Pedal Power is giving Canberrans the chance to get back on the bike with a development program aimed at women and people over 55.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The program is aptly named New Horizons and has run twice a year for 10 years.
Jan McKenzie, 71, graduated from the course and said it was the best thing she had ever done, even though initially, at a height of five foot one (1.55m), she couldn’t even get on the bike she had borrowed from a friend.
“I did a search on the internet for ‘bike for older person’, and off I set to find myself a bike,’’ she said.
The search was successful and, despite numerous falls throughout the course – and more recent trouble navigating corners – Jan has refused to give up.
“I came off the bike quite often, I had bruises everywhere but I persevered and I got there ... I think I really enjoy the challenge of staying on the bike,” she said.
“It gave me lots of confidence and the people at Pedal Power were so patient with me ... I went along and got through it, and I finished the course.’’
Before starting the course, Jan had not ridden in more than 60 years. She recalls a distant memory of receiving her first bicycle at age nine from her father, and of him holding on to the back of the seat as she tried to pedal.
“I don’t think I was very good ... I really didn’t ride at all,” she said.
During the coming summer months, Jan wants to try to ride every day.
“I still ride with groups and some friends that I’ve met [from the course] at least twice a week ... it’s been really terrific for me.”
Jan enjoys riding around Lake Tuggeranong and wants to start using her bike to cycle to the library.
“I’m really happy with my riding and my skills are getting better the more I do. The aim in summer is to ride every day I can, just for half an hour or an hour, for the exercise and some fresh air. I just love it.”
Pedal Power’s New Horizons program is accepting applications for the next course starting September 18. See pedalpower.org.au to sign up