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 In this newsletter:
- Launch of a landmark report into cycling
- Free city bikes catching on around the world
- World class cycle centre for Brisbane
- New Fact Sheet on the boom in commuter cycling
- The Cycling Promotion Fund's Submission to the Garnaut Review
- Cycling Sector's Federal Budget Submission
- Bicycles on trains, buses and trams in Victoria
- Cycle tourism brings a boost to South Australia’s economy
- Bicycle Business Trends
Launch of a landmark report into cycling
On the 4th of June 2008, the Cycling Promotion Fund will launch its landmark report “Cycling: Getting Australia Moving” in Parliament House, Canberra. The report examines barriers, facilitators and interventions to increase cycling.
It estimates for the first time, the value of current levels of cycling, in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, and health savings.
The report provides valuable information to assist policy development, as Australia positions itself to meet the emerging challenge posed by climate change, sedentary lifestyle disease and spiralling world oil prices.
The launch of the report has been combined with the presentation of the National Bicycling Achievement Awards. The awards are an excellent demonstration of innovative programs around Australia focused on encouraging cycling.
Free city bikes catching on around the world
Public bicycle schemes are beginning to spring up in cities around the world. Most systems are financed by private companies, in partnership with city governments to help reduce car use and promote fun, healthy mobility in city centres.
The Paris Velib (meaning free bike or bike freedom) system has grown to include 20,000 bikes located at 1450 different points around France’s capital.
 The scheme was advanced by Paris Mayor, Bertrand Delanoe and begun in July, 2007. A public bicycle rental initiative is due to start later this year in Washington, D.C. and expected to begin in other US cities soon after.
Brisbane City Council has called for tenders to implement Australia’s first public bike hire scheme.
The initial stage of the project will have 2,000 bikes at 150 stations across inner-city Brisbane.
According to the Lord Mayor Mr. Newman, the project aims to reduce the need for vehicle trips in the inner city.
World class Cycle Centre for Brisbane
On the 2nd of July this year, Australia’s first Cycle Centre will be officially opened in Brisbane. Part of the King George Square Inner Northern Busway redevelopment, the centre will offer over 400 secure storage facilities for bikes and showers and change facilities, hair-drying stations, bike repair facilities and a drop off point for laundry.
All these facilities will be under one roof, making it a one-stop shop for cyclists and walkers. It is expected to cost $4.6m. The construction of this world class end-of-trip facility was one of the key policy initiatives of the Lord Mayor Cr.
Newman, who has argued that the Cycle Centre was a great way for state and local government to cooperate to deliver important sustainability projects. Brisbane has also committed to spend $25m each year to improve cycling facilities in the Queensland capital.
New Fact Sheet on the boom in commuter cycling
Every five years the Census asks Australians how they travelled to work. A dramatic rise in the number of people riding a bicycle to work was recorded on Census day 2006. Overall, Australian capital cities recorded a 28.9% increase in the number of people riding to work (bike only), compared with Census 2001.
Despite this impressive growth rate, over 1.35m Australians drive their cars less than 5km to work each day (ABS, 2006).
The Cycling Promotion Fund's Submission to the Garnaut Review
Earlier this year, the Garnaut Climate Change Review sort input on the key issues For reducing greenhouse emissions in transport, land-use and buildings.
The Cycling Promotion Fund’s submission focused on the contribution cycling can make to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and called for a significant boost in funding to help make cycling an option for more Australians.
Cycling Sector's Federal Budget Submission
In response to The Hon Wayne Swan’s call for community input into the Rudd Government’s first Budget, the Australian cycling sector submitted a $200 million bicycle infrastructure proposal known as the Healthy and Active Transport (HEAT) initiative.
Delivering $50 million per annum over four years, HEAT would see the Commonwealth directly assist local government develop significant walking and cycling infrastructure projects.
Elliot Fishman, policy advisor with the Cycling Promotion Fund said “HEAT provides an effective response to key challenges for the Federal Government. As a zero emission, petrol-free and healthy form of transport and recreation, cycling can provide practical solutions to climate change, soaring fuel costs, rising congestion and the obesity and diabetes epidemic”.
Bicycles on trains, buses and trams in Victoria
In early January this year, the Victorian Government banned bicycles on peak hour train services. Due to very strong public opposition, the Government reversed their decision and offered a range of initiatives to encourage the integration of bicycles with public transport.
Folding bicycles can be carried free on metropolitan trains, trams and buses; V/Line trains and coaches, and regional town bus services at any time. Bicycles can be carried free on metropolitan and V/Line trains at any time. Bicycles can be carried free on V/Line trains at any time. Around 20 new, high security bicycle shelters will be offered at train stations across Melbourne and some regional stations.
This initiative of the Victorian Government is in response to the strong demand from Victorians to combine bicycle and train travel.
Bicycle Business Trends
Rising petrol prices, concern over climate change and increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity has fuelled a surge in demand for bicycles around the world. Bicycle manufacturers and part suppliers are struggling to keep up with the demand.
The Earth Policy Institute report that China leads the world in the number of bikes produced per year, manufacturing around three quarters of the 100 million produced annually. Two major Australian businesses this week announced their intention to enter the booming bicycle industry, to take advantage of the sharp rise in community interest in cycling.
Flight Centre has continued its expansion into new fields of business by making a strategic investment in cycling, by taking on the wholesale distribution of Merida bicycle brands and permanent rights to the Indi brand.
Super Cheap Auto has acquired Goldcross Cycles which currently has 11 stores in metropolitan Melbourne. The car parts retailer is planning to expand the bicycle retail business to 50 stores around Australia. These developments are a clear sign that bicycles are destined to play a key role in the future, as oil depletion and climate change place increasing pressure on automobile use.
Cycling Promotion Information
The Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) is an initiative of the Bicycle Industries Australia Ltd to enable the industry to work collectively to promote cycling.
For more information on any of these cycling stories, feel free to contact the Cycling Promotion Fund or visit our website at www.rideabike.com.au
Kind regards,
Elliot Fishman
Policy and Research
Cycling Promotion Fund
M: 0438 547 450
Click here to contact Elliot Fishman
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