The humble bike and its many benefits are celebrated on World Bicycle Day, June 3.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Riding a bike can be beneficial to both human and environmental health, says Goolwa and District Bicycle User Group (GADBUG) committee member Gavin Hunter.
"You're getting fit while seeing the countryside - we do comment on that regularly," he said.
The United Nations says a bicycle has "uniqueness, longevity and versatility", and is a "simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health".
The UN General Assembly declared June 3 World Bicycle Day to not only recognise its benefits, but also bring attention to road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and encourage use of bicycles in cross-cutting development strategies at regional, state, national and international levels.
GADBUG started in 2009 and now has 60 members who join in up to three rides a week. Members are mainly aged between 60 and 80 years, but Mr Hunter said cycling was for "anyone of any age", and that the youngest group member was aged 17.
The main aim of the group is to promote the enjoyment and safety of cycling and create social bonds.
Fellow committee member Geoff Eldridge said rides ranged from 40km to 100km, and included gentler rides up to more difficult routes - and there was always time for a coffee stop.
Although they ride all over the Fleurieu - and sometimes other parts of the state - the Encounter Bikeway is the group's "base route".
The Encounter Bikeway is a shared and sealed path which extends along the coastline from The Bluff at Encounter Bay, through Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, Middleton and Goolwa to Goolwa Wharf.
It is a 31.5km loop and is accessible for cyclists, runners, walkers and wheelchair users.