Wollongong has been officially awarded the UCI Bike City label; a title bestowed to only 19 other cities around the world.
The title is granted by the world governing body of cycling, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), to cities and regions “which not only host major UCI cycling events but also invest in developing community cycling and related infrastructure and programmes”.
Wollongong was named a UCI Bike City in February 2021, with the official UCI plaque presented to Wollongong City Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown on 17 September to kick off the 2022 UCI Road World Championships.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the title was recognition of the Council’s ongoing work to develop infrastructure across the region for bike riders of all levels.
“When Wollongong was named Australia’s first UCI Bike City, we made a promise to continue to invest in cycling for everyone. Since then, Council has completed an extensive amount of work to improve and upgrade cycling infrastructure across the Wollongong Local Government Area,” he said.
“Some of the highlights include the latest upgrade of a new Bike Skills Playground at the already-popular Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park, and the recently unveiled Criterium Track in Unanderra.
“When it comes to getting around our city, we’ve watched cyclists of all ages make the most of Council’s pop-up cycling routes which link key destinations in Port Kembla, Thirroul, Towradgi, and Wollongong CBD.’’
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said the Council was committed to ensuring that bike riding was accessible for the entire community.
“As an organisation, Council has worked hard to improve and invest in a range of cycling infrastructure right across our city. We want to support cycling for all and we want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy bike riding and build their skills.
“In recent years Council has been improving bike infrastructure with separated cycleways and pop-up cycling routes, as well as investing in facilities like Cringila Hills and our local bike tracks.
“We’ve come a long way from when Wollongong was first given the prestigious UCI Bike City label. Back in early 2021, when we first received the honour, the label recognised the potential of Wollongong as a cycling-focussed city.
“Council is proud to have delivered so much in such a short time. It’s a fantastic achievement but what’s even better is seeing our community jump onboard and give projects such as the Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park and the Criterium track their big tick of approval.
“Already we’re seeing so many people, especially young people, make the most of these new cycling facilities and at the end of the day, there’s no better result than that.
“Wollongong’s UCI Bike City label and our commitment to cycling won’t end once the Championships rolls out of town. Instead, we’ve made a long-term commitment to improving cycling for all. Our goal is to continue working towards making Wollongong a fantastic place to ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard regardless of ability or skill.”
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