Bike Life Blog Category: community

Getting to know Ground Effect

In 2024, Ground Effect Cycling Clothing celebrated their 30th anniversary. That’s 30 years of making quality bike clothing and equipment in New Zealand, and 30 years of enabling adventures by bike. In the current world of online retail, Ground Effect have a longer history than most. Many of you will remember receiving the mail order catalogue in their letterbox, spruiking gear built for riding, made right in New Zealand.

We recently spoke to Guy Wynn-Williams, one of the founders of Ground Effect, about where the company started and where it is now.

‘We started in 1994 and as the French say, the more that changes, the more they stay the same. We always sold direct, and that’s not because we had any aversion to the retail industry. Back then we all liked when we could talk as close to the source as possible. So instead of getting filtered information, we’d get direct feedback from our customers. And that’s still the case now. They can talk to an office where the designer is right there, and the people who are responsible for choosing and sourcing the materials.’

If you try to think of brands where you can get on the phone or email them and speak to the very people who design and refine the products we buy – we’d imagine there aren’t a huge amount of brands that come to mind, beyond boutique frame builders and bikepacking luggage manufacturers. And remember that Ground Effect make their clothing and equipment in New Zealand. We know of a couple of brands who make select clothing items in Australia – but never a complete range. This is a commitment Ground Effect have stuck to, for a number of reasons.

‘It still works for us as we do small runs. When we started it really was the best option for us as we would never have had the volume to go off shore. But now, to start making products in New Zealand you’d likely need a bit of momentum behind you.’

Of course, the internet in 1994 wasn’t like it is now, and Ground Effect didn’t even have a website until 1997.

‘We sold via a catalogue,’ says Guy. ‘We worked out how to avoid the need for envelopes, we were young and idealistic! We printed those until 2015, and I think we printed about 80 different catalogues.’

‘We started selling to Australia early on. And putting trans-Tasman rivalry aside, I feel like Australians adopted us as surrogate locals. We often hear from riders that buying something locally made in Australia is hard, but made in New Zealand is just as good.’

The internet is a competitive market place, but Ground Effect are still a very unique company – if you’ve owned any of their products, you’ll know they really work. Experienced design is a key driver for Ground Effect.

‘We don’t manufacture in a cheap labour environment so you have to get the design right. This potentially creates a simpler garment that is often better because you only add what you need, with less weight and less bulk. Due to needing to be frugal, you often end up with a better solution.’

The Ground Effect Flare and Solaris offer UPF50 protection. We have been impressed with their fit and comfort.

Items that last longer and do more come to a core part of Ground Effect – being sustainable. They use minimal packaging, their staff all ride to work, and they expect the kit to last forever – they even have solar panels covering the roof of their factory.

New Zealand is a stunning place to ride, but interestingly Guy says they look towards Australia in terms of growth in urban cycling.

‘Australia has always been ahead of New Zealand in urban cycling, for both advocacy and infrastructure as well. And more people are riding because of that. Here in New Zealand we’ve seen the increase in the National Cycle Trail network has created a dramatic increase in riders – including Australians visiting.’

The 23 Great Rides have probably tempted a lot of us to New Zealand – or perhaps the long distance mountain bike routes as well, which Ground Effect have played a role in.

‘We were part of a 15 year lobbying battle to get the Heaphy Track open – it’s a great multi-day mountain bike ride. And now we have the Old Ghost Road too, which is fantastic.’

Ground Effect are involved with a lot of grass roots advocacy via their slush fund. Guy explains that they could get people to a trail build day, but they could also donate money for some materials, like a couple of grand for a bridge to be built, or to buy some tools.

‘We’ve donated over 300 grand, at one or two grand a time, and that’s a lot of projects.’ Despite the boom in riding and investment in major off road projects, the call for Ground Effect’s input hasn’t diminished. ‘We’re still donating similar sums now to 15-20 years ago.’

Ground Effect have previously supported Bicycle Queensland’s major events – and Guy and his colleagues often attended to ride, as much as sell their gear. Even though that did include forgetting that it’s not always hot in Australia, and it does still rain! We have recently been testing the Ground Effect Solaris and Flare sun shirts, although sun safety isn’t new for Ground Effect.

‘The Solaris and Flare have been very popular. We all make our own choices but in our view – long sleeves make a lot of sense, and having a collar to protect your neck. It just makes sense to us. The Rock Lobster is our best-selling top, and that’s what we’d see the most on previous BQ rides.’

