With currently two thirds of Australians not getting enough exercise and increasing pressure on our roads it seems crazy not to take up the challenge to ride to work.

Avid bike lover, Drury Woolnough said that he thinks more people should ride to work.

“I absolutely ride every day to work, I own nine bikes – though not all in working condition – and I think it is an excellent thing to do.

“On the very off chance I do not ride my bike, everyone at work knows because I get angry and don’t have a good day,” Mr Woolnough said.

Riding to work is one of the easiest and most time-efficient ways to fit exercise into a daily routine, and by swapping the car or bus for a bike, you can get your recommended daily exercise without having to spend extra time or money at the gym. 

“Off the top of my head I can think of over 10 reasons why I ride to work, that has nothing to do with the environment or fitness – but at the same time because I ride I don’t need a gym membership,” he said.

Growing up in Canada, Mr Woolnough said for him, cycling was independence and these days it is far cheaper than driving.

“When I was living at home and relied on public transport, cycling was a form of independence and I could go anywhere I wanted on my own and I keep riding because I still see it like that.

“Cycling is cheap, you don’t need a licence or to pay for petrol or insurance and so far I have never been given a parking ticket on my bike.

“Billy Connolly once said ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad dressing’ and in terms of cycling that is true, because it is something you can do all year round,” he said.

The national day aims to normalise the idea of riding to work, encouraging those who have never ridden before to give it a go, and it allows regular riders to stay motivated and encourage their work mates to get involved.

“I highly encourage everyone out there to take the challenge to ride to work on Wednesday and see the benefits for themselves.”