Joint Statement: Brisbane to host inaugural Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress

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Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
16/03/2011

Brisbane to host inaugural Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress

Cycling experts from across the globe will meet in Brisbane later this year for the inaugural Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress.

Premier Anna Bligh, who joined thousands of cyclists across the state this morning for Ride to Work day, announced that Queensland would host the innovative cycling conference in Brisbane from 18-21 September 2011.

The Queensland Government is contributing $150,000 to the event which will help secure Queensland's growing status as a world leader in cycling facilities and infrastructure.

"Encouraging more people to cycle more often is important for our Government and for our society," said the Premier.

"Cycling is a fun and practical mode of transport, but it also helps us in the fight against traffic congestion, pollution and obesity and can improve just about anyone's overall health.

"That's why we are building 165 km of bikeways across the State and why we now have bikeways as standard on new pieces of infrastructure like the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge and the Ted Smout Bridge at Redcliffe."

Ms Bligh said an international cycle expo would precede the congress and be open to the general public to attend.

"Thousands of people are expected to attend the expo and the congress and both events will attract a strong interstate and international audience, which is expected to make significant contributions to the Queensland economy."

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said a strong contingent of keynote speakers representing the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and North America had been secured for the event.

"The Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress will provide an ideal platform for cycling planners, practitioners and academics to share research and knowledge, and develop ongoing contacts," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"With delegates able to participate in cycling tours as part of the Congress, the experience will be even more rewarding and will be a great way for our visitors to experience our world-class cycling infrastructure."

Bicycle Queensland Manager, Ben Wilson, said the Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress was perfectly timed for profiling the growing popularity of cycling as a sustainable transport choice.

"The congress will provide a forum for cycling planners, practitioners and academics, government representatives and community cycling groups to get together, network and develop technical approaches to cycleway planning," Mr Wilson said.

Stephen Hodge from Australia's Cycling Promotion Fund said the congress would make the most of a fast-growing trend in the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transport and as a positive lifestyle choice.

"These are exciting times for the cycling world. We are experiencing a boom in bicycle use, both for fun and practical reasons. The Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress will help boost the collaborative effort for ensuring cycling reaches critical velocity," he said.

The inaugural Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress will be held from 18-21 September 2011 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank, and is expected to attract approximately 400 congress delegates.

For more details on Congress registrations, sponsorship and events, visit the Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress website: www.cyclecongress.com.