SBS Cycling Central : Getting people on bikes - Stephen Hodge (21 March 2011)

Do you know someone who deserves national recognition for their commitment to promoting cycling in their community? Whether it’s an individual, group, business, event or school, nominate them for an Australian Bicycling Achievement Award.

Since 2002 the Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards have been rewarding the people, programs and initiatives that have been getting people on bikes. These awards recognise commitment, innovation and perseverance in improving cycling conditions across Australia.

This year we are also introducing an award to recognise media identities, whether they are journalists, photographers, or editors, if they make a positive impact for people who ride a bike, nominate them for an award.

The CPF recently made a submission to a discussion paper by the Major Cities Unit, Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

Introduction - The Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF), an initiative of the Bicycle Industry in Australia, is pleased to provide its submission to the 2010 national urban policy discussion paper ‘Our Cities – A national strategy for the future of Australian cities’ (“Our Cities”) and contribute to the Australian Government’s effort to establish a National Urban Policy.

• Read about additional CPF submissions

“The media Award is enormously important to recognise the support and leadership from our best journalists in promoting cycling and getting more Australians to be active on two wheels.

This document incorporates views on the Draft National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) (Standing Committee on Transport 2010). It has been compiled from responses received by experts in road safety as well as bicycling groups. The Cycling Promotion Fund and the Amy Gillett Foundation have coordinated the administrative and writing task.

Significant input has been received from many areas including the following groups and individuals: Amy Gillett Foundation, (AGF) Bicycle NSW, Bicycle Transportation Alliance of WA (Inc) (BTA), Cycling Australia, Cycling Promotion Fund, Pedal Power ACT, Retail Cycle Traders Association, Dr Jan Garrard, Dr Leigh Glover, Prof Narelle Haworth, David Healy, Marilyn Johnston, Alton Twine.

Know someone who deserves national recognition for their commitment to promoting cycling? A local council or state government that has helped improve conditions for all bicycle riders? A bike shop or local business who goes further than just providing good customer service? A fantastic cycling event that deserves recognition?

A professional or volunteer who's shown a real commitment towards making Australia more bicycle-friendly? Or you know of a media personality, journalist or politician who's shown their support for cycling? Make your nomination now!

New alliance challenges retail giants on GST threshold debate (7th January 2011)

• Industry Update December 2010 - read background regarding GST Threshold for online imports.

The newly formed coalition of retailer and wholesaler associations - the Fair Imports Alliance – said calls from retail giants for an immediate reduction of the GST threshold did little to address the more significant issue of systematic abuse of current regulations for imported goods.

2010 has continued a decade of dominance with bicycles outselling cars each year for the past decade by over 2,000,000. Over 11.5million bikes were sold in that time.

Selling over 1.3million bikes in 2010, the Australian bicycle industry is now showing clear signs of returning to its record levels of 2007. These figures represent a 12% increase from the previous year and a 67% increase from 2001.

• Download Media Release ‐ Bikes outsell cars by 2,000,000 (PDF, 75kb)