Wollongong capable of matching it with the best to claim global UCI Bike City award

In a coup for Wollongong, the bike-friendly city has been named alongside Copenhagen and Glasgow as finalists for a global award.

The three are finalists in the inaugural UCI Cycling for All and Sustainability Awards in the category of UCI Bike City.

Destination Wollongong’s Bike Friendly Business Program – an initiative encouraging businesses to install bike facilities and cater to cycling customers – has been shortlisted alongside Copenhagen’s renowned cycling superhighway and Scotland’s groundbreaking hosting of the UCI World Championships.

The city’s UCI ambassador Samara Shepherd has been invited to speak at the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum in Abu Dhabi in mid-December, where the winners will be announced.

Destination Wollongong acting general manager Jeremy Wilshire said he hoped Samara would return with the award in her carry-on luggage.

“I think it’s a bit of a coup for Wollongong to be up there, given how early it is in our iteration as a bike city,” he said.

“And if you look at the finalists, we’re up against Copenhagen, the cycling mecca of the world. They have the dedicated funding and infrastructure for something like a cycling super highway and Scotland, who were the first region to host all disciplines of the UCI World Championship.

“So they’re very active in that space, but it just shows that we can match it with the best.

“Standing on a world stage alongside destinations like Copenhagen and Scotland is a testament to Wollongong’s commitment to cycling.”

Wollongong hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 2022, one year after it was awarded the prestigious UCI Bike City label in 2021 for its long-term commitment to cycling.

Jeremy said the judging panel was impressed by the range of Wollongong’s cycling initiatives, particularly the Bike Friendly Business Program.

The UCI commended the program for its “exceptional contribution to increasing cycling’s positive social and environmental impact, promoting active mobility, and fostering everyday cycling”.

Launched in 2021, the program now boasts more than 150 accredited businesses across accommodation, attractions, food and beverage, and retail and services. Participation is free, with businesses assessed and accredited based on tailored criteria.

Accredited businesses gain access to a host of practical benefits, including improved cycle storage, bike washing facilities and targeted promotions.

Businesses also can access a Bike Friendly Employers’ Program, which supports workplaces in providing end-of-trip facilities, flexible working arrangements and cycle purchase incentives for employees.

“The Bike Friendly Business Program showcases how innovative ideas can create real, tangible benefits for our community, visitors and businesses,” Jeremy said.

“This nomination affirms Wollongong’s standing as a leader in sustainable transport and active mobility.”

Jeremy said the benefits of Wollongong hosting the UCI Championships continued to flow into the city.

“The direct legacy out of the UCI was a phone call from Triathlon Australia the week afterwards, saying, ‘Love what you did, can we look at hosting the World Triathlon Championships with you.’”

That has culminated in the city hosting the World Triathlon Championship Finals from 15 to 19 October next year, expected to attract more than 5000 competitors.

As well, another community Ride Wollongong Festival of Cycling will be held in May.

“From a community perspective, I think that’s a really nice legacy as well,” Jeremy said.