Phillip Darnton, Chair, Cycling England

Cycling England- 4 staff. A 'non-departmental public body'. Not a public-facing organisation.

Need to be careful politically- can't lobby. Mission is 'More people cycling, more safely, more often'- short urban trips. Need to align all initiatives with reducing congestion and pollution- Department of Transport objectives.

Don't talk to existing cyclists- aim at current non-cyclists who might start cycling. We are ambassadors for cycling whenever we ride- importance of Frocks on Bikes etc. Also don't have many women cycling yet- as mums, and will influence next generation.

Two main projects:

• Bikeability- people need to be taught to ride on the road
• Demonstration towns- need to focus and find a 'leader' for each project (London's increases in cycling are a result of mayoral leadership, more than anything else (congestion charge etc.)).

Try to join things up- Sustrans, CTC, British Cycling- need to coordinate voice.

It isn't really about cycling- more about what sort of streets & communities we want. This can be easier to sell 'invisibly' as well.

Discussion:

• How could we introduce congestion charging here? Was done in London in spite of huge opposition.
• Now is a very interesting time for cycling- a turning point. Need to keep sense of purpose in the midst of contradictions.

Fiona McColl, Executive Officer, Australian Bicycle Council

ABC is a bit like an unfunded version of Cycling England. Can advocate to government, but only transport-based (not recreation). Coordinates implementation of cycling strategy- currrently developing fourth cycling strategy (2011-2016). Board is made up of representatives from transport organisations, bike industry, health (nominally), Bicycle Federation of Australia.

• Happy to share information-e.g. via Cycling Promotion Fund.
• Improving coordination- e.g. compatible data.
• Cycling Resource Centre- web-based information hub.
• Have statistical info for both Australia and NZ (because NZ is part of Austroads).
• Integrated transport and land use planning- e.g. bike station in Brisbane.
• 'Aus Cycle'- cycle training programme, also based on Bikeability.
• Cycling material is now distributed throughout the new Austroads guidelines, rather than restricted to Part 14 as before.
• Contact Fiona McColl here.
• Bicycle Federation of Australia may be about to disappear- state groups have split off and one is trying to dominate.