Australian Cyclists Party plans upper house bids in Victoria, NSW  

The SMH reports that the success of various random minor parties in the Senate in recent federal election has prompted cyclists to get in on the action, launching a new party for upcoming state elections - Australian Cyclists Party plans upper house bids in Victoria, NSW.

We've seen the Motoring Enthusiast Party, the Sports Party and the Shooters and Fishers Party fight for upper house representation in federal and state elections. Now cyclists are hoping to become an independent political force.

Cycling activist Omar Khalifa spearheaded the launch of the Australian Cyclists Party with a membership drive at the AusBike expo in Melbourne at the weekend.

“Many people are saying, my goodness, if this group or that group can do it, why can't we?” said Mr Khalifa, a former CEO of Bicycle New South Wales. “It was a very easy sell to get people to sign up.” Omar Khalifa at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. He is launching the Australian Cyclists Party, which will contest for the Senate in Victoria and NSW state elections. Photograph Paul Jeffers The Age Newspaper Oct 12th 2013.

The fledgling party intends to register for the state elections in Victoria next November, and in NSW in 2015, and is signing up members via its website, IcycleIvote.com.