Launched at the ‘Active Transport for Sustainable Cities Dinner’ in federal Parliament attended by MPs, Senators and senior staff in September, it illustrates how increasing the number of people cycling will help mitigate the costs of inactivity, congestion, pollution and emissions.

There is one week left to nominate for the 10th Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards. Nominations need to be submitted in the coming week to be a part of these remarkable awards. With ten categories open allowing for a diverse range of achievements to be recognised overall. Recognising the strong support for these awards, the National Heart Foundation has continued its relationship as the principal sponsor for this year’s awards.

Spokesman for the Cycling Promotion Fund, Stephen Hodge, explained “The National Awards continue to recognise the many professionals, ordinary Australians and organisations who are creating a healthier, more sustainable and bike‐friendly nation”.

The contribution that increasing participation in bike riding can make to the health of all Australians is one of the features of the report The Critical Decade: Climate Change and Health launched by the Climate Commission today.

The report, authored by Professor Tony McMichael and Professor Lesley Hughes of Macquarie University, canvasses the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change now and into the future.

The health benefits of active travel (walking and cycling) and their ability to contribute to reducing greenhouse emissions are outlined in the independent Commission’s report.

There is one month to go to nominate our local cycling individuals and communities to be acknowledged for their efforts in the 10th Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards.

Maybe you know of a local advocate, bike shop, school, educational institution, or bicycle-friendly local business that promotes cycling and goes that extra mile. Or have you been to an inspirational cycling event that deserves recognition?

Recognising the strong support for these awards, the National Heart Foundation has continued its relationship as the principal sponsor for this year’s awards. In the 10 years since the Awards were first held in 2002, we have seen outstanding nominations from right around Australia and we expect this year’s nominations to be no different.

The Cycling Promotion Fund is delighted to announce that nominations for the 10th Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards are now open. Since 2002 the Awards have recognised the contribution of individuals, groups and organisations in promoting bicycling and providing greater opportunities for the community to ride a bike.

The State of Australian Cities Report released today contains encouraging signs for liveability in our cities with a continuing shift to short trips by bicycle, walking and public transport.

Citing bicycle sales figures which have been collected by the Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) for the last decade, the Report outlines the health and liveability benefits that can result from making bicycling an easier, safer and more attractive choice for short trips.

Stephen Hodge, spokesperson for the CPF says the Report confirms the importance in making it easier for Australians to be able to choose a healthy alternative for their short trips.

“The report released today by Minister Albanese clearly outlines the value that can be created when people in our cities have options to get around without having to resort to their car.”

In a first for cycling in this country, the Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) organised the Active Transport for Sustainable Cities Dinner in Parliament House Canberra.

The event was extremely well supported with 19 Members of Parliament, Senators and senior advisors attending, including Cabinet Secretary Mark Dreyfus QC, Shadow Minister for Health, the Hon Kevin Andrews and senior advisors to Tony Abbott and Barnaby Joyce.

The CPF, with Government Relations Manager Stephen Hodge as MC, was able to present unique perspectives on the benefits of increased cycling from the UK, China, USA and Australia from four international and national key note speakers we flew in direct from the Asia Pacific Cycle Congress in Brisbane. 

CPF is thrilled with results of the National Cycling Participation Survey released today by the Australian Bicycle Council which show 18% or 4 million Australians of all ages are riding their bikes each week.

In the biggest study of its type ever undertaken in this country, the survey found around 3.6 million people ride for recreation and sport and 1.2 million make a least one transport trip each week.

The survey showed that more than 10% of Australian adults had ridden in the past week and almost 30% in the last year.

On average, those 10% riding in any week are achieving significant levels of physical activity at an average of 30 minutes a day to meet recommended levels for good health.

The Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) believes this is great news for a healthier Australia. The results reinforce the findings of an earlier survey carried out by the CPF and the National Heart Foundation of Australia which showed similar participation figures, but importantly that up to 60% of Australians not riding would consider riding for transport if road conditions were safer.