There are still two years before the 2022 UCI Road Cycling World Championship rolls through Wollongong but the state government is already investing in ways to boost cycling in the city.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The city will play host to more than 1000 cyclists competing from 50 countries in the championship, with hundreds of thousands of people spectating and hundreds of millions of viewers watching on television.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee announced a $760,000 Legacy Fund for initiatives to promote cycling within the community for residents, groups and businesses.
"There will be a school bicycle education program for 10,000 primary students," he said.
"This will educate students about the benefits of cycling, will get them involved in the hobby or sport, and will teach them about the bike use safety.
"We want average people to engage with cycling so they can can change and live a healthy lifestyle."
Mr Lee said he hoped the program "got the next generation cycling", like when he used to jump on his bike with friends as a child.
The acting minister said the money would be available this year and the Legacy Fund programs were a way to "excite the community" in the lead up to the world event.
"This Legacy Fund will go somewhat into making Wollongong a cycling city that is renowned across the world," Mr Lee said.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said he was pleased the money would be used to create a legacy for the city beyond the 2022 event.
He said the event would attract elite cyclists but he also hoped the spotlight on the sport would have ripple effects by getting more people on bikes.
"The event will have benefits for one month in September 2022 but we will see implications for decades," Cr Bradbery said.
"It will change the whole profile of Wollongong and we will become a cycling city.
"Council is doing its bit by investing millions into paths and cycleways."
"This funding is an opportunity to seed other programs, such as engaging with the community especially school children; and will provide a centre for excellence in cycling to facilitate people's understanding of bike maintenance, fitness programs and more."
The Legacy Partnership Program will also provide community groups and businesses with the opportunity to apply for grants, which will partner with Wollongong 2022, to deliver innovate programs and projects that promote cycling throughout the community.