That’s the message of the Tamar Bicycle Users Group ahead of the annual Ride2Work Day on October 18.

Organised in conjunction with Bicycle Networks and supported through City of Launceston, the slogan of this year’s event is ‘easier than you think.’

TBUG president Malcolm Reid said Launceston had lots to offer for cyclers.

“It’s a relatively small town,” he said. 

“It may be a bit hilly, but there are plenty of off-road trails about, so people should be able to figure out a route that goes a different way.”

There is plenty of incentive for people to get involved this year, with the Aroma Coffee van in Civic Square offering free coffees and snacks to riders from 7am. UTAS will also be holding a special breakfast on campus.

Mr Reid said he hoped it wouldn’t be a one-off for people taking part for the first time.

“They might realise they like it and begin to do it every day,” he said. 

“In the UK, a national travel survey found regular cycling can halve the risk of chronic diseases and diabetes. 

“If pharmaceutical companies had a magic pill that could do that, they would make billions.”