More than 200 Redland teenagers now have a new bike thanks to the Happiness Cycle, a community event held today at Redlands PCYC.
The Happiness Cycle is a national program initiated by Coca-Cola and Bicycle Network who partnered with Redland City Council to deliver the event in Redlands.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the initiative was a great way to engage young people in the community.
“It sounds too good to be true, but the Happiness Cycle event held today saw around 200 local high school students construct a bike and then get to take it home to keep,” Cr Williams said.
“It was wonderful to see such a positive outcome for our community, with Council working with Bicycle Network, the Smith Family, PCYC and local schools to ensure the day was a great success.
“It was a chance for students from all around our City to come together, make new friends, and of course, receive a new bike for their hard efforts on the day.”
Cr Craig Ogilvie, Chair of the Redlands Bicycle Advisory Committee said “our City is a wonderful place for cycling and the more we can encourage people to enjoy this healthy activity the better”.
Gemma McCrohan from Bicycle Network said all Happiness Cycle participants also received safety and maintenance training at the event and were given a new helmet, lights and a lock to go with their bike.
“The happiness cycle is all about encouraging teens to be physically active, and bike riding is a great way for teens to not only be active, but to also have some independence.”
Redland City Council gave in-kind support for staff to promote, organise and work at the local event partnering with Bicycle Network, Coca-Cola, the Smith Family and Redlands PCYC who provided the venue.
For more information on this and other Happiness Cycle events, visit www.happinesscycle.com.au
