Women's Ride and bicycle training

Deakin staff, students and members of the Whitehorse community are invited to take part in a series of activities designed to support and encourage women’s cycling participation. 

Run by Deakin, and in partnership with the Whitehorse Council, the following activities aim to help women get back on their bikes and enjoy the ride! These initiatives are conducted as part of a State-wide Festival of women’s cycling, led by Cycling Victoria, celebrating women’s cycling participation.

Women’s Ride at Deakin's Melbourne Burwood Campus

The Women’s Ride at Deakin’s Melbourne Burwood Campus will be held on Saturday 25 March, with two ride options along picturesque Gardiners Creek Trail for women and families:

• the Women’s Ride for those with a little cycling experience who feel they're ready to ride approximately 15km in 1.5 hours on an off-road shared path
• a novice/family ride which is approximately 6km in length; parents need to supervise children at all times along the ride.

The rides will be followed by morning tea and practical information about how to change a flat tyre and how to commute safely by bike. What’s more, you’ll meet plenty of friendly, like-minded people who will support you to achieve your cycling goals.

Tina McCarthy, founder of Wheel Women, and her colleagues, will lead the rides. Tina has extensive experience supporting women on bikes and organising women’s rides.

Read more about Wheel Women

Schedule for 25 March event

7:30am – 8am: Registration
8am – 9:30am: Women’s Ride (15km)
9:30am – 10:30am: Morning tea, stalls and information
10:30am – 11:30am: Novice/Family Ride (6km)

Book a place in one of the rides (NB: Places are limited) 

FAQs

What if I’m not feeling confident enough to take part in the ride?

The Whitehorse City Council has arranged two FREE cycle skill development sessions the weekend before the ride (18 March) to help you develop some skills and regain confidence. CycleWise is a 2.5 hour practical cycle skills training session for novice riders who live, work or study in the City of Whitehorse.

The course, run by Bikes at Work instructors, is perfect for adults wanting to improve basic riding skills and gain confidence on the bike. In a traffic-free environment, participants will practice basic but essential bike control skills including smooth starting, stopping, using gears, scanning, signalling and emergency stops. Participants must be able to ride and should bring a bike and a helmet.

Read more about the course and register for the morning or afternoon session (places are limited).

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the Women’s Ride on 25 March?

Plenty of free parking is available at Deakin University. We recommend you enter from Burwood Hwy (Entrance 1) and park in Carpark 6, using the second entrance to the multi-story carpark. See the Deakin University carpark map.

What do I need to bring?

• Your own bike, in good working order
• Helmet, in good condition
• Closed toe shoes
• Water bottle and water.

What if I don’t have a bike?

Unfortunately, we do not have bikes available for hire. We encourage you to ask a friend or relative if you can borrow a bike. Or you may even be able to find a bike store that offers bike hire.

What if I’ve got a small car and will struggle to transport a bike? 

If you need help transporting your bike to the event, the Council has a couple of bike carriers that you can borrow – they mount on the boot of your car. Contact Chris Hui on (03) 9262 6134 if you’re interested.

Are men allowed on the ride?

Yes, men are also welcome to join in. We just ask that everyone participates in the spirit of the day and respects the nature of the ride, which is about having FUN and being active (not setting records). 

You may even want to use this event as an opportunity to encourage your wives, girlfriends, sisters, mothers or friends to cycle.

Do I need to bring my ticket to the event?

No. The event organisers will have the registration details at the event.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Dr. Katie Rowe, Deakin Business School
Email Katie 

Chris Hui, Whitehorse City Council
Email Chris