AusCycling will launch the inaugural two-day conference during the 2024 Brisbane Cycling Festival, from 11-13 April, 2024, which will attract 300 delegates from the cycling community, industry, academia and government.

With guaranteed support from Brisbane Economic Development Agency during the next three years, the conference is expected to deliver millions of dollars in economic benefits to the city.

“Brisbane is a city that can do it all, and combining industry offerings with major events is the best possible outcome as we maximise visitation and enhance economic opportunities,” says Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

“Brisbane is a hub for active and healthy lifestyles. Aligning Asia Pacific Cycling Conference with Brisbane Cycling Festival will see the city become a key destination for bike tourism in the lead up to the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

“We look forward to welcoming hundreds of cycling enthusiasts to Brisbane, who will fill our hotels and restaurants, and deliver significant economic impact.”

The Asia Pacific Cycling Conference will cover themes including the evolution of the sport, urban planning, establishment of bike-friendly cities, micro-mobility, bike tourism and the sustainability of trails.

“With almost four million Australians riding a bike every week, it has never been more important to talk about the contribution cycling makes to Australia’s cities, towns and regions,” says AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner.

“The Asia Pacific Cycling Conference is bringing together thought leaders across a range of disciplines and areas of interest to collaborate and share their expertise in a two-day program.

“We could not be happier with the calibre of speakers we have headlining the conference in 2024, including Brent Toderian. Based in Canada, he is an internationally respected practitioner and thought leader on advanced urbanism, city planning and urban design.

“[Also speaking will be] John MacAurthur, who is the sustainable transportation program manager at TREC at Portland State University, in the US. He brings learnings and insights around emerging trends in micro-mobility, and the relationship between active transportation and public health.

“[Another speaker is] Nick Morris, an Australian Paralympian who has worked across Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games. He works with organisations to foster accessibility for all in universal design culture.”