Happiness rides into Redlands

The Happiness Cycle is a national program initiated by Coca-Cola and Bicycle Network who partnered with Redland City Council to deliver the event in Redlands.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the initiative was a great way to engage young people in the community.

"It sounds too good to be true, but the Happiness Cycle event held saw about 200 local high school students construct a bike and then get to take it home to keep," Cr Williams said.

"It was a chance for students from all around our city to come together, make new friends and, of course, receive a new bike for their hard efforts on the day."

Redlands Bicycle Advisory Committee chairman Cr Craig Ogilvie said the city was a wonderful place for cycling and the more people could be encouraged to enjoy this healthy activity, the better.

Bicycle Network's Gemma McCrohan said all Happiness Cycle participants also received safety and maintenance training at the event and were given a new helmet, lights and a lock to go with their bike.

"The Happiness Cycle is all about encouraging teens to be physically active, and bike riding is a great way for teens to not only be active, but to also have some independence."

For more information on this and other Happiness Cycle events, visit the website.