It will be a family affair for Allan Carter this year, as prepares to embark on a seventh Great Victorian Bike Ride.
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The 2015 edition, starting in Ballarat on Saturday and running through to December 6, will see Mr Carter take to the roads with his daughter Megan Latchford and grandson Jayk Latchford.
Cycling has brought Mr Carter’s family closer together, with all of them enjoying physical and emotional benefits.
“Families that exercise together, live longer together, and a 540km ride is a fun and healthy way to spend time together,” he said.
“Megan’s had a tough time having lost her husband and suffered depression. But cycling has transformed her into a healthy and happy person, who is now passing on her passion and knowledge to others as a personal trainer.
Ms Latchford said the exercise has proved invaluable for her and her son’s development.
“My children have seen my transformation and how much of a positive impact is has had on our lives,” she said.
“This year my son, Jayk, decided to join in with me and his ‘poppy’, who is an incredible role model for him. It is important to guide young people towards keeping active to avoid long-term issues to their health.”
The ride also has significance for Mr Carter in his role as Senior Traffic Management Engineer at VicRoads, where he is part of an innovative new behaviour change campaign.
“(The) Travel happy – Share the Road (initiative) encourages motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists, truck drivers and pedestrians to look out for each other on the roads to make travelling happier, more courteous and safer for everyone,” he said.
“Particularly when it comes to motorists and cyclists, travel stress means we are more likely to display aggression, frustration and a lack of compassion for other road users.
To reduce this risky behaviour we all need to do our part to build mutual respect so we can share the road and travel happy.”
VicRoads Regional Director Ewen Nevett reinforced the safety message, saying that motorists need to be aware of the influx of cyclists this weekend.
“With over 3000 bike riders set to arrive in Ballarat this weekend, it is important that motorists follow all road rules and follow traffic controller instructions (where applicable); allow plenty of clearance when overtaking cyclists; be aware of oncoming traffic when overtaking cyclists; allow ample travel time as the average cyclist will ride between 20 and 35 km/h,” Mr Nevett said.
This year’s route takes riders through Victoria’s goldfields from Ballarat to Bendigo, via Inglewood, Heathcote and Castlemaine.