Cycling for your health with Cancer Council Victoria
For Todd Harper, cycling offers the simple joy of being outdoors. The Cancer Council Victoria CEO and keen cyclist says when you’re riding a bike, you can have an experience that’s very close to. . .
For Todd Harper, cycling offers the simple joy of being outdoors. The Cancer Council Victoria CEO and keen cyclist says when you’re riding a bike, you can have an experience that’s very close to nature. “Whether it’s cycling locally around your neighbourhood or even travelling interstate and overseas, you have the opportunity to experience far more of your surroundings when you’re on a bike,” he said. A seasoned rider of Around the Bay, Harper says the event is a way to see Melbourne from a whole new vantage point. In his seven or eight events over the years, he’s ridden just about every route, including the full loop of the bay and the Geelong start featuring a ferry ride. “You always see something new,” he said. “Getting up close to the places we think we know but seeing them from another perspective is so memorable. ”There’s a social aspect to riding, too – enjoying the camaraderie that happens amongst cyclists both on and off the bike; the encouragement up hills and the post-ride coffee. But as well as being an enjoyable activity, cycling is a fantastic way to stay fit – something that only gets more important as we age. We all know that physical activity is vital for general health, but the research shows it can help to prevent 13 different types of cancer – including both more common types (breast, bowel) and some of the harder-to-treat cancers (pancreatic, oesophageal). “Prevention is the best form of cancer treatment that we’ve got,” said Harper. “To be able to stop some cancers before they start is really valuable. ”Additionally, the science shows that for people who have had cancer in the past, physical exercise is key to reducing the risk of it returning. Almost 1 in 2 Australians are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, making it an incredibly common condition. 2025 saw more cancers than ever diagnosed in Victoria – and even if you are never diagnosed yourself, we all know a loved one who has been affected. The benefit of physical activity for both preventing cancer and reducing the likelihood of its return is a fantastic reason to take part in United Energy Around the Bay, especially as the event offers a variety of ride lengths to suit everyone. Riders of any age and ability – and riding any kind of bike – can take part. And if you’re riding United Energy Around the Bay this year, you can choose to fundraise for Cancer Council Victoria. “Thanks to people who have fundraised for us in the past and helped us to invest in lifesaving cancer research, we’re seeing great advances in cancer screening, prevention, early detection and treatment,” said Harper. “Our estimates are that over the last five years, those advances in cancer knowledge have helped us save over 24,000 Victorian lives. “Through fundraising you can help change the course of cancer in the future – to make a difference in people’s lives through better prevention, earlier detection, better treatment and better support for those affected by cancer. ”Sign up to fundraise for Cancer Council Victoria through United Energy Around the Bayhere. Learn more about Cancer Council Victoriahere. Like our articles?Become a Member and help fund our advocacy work. Join NowOrbecome our friend and subscribeto receive our fortnightly newsletter.