Even COVID-19 has a silver lining
COVID-19 has changed our lives. Social distancing and semi-lockdowns have become the norm but there are other social changes occurring that are beneficial.
Cycle paths and rail trails are now busier than normal because those stuck at home have realised that they need to keep fit somehow and cycling is a great way to do it. Old bikes have been dusted off, new bikes have been purchased and the whole family has hit the rail trail together.
Bike shops around Australia have been booming with sales of new bikes, repairs to old bikes and the purchase of cycling accessories and apparel. One bike retailer noted that sales were better than the Christmas peak and that he expected it to continue for many months.
The Riesling Trail in South Australia has counters at multiple locations along its length which have been in operation for several years. The counts for April showed a decline of 21% compared last year. That’s not bad considering that there were no numbers associated with Easter and school holidays, local tourist events and a half marathon on the trail. The rail trail usage in April was all local people utilising the rail trail, proving that is much more than a valuable tourism asset. Social distancing was evident but waves and smiles as you passed while riding have never felt this good.
The silver lining in this difficult time is that families have time to enjoy activities together, they have rediscovered cycling and they are exploring their local rail trails. Sometimes we need a jolt to make us focus on the things in life that really matter. COVID-19 will eventually be controlled and life will return to some form of normality but the growth in cycling and the desire to discover more rail trails will continue.
Visit your local Riesling and Rattler Rail Trails when you have a free day or two, you will enjoy the freedom and the fresh air. If not lucky enough to be local, plan for a visit when restrictions are lifted!
More News
Rail Trails Australia Central Queensland rep Desley O’Grady made a flying visit to Hervey Bay recently to inspect ...
Are you a keen caravanner? Are you also a cyclist? The March edition of the Caravan World magazine has a theme of family...
The Copper Coast Rail Trail between Kadina and Wallaroo was constructed in 2017. The 17km extension of the trail from Wa...
It’s time to bring the community together for the official celebration weekend of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. On S...
The Wadandi Track (formerly known as the Busselton-Flinders Bay Rail Trail) is a partially complete rail trail in WA’s...
There was a palpable sense of history being made in Murwillumbah NSW this morning, as the Tweed section of the Northern ...
The City of Greater Bendigo are currently in the process of ensuring some of the older sections of Victoria’s O’...
The Launceston Council recently approved another section of the Scottsdale to Lilydale rail trail, part of the North Eas...
The “Puffing Billy trail” is getting closer to the iconic Victorian steam train’s Belgrave headquarters, even if o...
Cycle Dindi returns to the Great Victorian Rail Trail (GVRT) on Saturday, April 1. Cyclists have the choice of three sta...
Two proposed significant New South Wales rail trails have recently received funding for updated feasibility and business...
Rail Trails Australia congratulates Ray Davies, who became the 50,000th person to go past the Tumbarumba rail trail coun...
Tour de Trail returns in 2023. Cyclists of all ages are invited to ride the Great Victorian Rail Trail (GVRT) for fun an...
Rushworth to Murchison Rail Trail Project (Waranga Section) Update The exciting 11km extension to the current Rushworth ...
A temporary trail has been established by the local community in Victoria’s Hamilton district, to connect the exis...
With the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail reaching the conclusion of construction in March, walkers and c...
News Archives
Receive Our Free Email News
Stay up to date with the latest news about Rail Trails with our free email news.
Register for news updatesFeatured Articles
More News
Rail Trails Australia Central Queensland rep Desley O’Grady made a flying visit to Hervey Bay recently to inspect ...
Are you a keen caravanner? Are you also a cyclist? The March edition of the Caravan World magazine has a theme of family...
The Copper Coast Rail Trail between Kadina and Wallaroo was constructed in 2017. The 17km extension of the trail from Wa...
It’s time to bring the community together for the official celebration weekend of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. On S...
The Wadandi Track (formerly known as the Busselton-Flinders Bay Rail Trail) is a partially complete rail trail in WA’s...
There was a palpable sense of history being made in Murwillumbah NSW this morning, as the Tweed section of the Northern ...
The City of Greater Bendigo are currently in the process of ensuring some of the older sections of Victoria’s O’...
The Launceston Council recently approved another section of the Scottsdale to Lilydale rail trail, part of the North Eas...
The “Puffing Billy trail” is getting closer to the iconic Victorian steam train’s Belgrave headquarters, even if o...
Cycle Dindi returns to the Great Victorian Rail Trail (GVRT) on Saturday, April 1. Cyclists have the choice of three sta...
Two proposed significant New South Wales rail trails have recently received funding for updated feasibility and business...
Rail Trails Australia congratulates Ray Davies, who became the 50,000th person to go past the Tumbarumba rail trail coun...
Tour de Trail returns in 2023. Cyclists of all ages are invited to ride the Great Victorian Rail Trail (GVRT) for fun an...
Rushworth to Murchison Rail Trail Project (Waranga Section) Update The exciting 11km extension to the current Rushworth ...
A temporary trail has been established by the local community in Victoria’s Hamilton district, to connect the exis...
With the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail reaching the conclusion of construction in March, walkers and c...