The Australian Government and the Greens have agreed to amendments to the $42 billion economic stimulus package, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

Thousands of Australians are getting on their bike today with this year's Tour Down Under participation event at record numbers.

The huge public response to this world class event, a record 7041 participants in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour is a reflection of the growing interest Australians have for cycling.

This is more than double last year’s number and well above the 652 riders who participated in the inaugural 2003 Community Challenge event.

• Read the full CPF Media Release (PDF file)
  

The Commonwealth Government has established a National Preventative Health Taskforce to provide evidence-based advice to governments and health providers on preventative health programs and strategies, focusing on the burden of chronic disease currently caused by obesity, tobacco and the excessive consumption of alcohol.

The discussion paper by the taskforce sets a target to make Australia the healthiest country by 2020.

• Link to the Australia: The Healthiest Country by 2020 discussion paper
• Link to Cycling Promotion Fund Submission (PDF, 196kb)
  

Australian bicycle sales continue to outstrip motor vehicle sales and prove resilient in the face of a slowing economy. Figures released today show bicycle sales have bucked the downward trend in consumer spending, outselling cars for the 9th consecutive year.

“The economic downturn and the affordability of cycling is one of the key reasons for the continued surge in bicycle sales” said Elliot Fishman, policy advisor with the Cycling Promotion Fund. “The sluggish economy, coupled with concern over climate change, health, congestion and petrol prices have strengthened interest in cycling as an option” said Fishman. 

The Awards are about Queenslanders working together to make  their communities, schools and workplaces healthier, as part of the Queensland Government's Toward Q2 ambition to make Queenslanders Australia's healthiest people

All communities, schools and workplaces are encouraged to enter. Entrants may include streets, community groups, clubs and associations, neighbourhood centres, local government, schools, small businesses, charities and corporations.

Winners will share in a prize pool totalling  $1 million for communities, $500,000 for schools and $100,000 for workplaces. 

The Age: Cycling funds disappoint (9th December, 2008)

Bicycle groups say they are "shocked and disappointed by the tiny financial commitment" made to cycling in the Government's Victorian Transport Plan. The Government said it would inject $100 million into cycling over the next 12 years.

But this is only a marginal increase on the Government's annual level of bicycle funding now. Bicycle Victoria said the transport plan had found an extra $800,000 a year for cyclists.

Don't miss this great opportunity to meet Sarah Ulmer, Track Cyclist legend and NZ Olympic Gold Medal Winner and find out what motiviated her to take up cycling and achieve her personal goals.

The Cycling Promotion Fund, SUB, Top Gear Cycles and the SUB Womens Cycle Challenge invite women of all ages and abilities to hear Sarah and Sports Physiotherapist Andrew Wynd who will provide tips on selecting the right bike, preventing cycle injuries and nutrition. 

All participants will receive a SUB Show Bag and go into the draw to win a $300 SUB voucher.

From the Sydney Bicycle Film Festival: The Big Bike Love and International Bicycle Film Festivals roll into Sydney this November bringing enough bike fun to satiate the most hard core cyclist.

The festivals are a month-long celebration of Sydney’s diverse cycling communities and include film, art, fashion and parties. Sydney is infamous for its lack of cycling infrastructure, driver attitudes and a culture that promotes the car as the ultimate coming of age accessory.