The Bicycle NSW Environmental Trust helps Bicycle NSW continue its valuable work to encourage more people to cycle, and our Ride2School program is a shining example of one of Trust’s many success stories. Please visit http://www.bicyclensw.org.au/content/ride2school for further information. The programs help to improve environmental sustainability for everyone.

Bicycle NSW Community marketing and communications coordinator

It is increasingly important to promote and instil healthy behaviours in the community, particularly for those that are physically inactive and therefore pose a burden upon health services and society in later life. Choosing to make a journey via a sustainable active transport mode, such as bicycle riding, has enormous implications for both the individual and the wider environment. Bicycle NSW’s Behaviour Change programs have helped directly address these important issues in society today, working towards a sustained change in behaviour and attitude towards sustainable active transport.  

Sustainable active transport does not only improve the health and physical state of the environment, it also builds harmonious communities.  Moving through and within a community on a bike provides for communications and the development of relationships that enhance liveability, particularly of our urban environments.  The creation of accessible public space, engagement through volunteering, the celebration of diversity and community policing to grow public trust and confidence are important building blocks for the creation of harmonious communities. 

With the support of a grant from the Bicycle NSW Environment Trust, Bicycle NSW has appointed a suitably qualified person, initially for a 12 month period, with specific responsibility to engage with the community on a regular basis, promoting all our programs in collaboration with our BUG network and other channels in the community via specialist marketing/PR communications.   

With the funding we will address the key issues that are major barriers to active transport, especially in built up areas. They are concerns about safety, responsible riding and storage of bicycles. We will also focus on providing people with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to encourage participation in city life.