We hope to see Guy or some of the Ground Effect team at one of our events in 2025. If you’re a Bicycle Queensland member, you’ll receive a free pair of their Foot Soldier socks with any order – just follow the directions in your BQ Portal.

Try the e-cargo bike revolution with Lug+Carrie

You would be hard pressed to miss the increase in e-cargo bikes on the streets in many Australian capitals – and Queensland is no different to other states. Early mornings and afternoons see bike paths and back roads become essential links as parents tote one, two or even three kids to and from daycare or school drop offs.

The longer wheelbases and higher cargo carrying capacity of an electric cargo bike isn’t just handy for navigating the school run. You can do a full shop, carry your partner to Friday drinks, or even load up with tools to head to a friend’s house, to rescue them from their DIY project.

While electric cargo bikes have been available for a while, their recent explosion has been assisted by more manufacturers developing their own e-cargo line, and some stores specialising in e-bikes, like Electric Bikes Brisbane or Lug+Carrie. What has made a really big difference is the hire, or subscription service that Lug+Carrie also offer for the Brisbane area, alongside Melbourne and Sydney.

Via Lug+Carrie, you can rent your e-bike, or e-cargo bike, on a month-by-month basis, And as long as you’re in their 20km operational zone, this includes on-site servicing, free delivery and pick up at the start and finish of your subscription, and free delivery and pick up if your bike needs to go into their workshop for repair or parts. This covers from Wynnum to Camp Mountain, or Brendale to Calamvale.

Lug+Carrie stock a variety of Tern bicycles, including the popular GSD, which can be equipped with two seats on the back, along with a rack on the front. In-fact, many of the bikes have a range of accessories that Lug+Carrie supply, and you can swap them out as your needs change. As well as offering the monthly subscription, Lug+Carrie have lease to buy options as well as both new and refurbished e-bikes for sale. You can check them all out and test ride them in their Woolloongabba store. 

On a recent Lug+Carrie Community Ride, we caught up with Sophie – who has been a Lug+Carrie subscriber for two years with her blue Tern GSD.

‘I already had an e-cargo bike that I had bought, but it just wasn’t as functional and kept falling apart. I wanted something that could be a bit more reliable.’

Sophie visited Lug+Carrie in Woolloongabba, near where she lives, to look at at Tern models they had – she ended up their 15th customer, right as their Brisbane store opened. ‘Their targeted demographics Instagram ads got me: women with kids, who hate their car!’

‘Since then, I have been doing school drop offs then into the city for work – and then back again.’

There are e-cargo bikes on the market from as low as around $3000, but for a quality model like the Tern GSD Sophie has, with the accessories and 200kg load limit, could run over $9000 – which can be off-putting for someone trying to see if an e-cargo bike is for them. And that’s why Lug+Carrie’s subscription model is such a great fit, and it worked for Sophie.

‘The subscription is a more affordable way to get an amazing bike. I wouldn’t have been able to buy it outright and I wasn’t sure if I would love it. But within two weeks I knew “this is me for life,” and I love it.’

While we all often focus on the bike – for Sophie the real benefit has come from being able to customise the accessories in her subscription as her needs change – or as her daughter grows.

‘I had the Storm Shield when my daughter was younger, and as she got a bit older I switched it out to the Captain’s Chair. I called Lug+Carrie, went in and they swapped it over and re-priced it. It was even a little bit cheaper. It also means I can fit adults on the back now too.’

Just like leasing the bike reduces the upfront cost, given these accessories cost around $5 a week to hire, it’s far less than the several hundred they cost to buy outright.

Perhaps one of the best changes that Sophie told us about was her changed perceptions of what she can use her e-cargo bike for. She already uses it every day to get around, do the shopping, get to work and to get her daughter to and from school – but that’s not the limit.

‘I do partake in the e-cargo bike Olympics, for what I can fit on it. I haven’t taken it to Bunnings yet, but I am keen… I have taken a very large plant on it and I do all my grocery shopping on it as well.’

We often hear that riders getting around on an e-cargo bike, in regular clothes doing regular things, can change the perception of bike riders on the road and on paths. And Sophie has said she is often asked about her bike, with men, women and families stopping to ask her where she got it from.

With a powerful Bosch e-bike system, the Tern e-cargo bikes make light work of hauling kids, groceries, love interests – or large pot plants.

‘You don’t have to be a really good cyclist. I had cycled before but I hadn’t for a while. I found the Tern GSD far more comfortable and I feel way more secure. The last bike I had was too high . This is really nice as a step through and being so low. A lot of friends have said they aren’t a good enough cyclist to try one, but you really need to have a go – you’ll love it.

