December marked the wrap of another successful year of cycling, advocacy and community engagement for the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group (iBug).

Brought together by a shared enthusiasm for riding, active numbers ticked over into the 100s the night before our Christmas breakup – another reason to celebrate the tireless efforts of iBug members.

Ed Birt, president of iBug, shared his excitement about the group's 2024 achievements and reaching their membership goals.

"The number of people wanting to contribute and participate in making cycling safe and accessible for everyone in the Illawarra is reflected in the steadily growing numbers of paid up and active iBug members who are not just signed up but also involved and contributing to what we are trying to achieve," he said.

The year also saw the group successfully rallying and advocating alongside residents and community groups for the reinstatement of a pedestrian overpass in the Mount Ousley interchange project, with the bridge to be built over the next five years, providing vital infrastructure and access for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

iBug's social calendar continues to thrive, with regular Bikes and Beers, University of Wollongong student rides and laps of Lake Illawarra providing fun and accessible social activities.

iBug supports the involvement of more women in cycling, which led to Wollongong’s first inaugural Fancy Women’s Bike Ride. Donning their finest riding wear, the group started from the University of Wollongong and finished at the Basin Cafe for music and celebrations after a streamer and feather-boa led lap of the Flagstaff Point Lighthouse.

With a New Year in its sights, iBug welcomes new members to dust off their bikes, trikes or unicycles and hit the road with them in 2025. Membership is $5 a year and goes towards funding their advocacy for active transport strategies and group activities.

Visit the iBug website for more information.