About

Finding a path forward for me and the planet


Hello, and welcome to Pedalling Forwards. Thank you to everyone who supported my ride in search of sustainability innovations and good-news-stories.


My name’s Nick. I was an engineer and scientist turned climate campaigner and community organiser, but this work took its toll on me and my health. In 2019, I set off on a personal quest: a bike ride of over 5000km, from the bottom of Tasmania to the top of Queensland, in search of sustainability good-news-stories. I spent eight months on the road, living from my second-hand bicycle, travelling to innovative sustainability projects and blogging about them as I went.

It was a search for possibilities and a way forward. From industrial plastics recycling to community solar projects; from an electric truck factory to a hospital waste program; from rainforest restoration to algae carbon farming; and from nuclear fusion research to programs reducing food waste; it was a chance to explore the many ways Australians are tackling the big environmental problems of our time.

It was also a personal healing journey. Feeling jaded and lost, I set off on this bike quest seeking alone-time, renewed purpose and an antidote to the relentless bad news about the environment. I pedalled through sprawling suburbs and lush rainforests, across arid farmland and steep mountain ranges, meeting a host of interesting characters along the way. I endured scorching heat, wind, rain and snow, and overcame challenges such as breaking a rib, being hit by a car and crossing Australia’s highest mountain pass — all of it helping to re-build my physical and mental resilience.

I’ve come a long way and gained so much from this journey. I spent time afterwards writing a book manuscript about the ride, and now work in Perth as a sustainability consultant. I continue to move forwards every day — one pedal at a time.

Thank you again to all the people who so generously supported my journey, from donating funds, to offering a bed and hot shower, to giving me advice on projects to visit. A huge thank you to all those who showed me around their sustainability projects — and thanks for the wonderful work you’re doing!

Thanks also for following my blog! It was great to have you along for the ride.

If you would like to arrange for me to give a talk at your school or company about sustainability and my bike journey, please get in touch. All speaker fees will be donated to a co-selected environmental or social charity.