Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers and Mary-Anne O’Neill MP, State Member for Kallangur, are calling on residents to get on their bikes and join the fun of the National Ride and Work Day on October 14.

Carolyn Male MP said more than 105,000 cyclists across Australia would be leaving their cars at home and riding to work, with some 10,000 of them in Queensland.

“This year we want even more people to join in and enjoy the ride while making an individual contribution to reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“The Bligh Government is committed to meeting our Green and Healthy targets as we head Towards Q2. More people joining in events such as this will assist us to reach these targets.”

“This year we’re also calling for more women to get involved - last year in Queensland 68 per cent of the riders were male.”

“I also encourage all local businesses to get behind this event and encourage their staff to join in,” Carolyn Male MP said.

Mary-Anne O’Neill MP said the Bligh Government was providing $15,000 to sponsor the event in an effort to get more people to commute by bicycle instead of private car.

“Although you don’t have to register to join in, I encourage all riders to register so we can keep track of how many people have taken up the challenge.”

“Last year Queensland riders made up 10 percent of the national registrants, which was the third highest participation rate, behind Victoria (47) and New South Wales (17).”

“This year, it would be great if we could boost those numbers, get above 17 percent and beat New South Wales,” Mary-Anne O’Neill MP said.

To register for the ride, go to www.ride2work.com.au.