A new publication released today by the Cycling Promotion Fund documents the rising cost of motoring and the economic benefits of cycling. Produced by the Cycling Promotion Fund, Economic Benefits of Cycling for Australia brings together the costs and benefits from key areas, including transport, health and environmental sectors.

 

“The publication outlines the cost of Australia’s high rate of car dependence to the economy in terms of fuel expenditure, traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and health” said Elliot Fishman, Policy Advisor with the Cycling Promotion Fund.

• Petrol expenditure savings of at least $35 million
• Reduced public health costs of approximately $154 million
• Traffic congestion savings of $63.9 million
  

 

Australian workers commuting by bicycle in capital cities covered 189 million kilometres in 2006 – an increase of 42.4 million kilometres from 2001.

“The skyrocketing cost of fuel and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions mean there has never been a better time to encourage cycling” added Fishman.

Our recent study, Cycling > Getting Australia Moving found the primary barrier preventing more people cycling is a lack of supportive infrastructure such as bicycle lanes and paths.

 

“More and more Australians are looking for ways of reducing the pain at the pump and greenhouse gas emissions. Cycling is a great way to do both. There has never been a better time for the Commonwealth to step in and help communities become more bicycle friendly” concludes Fishman.

Quick facts

• Half of all car trips in capital cities are less than 5km, with 1.35 million Australians making car trips to work of less than 5km.
• The US Federal Government recently committed an investment of $4.5 billion on walking and cycling projects.
• Australians will be increasingly hit by high petrol prices. Goldman Sachs predict the oil price will reach $US200 a barrel within 18 months, bringing the price at the pump to over $2.30 in Australian cities.
• In 2007, 1.47 million bicycles were sold, outselling cars for the 8th consecutive year. 
• According to an ABS study in 2006, the average yearly distance travelled by private vehicle is 14,600km with an average fuel consumption of 13.8 litres per 100km. Reducing vehicle km travelled by 15% could save an average driver $500 a year in fuel costs alone. 

• Economic Benefits of Cycling for Australia (PDF, 1.7M)
  
• Cycling: Getting Australia Moving (PDF, 3.1M)