With the global temperature on the rise, it has never been more important to adapt the way we live, and Bicycle Network is taking responsibility to solve this. By reducing our dependence on cars and petrol, we are not only improving our personal quality of life through exercise but also directly reducing carbon release.

On a bike, humans become a far more efficient mover, dodging the issues of traffic congestion, parking expense and the pollution caused by car exhaust hands-down. But there is more to adopting cycling, according to The Bicycle Network. Their bike events, social rides and behaviour change programs claim to bring the community together.

Australia boasts plenty of beautiful places to ride bikes for people of all ages and abilities, and the Bicycle Network is loaded with information and advice about great bike routes across the country. With a membership deal that includes ‘Rider Rescue’ including live ETA tracking, 10 call-outs per year, Australia wide coverage, riders’ insurance, and legal support, it is apparent that this non-profit organisation really does put community spirit first.

Gannawarra, VIC | 200 trees | 2023

The small township of Gannawarra is located in the northern part of VIC along the Murray River in the Gannawarra Shire. The Loddon River flows through the shire, feeding into the Murray. This is significant River Red Gum country. And it is here that we planted 200 native trees on the behalf of Bicycle Network’s members.

The trees were a mixture of species sourced from Neagnar Nursery in Bendigo and planted by the Murray Mallee Landcare Network (MMLN).

Some of the MMLN volunteers.

Mt Martha, VIC | 308 trees | 2023

The project is coordinated by the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation (MPKC), a group dedicated to creating a koala wildlife corridor (connecting existing sections of koala habitat and food trees) on the Mornington Peninsula. This involves planting in the existing koala corridors, thereby encouraging koalas out of urban areas and away from the many threats they face.

To achieve our goals, we need funding to purchase trees for wildlife corridors. All money received goes directly towards bringing our project and goals to life. Thank you to supporters of Fifteen Trees for your assistance by purchasing trees on our behalf.

Dirk Jensan | Coordinator | MPKC

Some of the trees planted included; Drooping Sheoak, Coastal Banksia, Messmate, Swamp Gum, Coastal Manna Gum, Narrow-leafed Peppermint, Black Wattle, Blackwood, Scented and Swamp Paperbark and Silky Hakea.

Westgate Park, VIC. | 100 trees | 2022

In the spirit of restoring habitat at Westgate Park, the Bicycle Network has teamed up with Fifteen Trees and 100 trees have been purchased by riders in cycling events to reduce their carbon footprint.

Westgate Park is run by Westgate Biodiversity,  a community-based not-for-profit organisation. They grow and sell locally indigenous plants and are transforming Westgate Park into a natural, bush-like place for people to enjoy. The team of volunteers work to educate the wider community on the importance of protecting and enhancing the natural environment, urban biodiversity, and healthy environments. They do this by planting locally indigenous plant species and encouraging volunteering and community engagement with the natural environment.

Merricks North, VIC | 300 trees | 2022

Another 300 trees were planted by Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation at Merricks North. The trees were planted as part of a huge community revegetation project that took place over the winter and spring of this year.

The Somers Koala Habitat Project (Coolart to Cerberus Biolink) is a fabulous project to support. With over 70% of landholders confirming their intent to participate in this revegetation project it is also backed by Mornington Peninsula Shire, Parks Victoria and the Department of Defence. And now with sponsors such as Fifteen Trees and Brentwood SC, this revegetation project has grown by leaps and bounds.

Here’s a few reasons why this project is so important:

• Recent research from Deakin University suggests that the koala population has been negatively impacted by the highly fragmented nature of habitat on the Mornington Peninsula,
• By providing a wildlife corridor biolink it will allow animals including koalas to move safely, to reach vital food resources and help maintain viable populations,
• Without this, koala populations will inevitably continue to decline, become isolated and may face local extinction.

Some of the trees planted included; Drooping Sheoak, Coastal Banksia, Messmate, Swamp Gum, Coastal Manna Gum, Narrow-leafed Peppermint, Black Wattle, Blackwood, Scented and Swamp Paperbark and Silky Hakea.

Read more about this great bike riding organisation that is doing the leg work to make our world a better place: https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/

Writer; Bronwyn Blaiklock is a multidisciplinary creative: a poet, a pianist, a reformed perfectionist. She has worked in the creative and education sectors for over 25 years. She also confesses to having an affair with an accordion, but whatever you do, don’t tell the piano. Find Bronwyn here.