The leaders of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling have joined in front of Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day.
The group, jointly chaired by the Member for Swan, Zaneta Mascarenhas, Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace and Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines, is an initiative of We Ride Australia and has vastly improved the bicycle sector’s ability to reach decision makers in federal parliament on key issues of concern for bike riders across Australia.
MP Andrew Wallace said ‘Cycling is one of the simplest and most accessible ways Australians can improve their physical health, support their mental wellbeing and stay connected with their community.
‘As Co-Convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling, I’m proud to support initiatives that encourage more people to get active, whether that’s riding to work, exercising with friends and family, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
‘World Bicycle Day is a great reminder that getting on a bike is not only good for our health, it’s good for our communities, our environment and our quality of life. I encourage Australians of all ages to get moving and discover the benefits that cycling can bring.’
Freedom, connection, health
The Member for Swan, Zaneta Mascarenhas, said ’Riding a bike is one of the simplest pleasures. It brings freedom, connects people to their communities, and makes everyday travel healthier, cheaper, and more sustainable.
‘The Albanese Government’s Active Transport Fund is backing local communities to build the footpaths, cycleways and safe connections that make it easier for more people to choose cycling for everyday travel.’
Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines, said ‘Investing in cycling means investing in healthier people and more connected, liveable communities.
‘My electorate of Indi welcomes thousands of visitors each year who take to two wheels to explore the trails traversing our wine regions, mountains and plains – supporting local tourism and regional economies along the way,’ she said.
‘This Parliamentary Friends group is about ensuring those benefits remain front of mind in national decision-making and are translated into real investment, such as the $500 million Active Transport Fund announced in the federal budget.
‘It will invest $90.2 million in its first year to deliver infrastructure like safe pathways for kids to ride to school, across the country – a significant step forward,’ said Dr Haines.
Coming soon
The group’s next major event in Parliament House will be held on Tuesday, 18 August to promote and celebrate the opportunities that investment in active transport infrastructure provides to all Australians.
Keynote speakers are the Mayor of the Sunshine Coast, Rosanna Natoli and CEO of Infrastructure Victoria, Dr Jonathan Spear, who will speak on the economic and social benefits of investment in walking and cycling for communities across Australia.
Additional events are being planned that include a possible all-parties Parliamentary briefing on the guidelines for the $500 million Active Transport Fund.
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