyclists away from fast cars. Motorists don’t always see you, and when you share the road, you have to ride defensively at all times.’
The groups have been advocating for the government to widen the Tasman Bridge, and for Southern councils to link tracks so that people can ride to work instead of relying on cars.
‘There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. We’re not just riding, we’re helping other people to ride as well.’
The environmental benefits of bikes vs cars are well documented. So are the health benefits. ‘It’s good for the heart, lungs and legs,’ said Brian. ‘But it’s good for mental health, too. Cycling calms you, and you get the social interaction of being with other people. Half the reason for doing the ride is the coffee meet afterwards.’
Brian Chapman and his fellow cycling advocates are this month’s Climate Champions, chosen by community group Clarence Climate Action.
Eastern Shore Sun, February 2025, page 6