Human-powered trikes roll into town for racing event
This Sunday, May 18, nearly 50 human-powered vehicles and 20 teams will race head-to-head, each vehicle a trike powered entirely by the rider's legs and steered with two joysticks, all vying for glory.
Organised by the WA Human Powered Vehicle Association, the event will showcase a record number of teams from across the State, coming together for an exciting display of endurance, teamwork, and engineering.
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Event organiser and racer Graham Johnson has been involved with the sport since 2018. He says the sport is a unique way of encouraging STEM learning, fostering teamwork, and improving physical fitness.
'It's a lot harder than you think it is . . . although you're lying down, you're doing a lot more work in your upper torso,' Mr Johnson said.
'With the 40-odd trikes on the track, you're rarely ever by yourself . . . that sort of increases the adrenaline rush that you get from it.' The vehicles are powered entirely off of human-strength. Credit: Graham Johnson
Given the sport's blend of design, engineering, physical fitness, and teamwork, many of the competing teams are made up of school students from across WA.
Averaging 30 km/h, teams will alternate riders throughout the three-hour event, completing hundreds of laps in a test of their stamina.
Mr Johnson spoke highly of the camaraderie and collaborative spirit in the sport and is encouraging the local community to come down and give it a try, with karts available for a test run and team members ready to answer any questions.
'While the competition is fierce, there's a real sense of community here. Everyone's helping one another, sharing a laugh, and simply enjoying the ride,' he said.
'It's a terrific atmosphere. You've got drivers of all ages, students, parents, teachers — collaborating together and having a great time.' The first race of the 2025 WA Pedal Prix Series is being held in Wanneroo this Sunday. Credit: Graham Johnson
WAHPVA president Justin Wong is inviting locals to head down, grab a bite from the canteen, and cheer on the racers during the event.
'The WA Pedal Prix Series is more than just a race; it's a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the incredible potential of human-powered vehicles,' Mr Wong said.
'We're thrilled to see the community come together to support this unique event.'
The Wanneroo race marks the first of four events in this year's series, with the next race debuting at the purpose-built racetrack at Splendid Park in Yanchep on June 21.
Following that, there will be races at Bunbury City Kart Club on July 26, and the grand finale at Busselton Foreshore on August 24, all part of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series.
For more information on the series, which is now in its fifth year, and to get involved, head to wapedalprix.org.
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