When it clicks, it clicks - from features to friendships

After a lovely chat with Wendy Nash from Get Around Caboolture, I found myself reflecting on the 13-year journey we’ve had with Bunchrides. I shared the ups, the pivots, and the recent shift in focus that finally brought everything together. She replied back to my email after our conversation and said, “When it clicks, it clicks.” And she was right.

For years, Bunchrides was built as a map based platform for finding rides, groups and other bike riders, a tool for coordination and connection. But what we learned is that tools alone don’t inspire people. Purpose does.
 

Start with 'Why'

 Simon Sinek - Start with Why

Simon Sinek captured this so well in his Start with Why talk. His core message: people don’t buy what you do or how you do it, they buy why you do it. 
And if your product or service doesn’t start with a strong ‘Why’, you’ll end up stuck talking about price, features or functionality. You lose the emotional connection.

Bunchrides is just software. It’s the engine that powers Neighbourly Ride—but it’s the riders, the conversations, the shared coffees, the laughter, and the friendships that make the program what it is.
 

Features and functionality

 Bunchrides home page - circa 201

For a long time, we were focused on what the app does - Ride organisation and communication, Group management and group messaging amongst many other core features.

All important, yes but not compelling. These features were useful, but they weren’t powerful enough to pull people away from the platforms they were already using daily, like WhatsApp or Instagram. Those platforms are deeply embedded in people’s habits, it's where conversations happen, events get shared, and communities informally gather. So even though we had tools designed specifically for cycling, they didn’t offer a strong enough reason to break that muscle memory and change behaviour.

We tried different user groups, different markets, pilot programs, and new features based on feedback. But it wasn’t until we shifted our focus entirely to building a community, especially one that supports mental health, reduces loneliness, and isolation that it clicked. That’s when we stopped trying to compete on features and started leading with purpose. And that’s when people started supporting our rides.
 

That’s when we found our 'Why'

Late Autumn 2025 - Carlton, Victoria

Neighbourly Ride isn’t about cycling, it’s about connection. Bunchrides just makes it possible.

Since early 2024, we’ve seen a remarkable shift. We’ve had support from local councils, community organisations, Health networks, cafés, bike shops, small businesses and even infrastructure providers. Not because they love another cycling program but because they believe in what Neighbourly Ride stands for.
 

The power behind Neighbourly Ride isn’t the app, it’s the people

Crossing St George's Rd, North Fitzroy - Samantha leading

Last week, I dropped into a community centre. No appointment, no pitch, just to introduce Neighbourly Ride. 

The centre manager and programs coordinator welcomed me with open arms. “Thank you for calling in,” they said. Another centre followed up the next day after receiving one of our swing tags. These moments happen often now. People want to be part of something that feels real and touches the local community in positive ways.
 

Community is the motivation

Commencement - waiting patiently with the wet weather

Even last weekend, with rain on the radar, we weren’t sure whether to cancel. But Samantha, our newest Ride leader turned up early to prepare at the cafe around the corner from the meeting point, it was drizzling. At 9:55 am Samantha walked to the meeting point, expecting one or two hardy souls. Ten riders patiently waiting, geared up with rain coats and jackets, smiling and ready to go.

We gave the group the option: ride or café? The vote was unanimous - ride!
 

Leading with purpose - creating a movement

Neighbourly Ride with Fabio leading Summer 2025

This is what happens when you build around a clear ‘Why’. People don’t join to support a tech platform, they show up because they care. They want connection and meaning.

We’re proud that Bunchrides helps make all of this happen, quietly in the background. But we’re even more proud that Neighbourly Ride has become a trusted, joyful, and grassroots way for people to connect.

When it clicks, it clicks.