In the quiet suburb of Manly Vale, NSW, one man is proving that small actions can have a big impact.
Alan Ventress, a 75-year-old retiree, has become something of a local hero, dedicating his time and energy to rescuing abandoned bicycles and giving them new life. His remarkable journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that offered him the time to reflect on waste, community, and how he could make a difference.
It all started when Alan noticed an increasing number of bicycles left out for council cleanups, often in good condition or requiring only minor repairs. Disheartened by the wasteful habits of what he calls a ‘throwaway society’, Alan felt compelled to act.
State governments and local councils have a strategy to increase participation in walking and cycling activities – referred to by planners as “active transport”. Doing so would improve citizens’ health and air quality, reduce emissions and traffic congestion, and increase accessibility and liveability, the strategies say.
Have you encountered an unsafe cycling environment – a damaged cycleway path, or a tree branch blocking a path? Or maybe a dangerous bollard, or a safety sign that requires maintenance? Or any other hazard that could contribute to a cycling accident?
The NSW government has announced “measured and staged reforms aimed at improving safety for riders, pedestrians and the wider community”.
In the lead up to Christmas 2025, the 
This year’s Kiama BUG Autumn Cycling Tour is heading west to visit the city of Orange, during the week commencing Monday 9th March 2026
Kiama Library is hosting an evening with Jacqui Webster, sharing the story about her travel memoir, Two Bugs on Bikes: Our middle-aged gap year cycling across Europe and Africa.
It’s going to be a Kiama BUG kinda Christmas….
As noted in a previous KBUG News post, new e-bike laws being introduced in NSW, aimed to curb the fire hazard caused by lithium-ion batteries, have been pushed back to February 1, 2026.
NSW e-Bike product standards, introduced earlier this year, were to be a nationwide first to tackle the risk of lithium battery fires, applying to e-Bike sales and e-Bike hire, and micro-mobility products like e-scooters & skateboards.