A City of Sydney cycling project to encourage people to ride to work has won a category of the Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards. The Cycling in the City project is an initiative to get people onto bicycles and to feel confident riding in Sydney.

More than 100 cyclists are participating in the program that includes cyclist safety and maintenance training, free trip computers, Bicycle NSW membership, advice on cycle routes and a chance to network with other cyclists. Organisations and companies participating need to provide secure bicycle parking areas.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said "The Cycling in the City project is part of the City's 10-year Cycle Strategy to increase bicycle usage by 500 per cent and construct an integrated cycle network, providing bike paths within five minutes of city residents."

Cycling in the City project wins NSW Heart Foundation award

3 August 2006

A City of Sydney cycling project to encourage people to ride to work has won a category of the Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards.

The Cycling in the City project won the Heart Health in Priority Groups award category and is an initiative by the City to get people onto bicycles and to feel confident riding in Sydney.

More than 100 cyclists from Westpac, AMP, IAG, ATO, RTA, Lend Lease, ANZ, City of Sydney, Telstra Wholesale and the Department of Environment and Conservation are participating in the program.

The City of Sydney offers cyclists safety and maintenance training, free trip computers, Bicycle NSW membership, advice on cycle routes and a chance to network with other cyclists. Organisations and companies participating need to provide secure bicycle parking areas.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the award, presented at a gala dinner tonight, was recognition of the City's commitment to increase cycling in Sydney.

"By riding a bicycle instead of driving, individuals can not only make a difference to climate change, but can reduce traffic congestion, noise and pollution," Ms Moore said.

"The Cycling in the City project is part of the City's 10-year Cycle Strategy to increase bicycle usage by 500 per cent and construct an integrated cycle network, providing bike paths within five minutes of city residents," she said.

Explaining the significance of the awards, Heart Foundation Chief Executive Officer Tony Thirlwell said: "The Awards are important because they recognise the achievements of local governments in the fight against heart and blood vessel disease."

During the past three months, 100 cycling novices involved in the City project:

More than 90 per cent of participants indicated they will continue cycling to work on a regular basis. Others reported a range of health benefits including weight loss, improved blood pressure and increased well-being.

For photos and interviews contact:

City of Sydney Josh MacKenzie 0402 351 459

Heart Foundation Suzie Freebury 0410 554 775

This media release appeared at http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/html/3017-cycling-in-the-city-project-wins-nsw-heart-foundation-award.asp.