New Initiative: ÖGK and Cycling Austria Promote Cycling in Lower Austria
In Lower Austria, there is a new collaboration for everyone who enjoys being active. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) and the association "Cycling Austria" have launched a joint project. The goal of this cooperation is to promote public health through cycling and to provide professional support to local clubs.
So-called "club coaching" is at the heart of the initiative. Through this, cycling clubs in Lower Austria receive expert assistance to make their offerings more attractive. The aim is to inspire more people to take up cycling – whether as a hobby or as part of a club. The clubs also learn how to recruit new members and implement modern training methods.
For the ÖGK, this project is an important step toward preventive healthcare. Cycling is considered one of the healthiest sports, as it strengthens the cardiovascular system while remaining gentle on the joints. By supporting the clubs, the health insurance fund aims to encourage people to move more in their daily lives and leisure time to stay healthy in the long term.
Harald J. Mayer, President of Cycling Austria, is very pleased with the launch of the program. He emphasizes that the link between sport and health represents a major opportunity for the region. If the project in Lower Austria proves successful, the model could be expanded to other federal states in Austria in the future.