Retired WA GP John Stace has ridden across Australia on an e-bike, raising awareness for safer streets.
One of the great benefits of modern e-bikes is their capacity to keep older people riding, helping them stay active and connected. But despite their rapidly advancing technology, their improved power assistance and the greater distances they can cover between charges, few people would seriously consider riding an e-bike from one side of Australia to another.
The almost 80-year-old Stace set off from Perth in September, driven by a personal challenge and a broader ambition to help bring better streets for everyone to cycle, walk and live. As a side line he has been raising funds and awareness of the Better Streets program, which is gearing up for an official national launch at the inaugural Micromobility Conference & Expo in Sydney on November 25-26.
His daughter Sara is a co-founder of Better Streets Australia, which she describes as “an umbrella organisation of urban planners, traffic authorities and other professionals”. It is designed to help individuals and other groups pursue campaigns for streetscapes that are more conducive to cycling, walking and generally healthier communities.
The initiative will provide tools and the backing of likeminded people to help community activists approach their local MP, councillors and other decisions makers to push for safer and more inviting streets and neighbourhoods.
Better Streets will have a stand at the Micromobility Expo to provide further information about the organisation.
According to John Stace, while there are fewer people injured on our roads, compared to 30 or 40 years ago thanks to safer cars, the only improvement for cyclists is a requirement to wear helmets.
“Which is why we need safer streets. If older people are going to stay active and in good health, it’s vital to keep moving and keep having adventures.”
After averaging around 95km per day for 29 days of riding, Stace reached Adelaide, but when flooding throughout much of regional NSW stopped his journey in its tracks he flew up to Sydney.
You can meet Stace at the expo, which is being held at Randwick Racecourse, Sydney.
There will be more than 40 exhibitors at the expo, showcasing e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, cargo bikes and more.
There is also the opportunity to experience the newest products on the test tracks and attend innovation seminars including creating healthy streets and the future of sustainable alternative transport.
For more information go to: www.micromobilityconference.com. or www.micromobilityexpo.com.au or www.micromobilityreport.com.au
Photo: John and Sara Stace