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The 2008 Bicycling Achievement Awards will be presented in Canberra today at an event presided over by former Victorian Premier The Hon Steve Bracks.
“We received a record number of high quality nominations from across the country and our winners reflect the very best examples from individuals and groups working to promote and encourage cycling” said Rosemarie Speidel, Program Director at the Cycling Promotion Fund.
The National Bicycling Achievement Awards have been held by the Cycling
Promotion Fund annually since 2002 and recognise innovation, commitment
and achievement in making Australia more bicycle friendly.
The Awards were held at Old Parliament House where finalists
joined Federal MP’s and Senators from around Australia to celebrate
outstanding achievement in cycling encouragement and promotion.
“One of the standout winners this year is the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Campbell Newman for his visionary $100 million investment in bicycle infrastructure and encouragement programs to help make Brisbane more liveable” Ms Speidel said.
Other high profile winners included three Tasmanian politicians, Premier David Bartlett, Opposition Leader Will Hodgman and Greens Leader Nick McKim, for their united support to make Tasmania one of the great cycling states of Australia.
The CPF was also inundated with nominations from schools encouraging their students to ride. The two winners in the schools category, Bayswater North and Benalla West Primary Schools, demonstrated excellent results and initiative.
Bayswater North doubled the number of children cycling to school in 2008 with a three-year program that encouraged and promoted the benefit of getting to school on two wheels, while Benalla West Primary school built a bike bank so kids without bikes could also experience the joys of cycling.
The momentum from around Australia to boost cycling participation is palpable. The commitment and enthusiasm shown by our winners and nominees is a great indication of the appreciation so many Australians are beginning to show for cycling.
“The future of cycling in Australia, whether as a recreational activity or mode of transport, is starting to look very bright,” concludes Speidel.
Winners of the Sixth Annual Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards
- Cycling Promotion Award (Special Initiative) – Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Campbell Newman, Brisbane City Council
- Cycling Promotion Award (Professional) – Alton Twine, Principal Active Transport, Brisbane City Council
- Cycling Promotion Award (Honorary) – Russ Webber, President North Shore Bicycle Group and Ted Wilson, Victoria
- Contribution to Cycling by a Politician – David Bartlett, Premier of Tasmania, Will Hodgman, Leader of the Opposition, Tasmania and Nick McKim, Leader of the Tasmanian Greens
- Award for an educational institution for innovation in encouraging cycling to school - Bayswater North Primary School, Victoria & Benalla West Primary School, Victoria
- Local Government Award for Special Initiative to encourage and promote cycling – City of Casey, Victoria & Darebin City Council, Victoria
- Award for Contribution Towards Cycling by a Bicycle Retailer – Adelaide Hills Cycles, South Australia
- Special Achievement Award by a Bicycle Organisation – Pedal Power, ACT & Aboriginal Men’s Group, Miller Bike Fleet
- Award for Bicycle Friendly Business – Victoria Hotel, Rutherglen, Victoria
Award Presentation details: 11:30am – 1:00pm, Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, Canberra
Images of the Awards available upon request
Media Inquiries: Rosemarie Speidel – 0407 537 760 |
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