Monday nights private members motion, supporting the benefits of getting more Australians active on two wheels, was a first for the Australian Parliament and warmly supported by both government and the cross benches.

The Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) and National Heart Foundation applaud the Member for Oxley, Bernie Ripoll and the Member for Parramatta, Julie Owens, who seconded the motion, for their stance on the benefits that increasing participation in cycling will bring.

• Download media release: Bi-partisan support for bicycle benefits (PDF file, 73kb)
  

“It is very encouraging that a total of six members of the federal Parliament chose to speak on the national, regional and local benefits of getting more people on bikes,” Mr Hodge said.

“We hope that following significant stimulus spending on cycling and walking infrastructure this year by the Rudd Government, the Government continues their efforts to lower the barriers to getting more Australians on a bike.”

The National Heart Foundation also added their support to the motion which places on the parliamentary record the support of the Members for the benefits of cycling.

Dr Lyn Roberts, CEO- National, of the Heart Foundation underscores the health benefits of cycling.

“The Heart Foundation has a strong commitment to providing Australians with a variety of opportunities to increase their daily physical activity. Cyclists have particularly benefitted from our work in many communities to increase opportunities for physical activity in the local built environment,” Dr Roberts said.

“The Heart Foundation, as part of our standard health message, encourages Australians to be physically active in their daily lives. This includes replacing short car trips with walking and cycling, which improves the local environment through reduced traffic congestion and better urban planning, as well as providing infrastructure that supports improved health for all residents.”

The private members motion on cycling was supported by:

• Bernie Ripoll, Member for Oxley (ALP, Queensland)
• Darren Chester, Member for Gippsland (Nationals, Victoria)
• Julie Owens, Member for Parramatta (ALP, New South Wales)
• Luke Hartsuyker, Member for Cowper (Nationals, NSW)
• Sid Sidebottom, Member for Braddon (ALP, Tasmania)
• Russell Broadbent, Member for McMillan (Liberal, Victoria)

Private Members' Business, National Bike Path Program, Hansard, House of Representatives, 16 November 2009. (Refer to pages 139-144)

• Download Hansard (Proof copy, PDF file, 1.64M) 

Media inquiries

• Cycling Promotion Fund: Stephen Hodge, 0411 149 910
• National Heart Foundation: Siobhan O Neill, 0418 171 527

• 1,928,100 Australians rode a bike in 2008, a 21% increase on the year before (ERASS 2009). 337,000 more Australians rode a bike than the year before.

• In 2008, for the ninth year in a row Australian bicycle sales outstripped motor vehicle sales. Australians are not just buying bikes, they are using them increasingly frequently.

• Census figures show a 28% increase in riding to work across Australian capital cities. This growth is largely centred in areas with superior levels of bicycle infrastructure.

• Over 50% of car trips in Australian cities are under 5km and 30% are less than 3 km, ideal distances for travelling by bike.

Heart Foundation: Australias leading heart health charity, the Heart Foundation is funded almost entirely by donations from the community. The Heart Foundation saves lives and improves health through funding world-class cardiovascular research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting people with cardiovascular disease. Call the Heart Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87 or visit www.heartfoundation.org.au

The Cycling Promotion Fund: (CPF) is an initiative of the bicycle industry in Australia. It is a leading advocate for and source of information and advice on cycling, see www.cyclingpromotion.com.au

Reference

Standing Committee on Recreation and Sport, 2009. Participation in Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey 2008 Annual Report, Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government, Canberra. http://www.ausport.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/304384/ERASS_Report_2008.pdf