Friday 22 January 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bicycle Network is urging bike riders from across New South Wales to unite and rally against the state
government’s plan to introduce mandatory ID and dramatically increase fines for bike riders.
The public rally against the NSW government’s new and prohibitive cycling laws is set to be held in Martin
Place at 7:30am on Thursday 18 February – the first week of parliament for the new year.
Bicycle Network CEO Craig Richards said that the rally will send a clear message to the NSW Government
that these harsh new laws are not only a barrier to bike riding, but will also set NSW back decades.
“Bike riders from across the state are sick of being treated with contempt by their government. This rally will
send a strong statement that we won’t be bullied and will fight for our right to ride with freedom,” said Mr
Richards.
“Whether you ride to work, school, for exercise or even to the shops, mandatory ID and exorbitant fine
increases will affect everyone who loves to ride, so it’s important that we come together as a community
and take a united stand.”
Bicycle Network’s aim is to make bike riding easier for everyone, and with more than 50,000 members, is
Australia’s largest cycling advocacy group.
Mr Richards believes the motives behind the new laws should be questioned, as there have been no
statistics or evidence provided to show that the changes will improve safety for road users.
“It seems that mandatory photo ID really is a de-facto bike licence – something that Roads Minister Duncan
Gay had failed to introduce in the past. NSW is planning to stand alone as the only place in the world with
compulsory ID for riders,” said Mr Richards.
“There have also been no increases in bike infringements in recent years, so why have some fines gone
from $71 to $425? It seems that as if stopping people from riding isn’t enough, the state government is also
trying to fleece money off cyclists.”
Those who cannot attend the rally are urged to take action by contacting Premier Mike Baird, Roads
Minister Duncan Gay, their local MP or voicing their concerns on social media using #rideIDfree.
More information on Bicycle Network’s campaign to stop these laws can be found at
bicyclenetwork.com.au/rideidfree.
Bicycle Network’s public rally protesting against the NSW State Government’s oppressive
new bike riding laws that include mandatory ID for bike riders and fine increases of up to 500
per cent.
7:30–8:30am, Thursday 18 February 2016
Martin Place, Sydney, right outside Parliament House
All bike riders and road users that oppose these new laws
To show the NSW Government that the introduction of these harsh new anti-cycling laws on
1 March are not only a barrier to bike riding, but will also set NSW back decades.

Bicycle Network is a charity that promotes the health of the community – combating
physical inactivity by making bike riding easier for everyone

Is owned collectively by more than 50,000 members

Campaigns to improve bike riding facilities

Conducts national behaviour change programs – Ride2Work, Ride2School and The
Happiness Cycle
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Runs world class events including the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride, Around the Bay,
Newcrest Orange Challenge, RACV Ascent and the Peaks Challenge series.
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For more information visit bicyclenetwork.com.au
Media contact: Alexander Miller, Media Adviser - Bicycle Network
P: 03 8376 8824 M: 0425 858 428 E: [email protected]