The subscription service means assistance with any issues like flat tyres, worn brakes or gear shifting issues. The Tern bikes are deisgned for use day in, day out, with robust tyres and equipment. But things break – which is why the on-road assistance exists, which Sophie has experienced.

‘Once we were pulling out of school and rode over some glass – so we got a flat. But Al came out and fixed it, it was great! He was there in 5 minutes.’ While this lead time may be longer depending where you are in the Operational Zone, it is part of the service that Lug+Carrie offer – and it removes a lot of perceived issues for some would-be riders.

Sophie was so enthusiastic about her time leasing the Tern GSD from Lug+Carrie – and she is currently contemplating buying out the bike she has been using. And she encourages everyone to try an e-cargo bike for themselves.

‘Just try it for a couple of weeks, you’ll notice the difference. I had to work somewhere that was about 50km away and needed to take a month off from cycling. I was noticeably depressed but when I went back to cycling again I was happy again. So give it a go.’

If you want to know more about Lug+Carrie, visit their website or call them on 1300 766 552. Bicycle Queensland members save 50% on an 8-week subscription through Lug+Carrie. Don’t forget to call your local bikeshop about e-cargo bikes as well – you can find Bicycle Queensland’s partner stores on our Store Finder.

Find out more about Bicycle Queensland membership: insurance, advocacy and member discounts

Requesting End-of-Trip Facilities From Your Employer

What are end of trip facilities?

End-of-trip facilities are amenities provided by employers to help their employees freshen up after riding, walking, or running to work. They typically include showers, change rooms, secure bike parking, and other amenities that encourage active travel.

How to ask for End-of-Trip Facilities from Your Employer?

As more people opt to actively commute to work, it’s become increasingly important for workplaces to provide end-of-trip facilities. They can make a significant difference in the daily commute of employees. If you actively commute and your workplace doesn’t have end-of-trip facilities, here are some suggestions on how to ask your employer.

  1. Do your research. Find out what other workplaces in your area offer end-of-trip facilities, and what the benefits are for both employees and the employer. This information can help make your case and demonstrate the importance of these facilities.
  2. Be clear about the benefits when approaching your employer. Not only do end-of-trip facilities make it easier for employees to actively commute to work, they also improve employee health and well-being, reduce carbon emissions, and even save money on parking and transportation costs.
  3. Choose the right time. Choose a time when your employer is likely to be receptive to your request, such as during a review or performance appraisal. Alternatively, you could schedule a meeting with your employer specifically to discuss this topic.
  4. One of the most effective ways to demonstrate the need for end-of-trip facilities is to explain your own experience as an active commuter. Share the challenges you face when arriving at work sweaty and in need of a shower, or when struggling to find a secure place to park your bike.
  5. Provide solutions when asking for end-of-trip facilities. For example, suggest specific facilities that would be most beneficial to you and your colleagues, or offer to help with the implementation of these facilities.
  6. Stay positive. Frame the discussion as an opportunity for your employer to improve the workplace and make it more accommodating for active commuters. Emphasize the benefits for everyone, rather than simply focusing on your own needs.
Benefits of active commuting:
  • Increased staff wellbeing
  • Higher productivity
  • Improved corporate image
  • Reduced demand for car parking

If your workplace doesn’t currently provide end-of-trip facilities, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for them. By doing your research, being clear about the benefits, choosing the right time, explaining your own experience, providing solutions, and staying positive, you can make a convincing case for why these facilities are important and why they should be implemented.

Coping with the Christmas countdown

Everyone thinks that Christmas Day is the time you can feel stressed, depressed or lonely, but for many people the lead up to Christmas can be just as overwhelming. 

For a lot of people that means sorting out your plans, who is coming and who isn’t, organise food, buy presents and put up the decorations.  These are just the basic, most common stressors.  We know that for many people, there is a raft of other, often more complex issues, at play. 

Now that the countdown to Christmas has officially begun, here are just a few tips for keeping your mental wellbeing in check: 

Stay healthy – eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can help you cope with Christmas stress.  Remember, overindulging in food and alcohol often adds to your stress and guilt. 

Plan – Make sure you do up a budget and stick to it.  Don’t overspend. Work out your shopping list and get it done early to avoid the crowds and the risk of making last-minute, over expensive purchases! 

Be creative – if your money is not stretching as far as you’d like with the rising cost of living, then look at how you can do things differently.  Consider a simpler version of Christmas lunch – perhaps a BBQ or picnic and ask guests to bring a plate.  Get crafty and make some presents or give the gift of your time – maybe a voucher to do some dog walking or gardening – there’s always something you can do that others need! 

