The Cycling Promotion Fund is delighted to announce the National Heart Foundation of Australia as principal partner for the Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards.

The support from the Heart Foundation for the Awards comes at a time of increasing concern about rising obesity and falling levels of physical activity among our school children and Australian families.

• Media Release: Heart Foundation partners Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards (PDF file, 60kb)
  

Spokesman for the Cycling Promotion Fund, Stephen Hodge, noted the importance of recognising the achievements in increasing participation in one of our most popular forms of physical activity.

“These Awards are enormously important to recognise success in getting more Australians physically active on two wheels and we traditionally receive nominations from all parts of the country.

“They recognise both the professionals and ordinary Australians who are creating a better, more bicycle friendly community,” he said.

Heart Foundation CEO – National Dr Lyn Roberts explained the fit for the Heart Foundation with the Awards; “The Heart Foundation has led efforts to increase daily physical activity to promote better health for all Australians,” she said

“There is clear evidence that increased participation in cycling will help reduce the health costs related to our inactive lifestyles and the Awards are important to give recognition to the projects which demonstrate what works best.”

The Cycling Promotion Fund’s Hodge added, “To receive support from the Heart Foundation which is such a respected national cardiovascular health and research organisation is an enormous boost in the current challenging economic environment.”

The Awards ceremony is traditionally held in Canberra and attended by Award winners, Members of Parliament and stakeholders from around the country.

The date in June and venue will be announced soon.

Nominations now open

Nominations are open for the 8th annual Awards which were first held in 2002.

The Awards cover a number of categories and nominations can be made online or via a form downloaded from the website www.cyclingawards.com.au.

Nominations close on 12 April 2010

Award Categories

• Cycling Promotion Award of the Year: Professional & Honorary categories
• Special Achievement Award by a Bicycle Organisation
• Local Government Award for Initiative to Encourage and Promote Cycling
• Award for Educational Institution for Innovation in Encouraging Cycling to School
• Award for Bicycle Friendly Business
• Award for Contribution towards Cycling by a Politician
• Award for Contribution towards Cycling by a Bicycle Retailer.