For a slight bit of confusion, it is promoted by "We Ride Australia" which is the public face of the industry organisation, the Australian Cycling Promotion Fund Foundation (ACPF), previously known as the Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF). The Cycling Promotion Fund is funded by Bicycle Industry Australia members (ie. active members of the Australian cycling industry and the primary role is advocacy and lobby work for cycling on a national level.
The event information is included below and everyday people will be able to make nominations for the Cycling Luminaries.
The interesting thing is that the New South Wales Government is listed as the event partner. Partners are certainly crucial and Government partners make a lot of sense - it strengthens the information flow and ties which should in turn benefit transport and cycling.
But the NSW Government has proven itself to be completely against bike ride - in fact they have taken a very aggressive attitude which is reflected in their policies, the type and the content of government and minister communication and even the lack of communication and transparency as well as their budget, the policing and finally the accident and death tally.
A number of councils try to pick up the pieces, some with genuine progress, some with half-hearted compromises but in general, this is really the only way that there is any infrastructure improvements in the state of NSW.
Putting plans and visions on the table is politics and is different from tangible progress within the current term of Government. When the next government or minister is in office, the great plans are forgotten or compromised. The sincerity and trust follows the action that politicians and the government is undertaking now.
So while I still think that the NSW Government should be involved and needs to get bike riding on their agenda - the green washing with the 2056 vision are not cause for celebration or even recognition. But hopefully this event is a catalyst for the NSW government to start acting on a better transport strategy that is attractive, safer, healthy, cheaper, greener and forward compatible.
We need to see the NSW Government:
- spend more that 0.5% of their budget on (combined) pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
- document how the budget is being spent rather than hiding it from tax-payers
- focus on bike riding for transport and making it safe and viable to cycle
- introduce balanced transport - for example better public transport reduces congestion
- switch the policing priorities to protect safety rather than on 'silly' revenue raisers
- and much more... just take a cue from leading European nations.
No more plans and visions, so many countries lead the way and show what works so it is action that counts.
That's enough of my commentary, here are further details.
We Ride Australia is delighted to announce Transport for NSW as Principal Partner for the 2018 Australian Bicycle Summit to be held on 21st June and Cycling Luminaries Awards to be announced in a Gala Dinner on Wednesday 20th June.
We Ride Australia’s Director – National Advocacy, Stephen Hodge, said “the Summit unites government leaders, Australian cycling organisations and industry in this unique annual forum.
“This year the Summit theme of ‘connecting people and places’ recognises the importance of the NSW Premier’s State Infrastructure Strategy and Transport for NSW’s Future Transport 2056, a strategy that will guide investment in transport cycling for the next 40 years.
“The Summit is an important forum that recognises cycling’s contribution to the transport passenger task, the health of our citizens and the quality of our neighbourhoods,
“One of the main attractions will again be the national Cycling Luminaries Awards that will be announced at a Gala Dinner on June 20th,” Hodge said.
A Transport for NSW Spokesperson said, “We are delighted to be a Principal Partner of this event as we plan for better active transport infrastructure into the coming decades.
“The provision of safe and connected bicycle networks within ten kilometres of the Harbour CBD and emerging cities is a key deliverable of the Draft Greater Sydney Services and Infrastructure Plan which emphasises the importance of active transport in achieving the 30 Minute City vision for Greater Sydney.”
Government leaders join national and international guest speakers and Australian bicycle organisations in the annual Summit, with further announcements to be made on international and key note speakers, venue and program.
Summit key facts:
2018 Australian Bicycle Summit will be held at Lendlease Barangaroo on Thursday, 21st June.
14th Cycling Luminaries Awards will be announced at a Gala Awards Dinner at Lendlease Barangaroo on Wednesday, 20th June. Nominations open soon with updated information as it is announced at www.weride.org.au.