Volunteer Award: Tony Stanley – Advocacy
Bike North’s activities fall within two broad categories: rides and advocacy. It is for his tireless work in advocating for better outcomes for cyclists in North Sydney that Tony Stanley has been recognized for a Bike North Volunteer Award for 2024.
The efforts of Bike North’s advocates aren’t always easily seen. Any given issue may have a high public profile, but those working to see it fulfilled are not so visible.
Tony Stanley is one such advocate who has been contributing enormous amounts of time over many years to support issues and projects in the North Sydney area.
Passionate about cycling and himself a noticeable example of an active transport user - he can often be seen transporting his daughter to child care with the kiddie trailer behind his bike – Tony understands the needs of cyclists in northern Sydney. He is committed to seeking improvements to facilities, safety and community acceptance for all cyclists.
One of Tony’s most long-standing projects has been to support the progress of the
Sydney Harbour Bridge ramp. Often in the face of fierce and vitriolic opposition and a web of misinformation, Tony is known for presenting compelling arguments based on flawless research.
Spending countless hours of his personal time, Tony regularly attends meetings of the North Sydney Council to listen to arguments about the SHB Ramp project – and other issues - and presents submissions on behalf of Bike North where appropriate. In addition, Tony has spoken on behalf of Bike North at such formal council meetings on a number of issues.
Tony has contributed to issues such as West St, improving access from the SHB through the North Sydney CBD, the Warringah Freeway Upgrade and numerous small projects around North Sydney such as Young St in Neutral Bay.
Tony also presents his arguments in submissions, which show an understanding of both the big picture and the detail. Using arguments based on facts and figures gleaned from a variety of authoritative sources, Tony’s submissions and input have been recognised and praised by organisations such as Bicycle NSW and Transport for NSW.
Tony contributes significantly to social media, on general cycling groups and on targeted locality-based groups, countering misinformation by consistently presenting facts.
Through his diligent efforts, Tony has built networks with many locals with their fingers on the pulse of local politics. He has developed valuable relationships with local councillors, opening channels of communication which have led to significant gains across important projects.
Through his recent membership of the Sustainable Transport Reference Committee at North Sydney Council, Tony has been earning the respect of the Mayor and others for his measured and intelligent contribution to discussions and planning.
In all these activities, Tony has worked closely with other Bike North advocates and has contributed the group’s knowledgebase.
Tony’s detailed knowledge of cycling-related issues in the North Sydney area and his willingness to continuously take action on behalf of us all, deserves the high praise that this Volunteer Award recognises. Thank you Tony, for all your work!
Nominated by Phillip Hart, President
Supported by David Thomson, Advocacy Co-ordinator & Carolyn New, Advocacy Convenor