The Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund has been developed to continue all of the great work of the Bicycle NSW Environmental Trust and in addition to fundraise nation-wide and share the benefits nationally in order to create stronger bicycle advocacy outcomes together.
The Bicycle NSW Environmental Trust was established in 2003 to promote bicycle riding as an environmentally beneficial means of transport. For over 20 years, the Trust has helped deliver valuable work of getting more people riding bikes through its program of events, advocacy, community building and membership.
Collaboration and ‘we ride together’ is a key strategic pillar for Bicycle NSW which has helped drive this decision. After initial engagement, governance and legal advice as well as outreach with other peak bicycle advocacy bodies around Australia, it was agreed to seek donations nationally to benefit all advocacy groups. This was finalised in 2025 along with a new trading name and interim logo to introduce the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund.
Objectives of the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund
- To conserve and protect the natural environment through the promotion of bicycling as an environmentally beneficial means of transport;
- To promote the use of the bicycle as a key element of ecologically sustainable development practices;
- To promote bicycle transport as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air and water quality, reducing non-renewable energy consumption, and improving land use; and
- To promote the use of the bicycle as a healthy, environmentally sustainable means of enhancing accessibility and personal mobility in the community.
You can make a tax deductible donation to the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund to help deliver programs and actions to create a better environment for all bicycle users.
FAQs
How will the Australia Bicycle Advocacy Fund work?
The Fund will collect donations and receive funding applications by invitation which will need to approved by the management committee. Successfully project will require reporting on to ensure the funds objectives are met and the project outcomes are achieved.
How might BUGs participate?
Get in contact with Bicycle NSW to discuss your project and we’ll look at how we can try and get it funded to make it a reality.
Why does Bicycle NSW and advocacy groups need a Fund?
A Fund is important as it allows passionate people to donate towards bicycle advocacy activities while being eligible for a tax deductible receipt.
Will donations go towards supporting projects locally?
Yes, as long as they meet the objectives and address key funding criteria.
How do I keep up to date with the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund activities?
Become a member or supporter and receive regular updates and information or keep an eye on the website and social media for news and updates.
Management Committee
The Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund is managed by a Management Committee.
The new Committee is made up of the Presidents, Chairs or board representatives from each of the peak bicycle advocacy groups around Australia. The current Management Committee is:
- Melinda Tarrant
- David Whitney
- Richard Buning
- Maureen Merrick
- Deborah Millard
- James Garrick
Trust Deed
The Bicycle NSW Environmental Trust was established under a Trust Deed which outlines the purpose of the Trust as well as various rules and definitions guiding its purpose. The new management committee of the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund will operate under the same deed ensuring that the funds of the Trust are used for the purposes described in the Deed of the Trust.
Click here to view Deed which the Australia Bicycle Advocacy Fund operates under.
Previously funded projects:
Advocacy Support Program 2022/23
This program assisted Bicycle NSW to fund additional advocacy support expertise to monitor and focus on hundreds of bicycle related infrastructure projects and plans across NSW. This has directly influenced positive outcomes in many projects, direct outcomes include the Sydney Harbour Bridge North Ramp, Roll on bikes, Sydney Gateway and Rail Trail amendment Bills along with many positive projects in the future pipeline. Check out some of the submissions from Bicycle NSW.
NSW Election Engagement Program 2023
This Bicycle NSW program worked alongside Bicycle User Groups and other communities to engage candidates in pledging to support active transport initiatives in their local areas. The program supported groups with resources and information to education candidates and develop working relationships for the future term of the NSW Parliament. This program has now been shared with other groups interstate and will be grown and developed for future local, state and federal elections in NSW.
Awareness and Advocacy Campaign 2023/24
This program supported the Better Streets campaign in developing a grassroots campaign to significantly accelerate the development of active transport in NSW. This project engaged a PR agency, advertising agency and other developers to build a coalition or organisations, provide training to BUG groups, influence elected officials and key influencers towards funding walking and cycling infrastructure.
Bicycle NSW Environmental Trust Annual Appeals
Thank you to everyone who has generously donated to the Bicycle NSW Environmental Trust Annual Appeals. These funds are warmly received and contribute towards the vital advocacy, education and awareness programs to achieve all the benefits which bicycle bring to our environment, community and economy.
We would like to acknowledge these generous donors who have contributed: Australian Communities Foundation, Daniel Endicott, Evan Davis, Gernot Heiser, Mathew Whittingham, Mountain Air Foundation, Peter Bobbin, Rolf Muller