Receiving Bribie BUG’s highest honour

By Sheree Hoddinett  

Peter Crawford has spent a big chunk of his life cycling for fun, fitness and getting around. His commitment to two wheels also recently earnt him a Life Membership with the Bribie Island Bicycle User Group (BUG). 

Peter and his wife Ute retired on beautiful Bribie in 2002, but there was no stopping Peter from his two-wheeled adventures, heading out for rides and events with Bicycle Queensland, as well as overseas trips. He even undertook the Brisbane to Gold Coast 100km ride with daughter Fiona in 2006. 

It was in 2007 that Bribie BUG came to life after Peter crossed paths with Graeme Steel on another ride and the dynamic duo decided to form a local group.  

“I started riding with Peter from day one,” Ute explains. “He had returned from a bicycle Queensland multi-day group ride where he met Graeme and they had come up with the idea for a group on Bribie. 

“It started with maybe a handful of people and just kept getting bigger and bigger and now there’s more than 100 members.” 

Peter was recognised and acknowledged at a recent gathering at the Bribie Island RSL when current BUG president Bob Stutter presented him with a Life Membership award. About 60 members gathered to celebrate Peter and the club that has been able to bring people together, support healthy lifestyles and encourage many locals to get on two wheels to explore and enjoy everything the Island has to offer.  

Ute, who has been along for the whole ride, is also very proud of Peter and his achievements. 

“He was so touched by receiving the award, he had no idea,” Ute said. “I had told him a few days beforehand that I would be taking him to an event and to dress up but he never asked what it was about, just got himself ready and off we went.  

“When we arrived everyone stood up and Peter looked around taking it all in and we told him it was all for him. And he was very touched by it all. We went up to the front of the room and they talked about everything Peter has achieved. Not many people realise that Peter was the man responsible for having the passing bays installed on the Bribie bridge pathway so pedestrians and cyclists could get around each other, otherwise there was no room!” 

Peter was Bribie BUG president for many years and also planned the routes for the Monday ride and the leisurely social ride on Thursdays, which he initially led each week. Although Peter is no longer able to ride due to ill health, a combination of Parkinson’s and early dementia, Ute admits they have still held on to an electric bike for Peter. Ute, who’s now 82, still enjoys the opportunity to get out for a pedal.  

“It’s a wonderful feeling being out on the bike,” she said with a smile. “You see so much more out in nature, you are more in touch and in tune with everything. You can see the flowers and the animals who aren’t even bothered by us, it’s just amazing.”  

Bribie Bug has a variety of rides available throughout the week for different experience levels. They also organise special rides and social events. For further information about Bribie Bug, please visit sites.google.com/site/bribiebug/