Enjoy a non-denominational blessing of cyclists and their bicycles organised by the City of Yarra, including live music in celebration of the peaceful sharing of roads. 

This is the first blessing of its kind to be held in the Southern Hemisphere, come and join in the fun. When: Sunday 5 October, North Fitzroy's Edinburgh Gardens from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

With spring in the air there has never been a better time to get back into cycling or increase your cycling. Here’s news about two upcoming events that may interest you:

News from RACT: The RACT is introducing a new breakdown service - for cyclists

RACT Group Chief Executive Greg Goodman says the new service - Bike Assist - recognises the growing popularity of bicycles in Tasmania's mix of commuting and leisure activities.

Bicycle Film Festival 2008 – Join the ride! Melbourneʼs Bicycle Film Festival, rolls into the city for the second time this November. Screening a program of international and local films, the festival is a five-day celebration of the two wheeled, human powered experience.

The Melbourne leg of the Bicycle Film Festival runs throughout various venues from Wednesday 19 November – Sunday 23 November. It is produced by cultural management agency Ambiguous Horse.

In an Australian-first, the leaders of the Tasmanian political parties have joined in their first shared ride last Friday - Critical Mass. The 200 or so riders included Premier David Bartlett, Liberal leader Will Hodgman, Greens leader Nick McKim, Hobart Mayor Rob Valentine, Kingborough Mayor Graham Bury, and Hobart Aldermen Bill Harvey and Helen Burnet.

All were pedalling for a more bike-friendly Tasmania. Premier David Bartlett, a regular bike rider, said "I think we can do much better". The government has committed $4 million for cycleway projects.

Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA), the peak body representing Australia's bicycling industry, has committed to strenghtening its advocacy role with the federal government by appointing ex-professional cyclist and advocacy specialist Stephen Hodge as their government relations representative.

The move marks a shift by the BIA to a more focused national effort to increase the profile and voice of cycling in federal policy and government thinking. It also builds on the recognised and successful work carried out by the Cycling Promotion Fund, an initative of the BIA.