Connect – If you’re separated from your family and friends by distance, make sure you stay in touch with them online or by phone.  If you are on your own, there are ways to connect with others such as volunteering or attending local community events such as Carols by Candlelight.    

Be realistic – Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect or the same as other years.  Situations and families change….children grow up, relatives pass away, some parents may divorce.  Nothing stays the same forever.  Just make sure that you acknowledge and appreciate any feelings of loss or disappointment you may have and realise that its normal to feel that way. 

Chill out – Amongst all the Christmas parties, planning and shopping, it is important that you stop and take some time for yourself.  Go for a walk, listen to some music, take a long bath or read a book.  Even if its just for 15 minutes at a time, it can make the world of difference. 

If you feel like it is all getting on top of you, remember its okay to reach out and get some help.  Talking to someone can be great to put things into perspective.

Our partner White Cloud (07 3155 3456) can help arm you with some good strategies to help you get back on track and cope with all the Christmas commotion. You don’t need a GP referral or Mental Health Plan, you can access it from wherever you live and, best of all, its free. 

What are the benefits of riding to work and how can you make it easier?

Sustainability is understandably a hot topic just now, with governments, businesses and individuals all seeking ways to create a greener future for us all. Commuting became a distant memory for millions of workers during the pandemic, but now, with lots of people making a return to the office, this is the perfect time to reset and adopt better, healthier habits.

Riding to work is nothing new, but more employers and employees are waking up to its benefits. Not only can riding benefit the individual’s health and wellbeing, it’ll also help to protect the local environment. Employers may even stand to benefit, with riding shown to have a positive impact on brain power and productivity. 

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of riding to work in greater detail, and highlight a few ways you can make bike commuting even easier.

What are the benefits of riding to work? 
  • Improve physical fitness and mental health. We’re all aware that riding is a great way to help keep your body fit and healthy, but did you know it can also help to support your mental wellbeing, too? One study reveals that riding is the second best form of exercise for a lower mental health burden, just behind participating in team sports.  
  • Improve productivity. Riding has been shown to improve brain function, with it increasing blood flow to the brain by 28% compared to resting, according to one study. As a result, this can help you to arrive at work in a more positive frame of mind, and help to improve productivity throughout the day. 
  • Helps the environment. If you’re passionate about sustainability, riding is a great way to play your part and help create a greener local environment. By replacing a car for a bike, not only will you be saving on harmful emissions, but if more people chose to cycle, it’d reduce congestion on roads, helping to cut pollution even further. 
How to make riding easier 
  • Use an e-bike. E-bikes are gaining popularity across the country, particularly since the 2012 legislation was passed which introduced guidelines around using e-bikes, in line with European standards. An e-bike works like a traditional bicycle, but offers the added thrust of a battery-powered motor, to take some of the strain out of your commute. Read more about e-bikes here.
  • Be organised! Riding to work will generally take a little longer than public transport or a car, meaning you’ll have to be organised to give yourself as much breathing room in the morning as possible. Be sure to pack up anything you need the night before, and also leave heavy items at the office where possible, to save you carrying them on your commute. You should also make sure to pack some food for the office, to give you the energy for that evening ride home.

    Take a look at all our commuting tips – including route selection and surviving summer.
  • Make use of company facilities. You’ll want to arrive at your desk feeling and looking fresh, so particularly after a longer ride in, you’ll likely want to have a wash and get into a change of clothes. If your office doesn’t already cater for active travel, ask your employer whether it would be possible to invest in some equipment and facilities to encourage more people to ride to work. Or, see if there is a local end of trip facility, where your employer could arrange for employees to make use of the changing facilities.

Even small changes like some showers and changing rooms can go a long way. It’s also helpful to consider how or where you’ll keep your bike during the day. Employers should look to include some safe storage facilities on-site, to give their pedalling personnel peace of mind that their bike will be secure during the day.

To sum up

In this post, we’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to exploring the potential benefits of riding to and from work. It may seem like a major lifestyle change, particularly if you’ve been driving or getting public transport for many years. But why not try riding just one or two days a week at first, before building yourself up to a bigger commitment? You’ll likely feel the benefits almost immediately.

Article by Ross Hansen

Interested in becoming a BQ member? Sign up! Bicycle Queensland membership includes public liability and accident insurance, free legal advice, member discounts at a variety of retailers, and it supports the advocacy work BQ does to make Queensland a safer and better connected place to ride.