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Garrett Backs National Cycling Program
Media > Garrett Backs National Cycling Program
On the eve of World Environment Day, Environment Minister Peter Garrett today announced a $45,000 grant for the development of a national cycling training scheme, to encourage more people to choose two wheeled transportation over four.Presenting the ‘Local Government Award for Initiative to Encourage and Promote Cycling’ at the National Bicycling Achievement Awards in Canberra, Mr Garrett said the funds would be used to develop the Austcycle scheme with the support of the Bicycle Federation of Australia, the Amy Gillett Foundation and Cycling Australia.
“Choosing to ride a bike as an alternative to taking the car has the twin benefit of being good for your own health as well as good for the health of our environment.”
“300 grams of greenhouse gas emissions is saved, per kilometre, for every vehicle that is taken off our roads, potentially totalling an average of more than four tonnes of emissions per vehicle every year.”
“300 grams of greenhouse gas emissions is saved, per kilometre, for every vehicle that is taken off our roads, potentially totalling an average of more than four tonnes of emissions per vehicle every year.”
“However, one of the great barriers to people choosing to ride a bike is a lack of confidence and skill. This new scheme, including the development of a national training curriculum, trainer accreditation and a consistent and recognised standard of cycle training across Australia, will help address that problem and increase levels of cycling in the community.” Mr Garrett said through programs like TravelSmart, the Government was keen to encourage the use of public transport, cycling and walking as an alternative to car travel and hoped this new scheme would help see more people adopt two-wheeled transportation in future.
