Older Aussies to cycle ‘safe and sound’
Older bike riders cycling along popular routes in Australian capital cities will benefit from a 15 minute health check-up along the way. The check-ups are part of a joint initiative by the Amy Gillett Foundation and national hearing specialist organisation Connect Hearing, in support of improved health and safety for older adults.
Adelaide cyclists make use of the 'Cycle Safe & Sound’ health check stops yesterday.
Cycling is a form of low impact exercise, especially as we get older. Unfortunately, research has shown that 75% of over 50s are more likely to be involved in a crash than younger riders.
During this month, 15 minute ‘Cycle Safe & Sound’ health check stops will be available to riders on popular cycling routes in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. Riders can stop for a quick health check – hearing, blood pressure, BMI and heart rate.
Tracey Gaudry, Amy Gillett Foundation chief executive, said the Cycle Safe & Sound 15 minute health checks were part of a commitment to improve bike rider safety.
Cycling is surging in popularity with people aged over 50, and is widely recognised as the ‘new golf’. However, 50 is also the age where people need to start proactively managing their health to reduce the likelihood of it impacting their safety.
“The use of our senses including hearing when riding is critical to safety. We are excited with the initiative by Connect Hearing to offer free hearing tests. Bike riders know it’s important to keep their bike is mechanically sound – this initiative is about placing higher importance on their own personal health too,” Ms Gaudry said.
Duncan Armour, Connect Hearing group manager of marketing, agreed that hearing the sounds of other road and shared path users was critical to bike rider safety.
“Ensuring your hearing is tuned to optimum performance can also enhance enjoyment and confidence,” Mr Armour said.
Look for the Cycle Safe & Sound 15 minute health check stops at these locations.
The 2014 event schedule is:
- Sydney (Centennial Park, Govett St Gates) Sunday 15 June, 9am to 11am
- Brisbane (The Corso, Yeronga) Sunday 22 June, 9am to 11am
Check stops have already been held in Melbourne on 25 May 2014 and in Adelaide yesterday.
