Hundreds of members and friends turned out to celebrate 50 years of Bicycle Network last Wednesday 8 October at Melbourne's stunning Capitol Theatre.
It was a night to reflect, reconnect and be inspired by how far we've come and how much more we can achieve together.
President James Garriock and CEO Alison McCormack opened the evening, sharing how a small group of passionate people with two simple rules, it had to be about bikes and it had to be fun, grew into Australia’s largest cycling organisation.
It all started with a simple but powerful idea: that bikes belong – that every person should have the freedom and safety to ride. From that belief, the Bicycle Institute of Victoria was born, with the late Ted Parker as its first president, supported by Brian Dixon, a Victorian MP and legendary Melbourne Football Club player whose vision and leadership helped bring the organisation to life.
After the introductory remarks, we were proud to induct our Life Members and Honour Board Members at last week's event, recognising volunteers whose dedication, humour and generosity have shaped Bicycle Network’s journey from our workshops and community rides to the Great Vic, Around the Bay and Peaks Challenge.
Guests then enjoyed an engaging and entertaining panel featuring three Victorian bike legends who helped shape cycling in this state (pictured above):
- Charlie Farren, Bicycle Network’s first female President, who co-created the Great Victorian Bike Ride and helped steer the organisation through a time of enormous growth and change.
- Jane Nathan AM, creator and Chair of the State Bicycle Committee in the 1990s and a tireless advocate for bike infrastructure across Victoria.
- Paul McKay, Bicycle Network’s first paid employee, whose simple brief, “start a BUG a week”, and infectious enthusiasm helped the Great Vic grow to 8,000 riders.
Their stories of passion, persistence and possibility were an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for a common purpose. Highlights from their conversation will feature in the next Ride On member magazine.
We were also treated to a special on-screen introduction from Phil Liggett, leading into the uplifting film The Engine Inside, the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of bikes and belonging.
All members received the 50th edition of Ride On, a commemorative issue capturing our history, community and belief that together, we can create a safer, better future for everyone who rides.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our Life Members and Honour Board members for their enduring contribution to our mission. Your passion and leadership continue to inspire everything we do.
And thank you to all our members, volunteers and supporters – without you, we simply wouldn’t roll. Here’s to the next 50 years of Bicycle Network! If you'd like to support our future work, you can donate here.
While Bicycle Network itself does not hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, donations are processed through the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund to ensure they are fully tax-deductible. The full amount is directed to Bicycle Network to support our advocacy and community programs.
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