Meet the Strava user who’s turning Melbourne’s streets into his own canvas

This is the app that has played a role in Australia’s recent running boom. A social network-like platform that allows fitness fanatics to track their workouts with remarkable accuracy, Strava brings you a world of “local legends” and surprisingly addictive kudos. And while the urge to beat your mate’s 5k time can sometimes turn toxic, a Melburnian is doing their part to bring some light-hearted fun back to the app.

Pravin Xeona is one of the few Strava artists who uses the app to create drawings with GPS. At the start of the pandemic, the cyclist was inspired by a video from the United Kingdom and quickly started working on his own masterpieces.

“I thought, why can’t I try it here myself? That’s how it all started and my first design was the Batman logo,” he told Yahoo News Australia .

Soon Australian icons appeared in the form of a kangaroo and a koala in a tree. More recently, more complex works of art have been created, including an old-fashioned television set and the YT-1300 light freighter from Star Wars.

“It’s fun to plan and execute the designs. Sometimes I have to start planning again and do several iterations, but it’s worth it. As someone who loves to ride bikes and explore places, it’s the execution that pleases me the most.” he explained.

“Strava art helps me stay creative, healthy and happy.”

Not only do the drawings bring him joy, but he has also been overwhelmed by the reactions of others. “The response I get is so healthy. People are curious about how it’s done, appreciate the effort and tell me I walked past their house while I was doing the drawing,” he said .

Some of his most detailed works can take up to five hours to complete and he revealed he has ambitious plans for more artworks in the future.

Speaking about Strava’s success in recent years, he said it was a “huge win” for the app to convince runners, cyclists and swimmers of all abilities to be fascinated by performance and staying fit and in good health.

“Strava has played a huge role in helping me get off the couch, get out, ride, train and explore this beautiful country.”

Strava art created across Australia

Pravin isn’t the only Strava artist gaining attention in Australia. Pete Rabbit is known for his intricate creations across Adelaide, including a giant artwork of Bluey and last month he was the man behind a touching Lion King tribute to seven-year-old Zack Lush, who recently died of a rare childhood neurological disorder.

And in Sydney, Gareth Bishop impressed earlier this year, on Australia Day, with his satisfying map of Australia.

Strava has reached more than 125 million users worldwide, and CEO Michael Martin said this week that its growth has accelerated again in 2024, telling Bloomberg that they’re seeing people “get tired of social networks and that they are looking for real connections. “And I think Strava helps with that,” he said.

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