Thinking about cycling but not sure about taking the first ride? All these Swinburne staff members woke up and rode to work for the first time one day – and now they're hooked!

Feel free to contact them for more information…….

Beth Akister (Hawthorn)

“I've been riding a few times a week since Ride to Work Day 2006. It showed me that the ride wasn't as impossible as I had imagined! I keep some "nice" shoes at work and swap them for my sneakers when I get in (so I don't have to carry them with me) The way I ride is mostly car free, green, beautiful and has just enough hills to give me a good workout – and it means I don't have to take an extra chunk out of my day to exercise!”

Chez Higgins (Wantirna)

“I've been riding to work along the Knox Bike Track for the past 2 years. There are so many bike tracks around now that you don't have to ride on the road. I wanted to take up cycling and thought this was a great way to start – and I was inspired by a colleague who lived near me and also cycled. The best thing about riding to work is that I get to enjoy all the scenery along the way and help my fitness while getting to and from work. Once you start you won't want to stop!”

Elke Prielipp (Prahran)

“Cycling helps me to wind down and wake up. I feel independent. It's my daily sport which also gets me to work, on time and for free. Start by riding to work and SLOWLY increase it. I've been riding for 10 years but started just 1 x per week. Think of all the money and time you can save!

Howard Coats (Lilydale, but often at other campuses as well)

“I've been riding to work since May this year – but only when I'm at Hawthorn or Prahran and do not need to travel between campuses. I'd love to ride each day but my base campus is Lilydale (which is 52 kms each way). I have a special insert in my panniers (bike bags) which allows you to fold your clothes – so I have work clothes packed but a suit jacket is a problem.

It's a great use of time for a bit of fitness, I arrive feeling energized and good about the day ahead and of course to do my bit for the environment!”

John Rudolph (Prahran)

“Working full-time on the Hawthorn campus, I'd grown tired of the inefficiencies in the public transport system and didn't want to drive every day, so started to ride occasionally. Then I was based at the Prahran campus which was much closer to home, so I had no excuse for not riding daily. It's become such a habit that even when timetabled at Hawthorn I'll ride if the conditions are conducive (not 40 degrees or teeming).

I avoid main roads where possible or use them only when traffic is light. It’s not as direct as major roads, but much more enjoyable. It's a great way to unwind at the end of the day and it's just such great exercise. It avoids the perversities of driving and the hassles of parking.”