The government is funding a Cycling Australia and Amy Gillet Foundation initiative AustCycle as a national standardised bike training programme.
As part of the ‘Healthy Community Initiatives’, the Department of Health and Ageing is putting $1.04-million towards AustCycle which is 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.
The Chairman of AustCycle, Graham Fredericks: “AustCycle will improve rider ability and awareness and nurture skilled, alert cyclists. 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. So equally paramount is the positive affect this will have on the collective wellbeing and welfare of all Australians.”
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.
AustCycle begins its nationwide rollout effective immediately. Details and further information from www.austcycle.com.au
