Bikes with bling, matching tutus and velvet frocks were all part of the fun at Wollongong's first Fancy Women's Bicycle Ride on September 1.
Thanks to Fancy Rider Emma Rooksby (who regular readers will know from her weekly Growing Illawarra Natives column) for taking the time to tell us more.
Why did you join the Fancy Women's Bike ride?
To be part of a fun day showcasing bike riding for and by women. The event was designed for women and their allies to reclaim public spaces, and to challenge societal norms and expectations around bike riding. Too often cycling is associated with competitive racing or endurance sports, and more broadly with men. With a focus on slow and social riding, this event promoted cycling as a sustainable way to travel around town or commute, and just for having fun together.
As Australia’s only UCI bike city, Wollongong has improved its active transport infrastructure, such as separated bike lanes, and it was great to highlight those new lanes with a big, colourful ride. We even attracted a couple of additional riders to join us along the way.
What did you wear to be fancy?
A long black velvet dress and a velvet neckband. But I was probably the least fancy person there!
How many fancy women were there and what outfits caught your eye?
There were around 50 fancy riders, with amazing colourful costumes, streamers in their hair and bling on their bikes. One creative woman wore an enormous wig that completely concealed her bike helmet, plus an outrageous white pantsuit. And a team of four women sported matching red tutus. Bikes were festooned with flowers and ribbons, and I think I spotted a papier-mâché mask on someone’s handlebars.
I was really struck by the diversity of riders, with people aged in their 70s down to young kids. Also, there was a large amount of velvet on display – I wasn’t the only one wearing it!
Where did you ride from and to, and what was the traffic like?
The ride started at the University of Wollongong and led via shared paths or separated cycleways through Gwynneville to Belmore Basin in North Wollongong. Most of the way we didn’t really need to worry about traffic, apart from the occasional road crossing.
That changed when we reached Cliff Road and did a ‘victory lap’ of Flagstaff Hill. With no bike path available and lots of weekend traffic congestion, the safest way to ride was to ‘claim the road’ and ride two across. This was great fun and very empowering, and passers-by seemed to enjoy the spectacle.
Funniest moment on the road?
There was lots of laughter along the way, but for me the most memorable moment was seeing the excited curiosity on the faces of young kids as they watched us riding along Cliff Road, dinging our bells as we went.
How did you celebrate after the ride?
We finished with live music at the Basin Cafe and lots of prizes for the fanciest people, teams and bikes. The tickets covered the cost of a hot drink and many people brought picnics, so the lawn at Osborne Park was full and very colourful!
Do you think this will be a regular event?
Absolutely! The Fancy Women’s Bike Ride was established in Turkey in 2013, to promote World Car-free Day, and has since spread as an annual event to 25 countries and hundreds of cities. The Illawarra Bike Users Group (or iBUG), which organised this ride in Wollongong, is already thinking about an annual fancy ride.
How can we join in?
Joining iBUG is a start, and it only costs $5 a year. Of course, fancy dress – for you and your bike – is also important and means you’ll have a chance to win a prize. So start looking around for a suitable outfit and some bling for your bike. Then keep an eye out for details from the middle of next year.
The Illawarra Bicycle Users Group Inc (iBUG/Bike Illawarra) is a member-based volunteer organisation affiliated with Bicycle NSW. For more information, visit the iBUG website
