Melton resident Samantha Sutton is the inspiration behind one of Australia’s leading cycling initiatives, Breeze Rides.
Launched in late 2012 as an initiative of Cycling Victoria, its aim is to boost the number of women riding bikes.
“Before Breeze, I was running Babes on Bikes because I was involved with a cycling club and we needed more opportunities for women,” Ms Sutton said.
“Nobody really emphasises footpath or road rides for women and I wanted to get women on their bikes and teach them those skills.”
The number of women in Ms Sutton’s group has risen from three to 27, most of them in their 40s and 50s who haven’t ridden since they were children.
“The courses I take them on include quiet country roads, where they practise things like emergency braking and riding side by side.
“I also teach a bit of bike maintenance, such as how to fix a flat tyre and adjust brakes, and they learn how to ride in traffic so it’s practical and enjoyable at the same time.”
Cycling Victoria participation development co-ordinator Tom Dixon encouraged more women to cycle their way through Melton.
“We’re striving to get as many women as possible involved in recreational and professional cycling,” he said.
Ms Sutton’s group leaves Hannah Watts Park in Melton at 10.30am on Mondays.
More information
Call Ms Sutton on 0420 417 978.
