The State of Australian Cities Report released today contains encouraging signs for liveability in our cities with a continuing shift to short trips by bicycle, walking and public transport.

Citing bicycle sales figures which have been collected by the Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) for the last decade, the Report outlines the health and liveability benefits that can result from making bicycling an easier, safer and more attractive choice for short trips.

Stephen Hodge, spokesperson for the CPF says the Report confirms the importance in making it easier for Australians to be able to choose a healthy alternative for their short trips.

“The report released today by Minister Albanese clearly outlines the value that can be created when people in our cities have options to get around without having to resort to their car.”

“Not only are Australians increasingly realising how easy and quick many of their short trips can be by bicycling, walking and public transport, but provision of the right paths and infrastructure, as well as programs and education are having a big impact in making it safer” he said.

“With a national survey conducted by the Cycling Promotion Fund and the National Heart Foundation cited in the Report finding that more than 62 per cent of Australians state that road safety is a main reason for not riding a bicycle, or for riding less frequently, investment in paths, programs and education is critical to ensure continued growth in bicycling and walking.”

“Public policy that guarantees provision of bicycle and walking environments along with all major infrastructure projects is vital to ensuring our cities continue to be attractive and liveable in the future.”

“The National Urban Policy states that funding under the Nation Building II program and other federal programs will be guided by the objectives of the Policy in its decisions for major infrastructure projects, something we at the Cycling Promotion Fund fully support” concluded Hodge.

• Media inquiries: Stephen Hodge:  0411 149 910
• Cycling Promotion Fund: www.cyclingpromotion.com.au
• Download CPF Media Release: State of Australian Cities Report confirms value of active travel (PDF, 109kb)