We talk with local residents who have embraced environmentally friendly lifestyles and practices, and invited them to give their tips on how you can do the same!

Sue, e-bike commuter

Sue lives in Blackburn and works in Box Hill’s hospital district. She’s been commuting the 4.5km to work by e-bike for more than two years. 

Riding a bike short or long distances is a perfect solution to reduce our dependence on fuelled cars.  It is also a great way to keep fit and save money from buying fuel and car parking.

“I used to drive and really felt it wasn’t environmentally friendly particularly as it was a short distance. Parking was expensive too! I investigated catching the train, but it was still going to cost, and it would take longer by the time I walked to the station and then walk from the station to work. Riding is almost as quick as driving,” says Sue. 

Sue says she felt “It was so wasteful driving to work every day which is what I was doing and wanted to change. I used to ride a bike but had not ridden recently as I had knee issues resulting in getting both knees replaced in 2019. I always liked riding in the past and when I was younger but knew I had lost confidence because I didn’t feel I had the strength for riding up hills or watching out for traffic taking off at the lights”.   

Some people can wear their work clothes when commuting by e-bike as it is less strenuous, but Sue doesn’t as she wears a uniform at work. “When riding you are in the weather, rain or heat, and a combination of wearing comfortable and bright clothes for safety in the traffic is important,” says Sue.  

Not many people at Sue’s work ride to work, but there is a growing number of people who are buying e-scooters and using them to travel from where they park their cars in the surrounding suburb or from their homes if they live closer to work.  

Here are Sue’s top tips for people wanting to leave their car at home and have a go at riding. Sue says: 

1. “Research! Test out e-bikes and see what suits you and you are comfortable riding. 
2. Ride every day and it will become your routine. Don’t think it’s too cold or too hot. 
3. Check out the best routes to get to work, avoid busy roads as much as possible, and watch out for spots like schools where people are dropping off kids - car doors opening are not great for cyclists. 
4. Ensure you are visible. Have comfortable bright clothing and invest in some good lights”. 

It’s not just about riding her bike to mitigate against climate change, Sue is also living sustainably in other areas of her life.

“We compost, have chickens and always try to recycle as much as possible. I’ve been lucky to get a new car and have bought a hybrid – hoping it will be more economical and fuel efficient,” says Sue.