Shoalhaven City councillors and staff have an opportunity to maintain their fitness and care for the environment as part of their everyday jobs through an innovative initiative that provides them with access to two mountain bikes to use for appointments and work in the City.
Located on the coast of southeast New South Wales, Nowra is the commercial and administration centre of Shoalhaven. It is in Nowra where the majority of Council’s 1,000 employees are based.
The energy saving bikes were introduced in 2009 as a move to assist staff members and councillors to reduce their reliance on vehicles for short trips, and to improve fitness levels.
Council purchased two mountain bikes, as well as safety equipment, such as fluoro vests and helmets, enabling personnel to travel to and from appropriate appointments from Council’s administration centre in Nowra.
The mountain bikes are currently being used on an appointment basis, where councillors or staff can book the use of the bikes when they have a business appointment.
Shoalhaven City Mayor Councillor Paul Green said the introduction of the bikes was a way of saving costs on Council’s fleet bill, but also to ensure that people, where possible, get into the idea of cycling throughout the city.
“We have a wonderful city and as civic leaders we should be doing a lot more to encourage people to use bikes for appropriate small trips around the towns and villages in the city,” he said.
Councillor Green said it is in the community’s best interests to pursue outdoor activities that increase the general level of fitness for all people in the community.
“As many would be aware, the Australian population is getting heavier and if there are smaller and more efficient ways to travel in the city that will also increase our fitness levels, then Council should be pursuing these initiatives.”
For further information contact Councillor Paul Green on 0423 881 873.
