Making everyday Ride to Work Day is the key message of the Cycling Promotion Fund's $800 million submission to Infrastructure Australia released today.

Launched at National Ride to Work Day, the Cycling Promotion Fund has called for a bicycle infrastructure package of national significance.

"Climate change, spiralling fuel costs, crippling congestion and the obesity epidemic are all important reasons for the Commonwealth to start investing in cycling" said Elliot Fishman spokesperson for the Cycling Promotion Fund.

• ABC Radio Australia: Australian cyclists call for safer conditions (15 October, 2008)
• ABC News Online: Govt urged to spend $800m on bike lanes (15 October, 2008)

• Click here to download the CPF Infrastructure Australia submission 
• Click here to download the media release

Media Release: Making everyday Ride to Work Day (full text)

Making everyday Ride to Work Day is the key message of the Cycling Promotion Fund’s $800m submission to Infrastructure Australia released today. Launched on National Ride to Work Day, the Cycling Promotion Fund has called for a bicycle infrastructure package of national significance.

“Climate change, spiralling fuel costs, crippling congestion and the obesity epidemic are all important reasons for the Commonwealth to start investing in cycling” said Elliot Fishman, spokesperson for the Cycling Promotion Fund.

Bicycle infrastructure in Australian cities is well behind best practice and community expectations.

“Our infrastructure proposal is able to be rolled out quickly and will more than pay for itself through reductions in emissions, rates of obesity and diabetes, traffic congestion and fuel costs” argues Fishman.

“With rising transport costs and a slowing economy, now is the right time for the Commonwealth to get behind this sustainable, healthy and affordable form of transport” said Fishman.

Australians are starting to appreciate the benefits of pedal power.

In 2007, 1.47 million bicycles were sold, outnumbering car sales for the 8th consecutive year. Bicycle use to work is up 28% between Census 2001 and 2006.

Research indicates that many more Australians would choose to cycle if our streets became more bicycle friendly. By providing $200m over four years, the Commonwealth has the opportunity to respond to the community’s desire to cycle and address issues of national significance including climate change, petrol prices, congestion and health.

Quick Facts

• The US Federal Government recently committed to a $4.5 billion bicycle package
• The UK Government has committed to a $220 million bicycle encourage program
• Obesity costs Australia over $58 billion annually (Access Economics, 2008)
• Over 50% of car trips in Australian cities are less than 5km (Austroads, 2005)
• Transport emissions are expected to soar 67% by 2020 (Commonwealth Govt. 2008)
  According to CSIRO, petrol could cost $8 per litre by 2018 – costing $480 per fill up!