Bi-partisan members bill in Federal parliament on cycling a good sign

Via the National Cycling Promotion Fund (which BISA supports):
http://www.cyclingpromotion.com.au/content/view/456/9/
Bi-partisan support for bicycle benefits
Monday nights private members motion, supporting the benefits of getting more Australians active on two wheels, was a first for the Australian Parliament and warmly supported by both government and the cross benches.
The Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) and National Heart Foundation applaud the Member for Oxley, Bernie Ripoll and the Member for Parramatta, Julie Owens, who seconded the motion, for their stance on the benefits that increasing participation in cycling will bring.

• Download media release: Bi-partisan support for bicycle benefits (PDF file, 73kb)

CPF spokesperson Stephen Hodge emphasised the strong bipartisan support for the motion.
“It is very encouraging that a total of six members of the federal Parliament chose to speak on the national, regional and local benefits of getting more people on bikes,” Mr Hodge said.
“We hope that following significant stimulus spending on cycling and walking infrastructure this year by the Rudd Government, the Government continues their efforts to lower the barriers to getting more Australians on a bike.”
The National Heart Foundation also added their support to the motion which places on the parliamentary record the support of the Members for the benefits of cycling.
Dr Lyn Roberts, CEO- National, of the Heart Foundation underscores the health benefits of cycling.
“The Heart Foundation has a strong commitment to providing Australians with a variety of opportunities to increase their daily physical activity. Cyclists have particularly benefitted from our work in many communities to increase opportunities for physical activity in the local built environment,” Dr Roberts said.
“The Heart Foundation, as part of our standard health message, encourages Australians to be physically active in their daily lives. This includes replacing short car trips with walking and cycling, which improves the local environment through reduced traffic congestion and better urban planning, as well as providing infrastructure that supports improved health for all residents.”
The private members motion on cycling was supported by:

• Bernie Ripoll, Member for Oxley (ALP, Queensland)
• Darren Chester, Member for Gippsland (Nationals, Victoria)
• Julie Owens, Member for Parramatta (ALP, New South Wales)
• Luke Hartsuyker, Member for Cowper (Nationals, NSW)
• Sid Sidebottom, Member for Braddon (ALP, Tasmania)
• Russell Broadbent, Member for McMillan (Liberal, Victoria)