First nationally standardised bike training programme announced

Transport history was made today with the announcement of a $1.04-million Department of Health and Ageing grant to expand AustCycle, an ambitious joint venture between Cycling Australia and the Amy Gillett Foundation. 

AustCycle partners Amy Gillett Foundation and Cycling Australia hope the announcement heralds a new dawn for Australian transport safety and improved community health.

Funded largely by the Department of Health and Ageing ‘Healthy Community Initiatives’, AustCycle will realise the country’s first nationally standardised bike training programme.

Designed to impart practical and theoretical knowledge to cycling members of the public in an effort to make bike riding as safe as possible, AustCycle training includes bike handling skills, maintenance, road laws and rules.  The programme is open to all ages, all amateur levels of experience, male and female.

As AustCycle Chairman Graham Fredericks explains, the initiative will deliver myriad outcomes.

“AustCycle will improve rider ability and awareness and nurture skilled, alert cyclists," said Mr Fredericks. "That will create a positive flow-on effect to motorists which means everyone will feel safer on our roads."

“Riding a bike is terrifically inclusive and provides both health and economic benefits for everyone, particularly disadvantaged communities," said Mr Fredericks. "So equally paramount is the positive affect this will have on the collective wellbeing and welfare of all Australians."

In keeping with the Healthy Communities Initiative, AustCycle will promote a healthier lifestyle and create an environment where more commuters opt for the bike instead of the car to go about their daily business and therefore become more active.

“Bike riding contributes to a healthy lifestyle and is good for the environment.  Given bikes have outsold cars for the ninth consecutive year in Australia it's obvious this isn't an overnight fad. Therefore it's imperative we do everything we can to ensure people feel more confident and comfortable riding a bike," said Fredericks.  "AustCycle will help them  become competent and safe commuters."

The announcement comes days before the fifth anniversary of the death of cyclist Amy Gillett in a tragic road accident in Germany.

For further information visit www.austcycle.com.au

Media release from The Hon Nicola Roxon MP - Minister for Health and Ageing