State Government gets on its bike to promote new peak cycling body

One of Western Australia’s most popular sporting and recreational activities has a new peak body courtesy of $200,000 State Government funding.

02 September 2011

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said cycling was a major sport at all levels in WA and he wanted the newly-created WestCycle charged with taking it to a new level.

“From the weekend cyclist to the elite of the sport, cycling has a unique following and the Government wants WestCycle to promote further participation levels,” Mr Waldron said.

“We hope WestCycle will repeat the successes of similar organisations in New Zealand and Canada, which have been very successful in increasing participation rates in what is both a wonderful sport and recreation activity.

“Cadel Evans’ win in the Tour de France has been a major boost to the sport and we can expect increased numbers of young Cadels on our roads, trails and tracks.

“Cycling is also increasingly a major form of transport, so this is an important development on a number of levels.”  

The Minister said the State Government’s $200,000 funding would establish the new organisation in addition to the $150,000 in current funding for cycling organisations.

The WestCycle board will be chaired by Craig Smith-Gander and includes former Australian of the Year, Fiona Wood.

“WestCycle will co-ordinate and support cycling in WA through a State-wide strategic plan to encompass all elements of cycling from transport and participation through to elite sports,” Mr Smith-Gander said.

“I am looking forward to working with the board, government and cycling interest groups throughout the State to make cycling even bigger than it already is.”