Added Power for New Parliamentary Friends of Cycling
Canberra, ACT
Some of Federal parliament’s most bike friendly politicians were officially inducted to the latest incarnation of a cross-party cycling alliance last month.
A ceremony on the lawns of Parliament House on 23rd November announced the new co-chairs of the Federal Parliamentary Friends of Cycling, coordinated by national active transport advocacy group We Ride Australia.
The WA Member for Swan, Zaneta Mascarenhas (Labor), Queensland’s Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace (Coalition) and Victoria’s Independent Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines, will co-chair the Friendship group for the 47th Parliament.
While the Friends are among Federal Parliament’s most cycling savvy officials, a special treat after the formalities opened their eyes to the possibilities of micromobility.
Trek, 99 Bikes and Lug+Carrie provided a wide range of e-bikes – including cargo, folding, commuter, gravel and mountain – for the political leaders to test ride during the event.
We Ride Australia’s Director – National Advocacy, Stephen Hodge, said the participating pollies were amazed and thrilled by the quality and capacity of modern e-bikes.
“Many of them took the opportunity to try several of the bikes and had smiles from ear to ear.
“It was certainly an eye-opener for some of them.”
The Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, launched the group, joined by Lower House Members, Senators and key staff from all major parties, along with several Independents.
They also included:
- ACT Minister for Transport Chris Steel
- Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie
- Member for Kooyong Dr Monique Ryan
- Member for Curtin Kate Chaney
- Member for Wentworth Allegra Spender
- Member for Fraser Dr Daniel Mulino
- Greens Senator for Victoria Senator Janet Rice
- Stephen Campbell from the office of the Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie
- Luke McClean from the Office of the Member for Warringah, Zali Steggall
Stephen said the Parliamentary Friendship Group is a “critical platform for that allows WeRide and the bicycle sector to engage with key politicians and bureaucratic decision makers”.
“It promotes engagement and allows WeRide to advocate on behalf of bicycle riders and the entire sector,” Stephen said.
He said conversations during the launch focused on the benefits of e-bikes for more efficient transport systems, better physical and mental health, their contribution to a low-carbon future, improved community liveability and environment, increased transport equity and regional economic development.