Jess Whittaker, one of the organisers of the ride, said the ride was a success, with a good turnout.

"We're just trying to create a positive culture around cycling in the Illawarra," Ms Whittaker said.

She said the event aimed to encourage people who hadn't been riding in a while to get the bike back out. Ms Whittaker herself got back into riding during the COVID pandemic when her children were starting primary school.

"It was the best thing I could have done," she said.

Story by Natalie Croxon in the Illawarra Mercury, 1 September 2024.

Greens candidate for Wollongong Lord Mayor Jess Whittaker said the removal of the bridge was a sign Transport for NSW was "quitting on the cyclists".

"The pedestrian bridge was a small ask from the community," Ms Whittaker said.

"It was provided in the feedback Transport for NSW received during consultation. It should not be the first thing to be cut when they tighten the budget for this $390 million project.

"We can't sacrifice the benefits of walking and cycling and our good quality lives in Wollongong so we can have an impassable major traffic thoroughfare through the heart of Wollongong."

Story by Glen Humphries and Connor Pearce in the Illawarra Mercury, 7 April 2024.

Wollongong has a wonderful coastal bike path, but hardly any east west links connecting the city centre and the coast to the university, tafe and suburbs along the escarpment. 

What are the missing links on your bike trip? Tell us and we'll take it up in the next term of council.