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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Alex Crowe

Chris likes to ride around town with a rabbit on his helmet. Here's why

Chris Schlegel and his rabbit Max Bugden enjoy bike riding around the Campbell area together. Picture: Karleen Minney

Ever seen a rabbit on a bicycle? Neither had Lee Shu Ying before this week.

She posted this observation to Canberra Notice Board on Facebook on Monday night after spotting a cyclist with a white rabbit "riding him riding the bike."

The man on the bike, Chris Schlegel, quickly responded to the woman's quest for answers.

Mr Schlegel was mid cruise to the Majura Park shopping centre with Max Bugden the bunny holding on to custom-made helmet handlebars when he was spotted.

The Campbell man said he'd been training rabbits to ride bikes since 2017. Max Bugden is one of several pet rabbits he takes cycling around the city.

Max Bugden and Chris Schlegel gor for a ride on Monday night. Picture: Instagram/insta_viperbite

While many rabbits can be taught to ride, Max Bugden was different in the way she propped himself up on hind legs, Mr Schlegel said.

To make his journey comfortable, the bunny lover crafted the handlebars from paddle pop sticks and skewers to provide him with something to hold on to.

The adventures of the three pet rabbits he currently keeps are not restricted to shopping trips either.

In fact, Mr Schlegel's bunnies have accompanied him to several Canberra events, including Australia Day and Floriade.

He said provided it's at night time, the nocturnal pets are happy to attend.

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Mr Schlegel said their training happened on the grass, to prevent any injuries. Despite not being the most intelligent animals, they were quick learners too.

"They make great pets because they're just as unique as humans, they have interests, they have hobbies," he said.

Mr Schlegel said growing up with rabbits that were kept in a cage, he wanted to let his bunnies get out and about.

Chris Schlegel has been spotted cycling around town with his pet rabbit. Picture: Supplied

So he taught them to accompany him on the bike.

"I take them out because I want to rabbits to live a life outside of the confines they usually live," he said.

"Their personalities become more complex as a result."

The Facebook post, as you would imagine, proved very popular, as Ms Lee described an "incredible sight".

"There it was in all its glory. A cyclist riding a bike on the bike path, with a white rabbit riding him riding the bike. It was definitely riding, with back paws on his shoulders and front paws on his helmet. The purest of white fur made it obvious that there were no straps holding it there. I was too busy staring like a noob who has never seen a rabbit riding a cyclist before so I failed to take a picture," she writes.

Lee Shu Ying drew this picture to accompany the post calling for more information on the man on the bicycle. Picture: Lee Shu Ying

"I need to know more about this white knight in glowing spotless armour and his humble steed. These questions, they're keeping me up at night. Who is this? How have they done this?? WHY HAS IT HAPPENED???"

As of Tuesday lunchtime, it had attracted hundreds of comments and reactions.

They include things like "This is the best thing ever", "this has made my night", "So amazing and funny! Best post here ever!", and "The world needs to know so more more about this dude and his rabbit". On the last part, we hope we've helped.

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