By Luke Voogt
Some Geelong schools are struggling to buy bikes for their education programs with local stores sold-out amid unprecedented demand, according to Armstrong Creek teacher Arron Gardiner.
“We’ve been wanting to buy more bikes for the school but haven’t been able to,” the Armstrong Creek School PE teacher said.
“All the local shops have been significantly sold-out of what they’ve got.”
But Armstrong Creek School students were still wheelie excited on Wednesday, hitting the pedals for World Bicycle Day.
Bicycle Network this week used the date to promote cycling nationally as the “best way to get around while maintaining physical distancing”.
Mr Gardiner said more Geelong locals were cycling amid COVID-19 restrictions, a trend he had noticed particularly in his home suburb.
“There are absolutely more families riding together – we’ve noticed a significant growth in the amount of families riding around here.”
With the banning of many activities under stage 3 restrictions, which have since eased, many had taken advantage of more time at home and reduced traffic to get on their bike, Mr Gardiner said.
“Getting out and riding your bike has been one of the easier things to do [during restrictions].
“With people working from home, it’s provided them with more time to reconnect with their families, and getting some fresh air on the bike has been a good way to do that.”
Nick Boland, who works as a bicycle mechanic in Geelong West, said his store was running low on stocks due to high demand.
“At the moment we are so flat out I don’t have [much time] to chat,” he said, when the Independent phoned yesterday.
“It’s been absolutely crazy. We’re constantly getting new stuff in much as we can.”
