Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA), the peak body representing Australia's bicycling industry, has committed to strenghtening its advocacy role with the federal government by appointing ex-professional cyclist and advocacy specialist Stephen Hodge as their government relations representative.

The move marks a shift by the BIA to a more focused national effort to increase the profile and voice of cycling in federal policy and government thinking. It also builds on the recognised and successful work carried out by the Cycling Promotion Fund, an initative of the BIA.

Q.        Why has Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA) established a government relations function in Canberra ?

 A.        For many years now the industry has invested in a highly successful and respected promotional body, the Cycling Promotion Fund. The BIA has recognised that a stronger voice is needed at the federal level and has now focused its efforts and resources to establish a government relations unit in Canberra . This is similar to the many other national representative organisations that interact with federal government in Canberra .

Q.       What do you hope to achieve?

A.        The aim is to increase the profile and voice of cycling in federal policy and federal government thinking. With over 1.4 million bikes being sold each year, now is the time to ensure the federal government has access to information on the benefits of cycling as it determines policy to combat the many issues for which cycling provides answers such as the obesity epidemic, transport congestion, rising fuel prices and climate change.

Q.       How will it work?  

A.        We will continue to work with experts in public health, transport, planning, environment and cycle policy to deliver strong and positive results and we are looking forward to working with other organisations in our sector for representations to government.

Q.       What will be the relationship with other organisations?  

A.         We look forward to working cooperatively with other organisations in representations to government. A united cycling sector is the best way to move forward and increase the commitment of federal government to cycling and the many benefits it has to offer.

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