The Australian bicycle sector is calling on federal parties to support a $50 million bicycle infrastructure package and National Ride to School and Ride to Work program. 

"Cycling is a practical, low cost and healthy way for people to reduce their impact on the environment, cut their petrol costs and stay healthy. Federal support is needed to make cycling a real choice for more Australians. "

Full text:  Media Release -  On Ya Bike: Pedalling to avoid the pain at the pump

The Australian bicycle sector is calling on federal parties to support a $50m bicycle infrastructure package and National Ride to School and Ride to Work program.  Elliot Fishman, policy advisor at the Cycling Promotion Fund says the soaring world price of crude oil has triggered a bicycle boom in Australia. Recent sales figures show Australians brought 1.29 million bicycles in the last financial year, outnumbering car sales for the seventh consecutive year.

Peak hour traffic on Melbourne’s bicycle paths are up 20 – 40% in the last 12 months, as commuters trade spiralling petrol prices for the healthy, sustainable and affordable alternative. Fishman adds “Bicycle infrastructure has failed to keep up with the surging popularity of cycling”.

A recent survey of local government demonstrates that many municipalities recognise the multiple benefits of cycling, but lack the resources to deliver key walking and cycling projects.

To amend this imbalance, the Australian bicycle sector has proposed a Healthy and Active Transport (HEAT) program. “The HEAT program would provide direct federal funding to local government to assist in their rollout of walking and cycling infrastructure projects” says Fishman.

“Cycling is a practical, low cost and healthy way for people to reduce their impact on the environment, cut their petrol costs and stay healthy. Federal support is needed to make cycling a real choice for more Australians” concludes Fishman.

Media inquiries
Elliot Fishman, Policy Advisor: M 0438 547 450

Cycling Promotion Fund
www.rideabike.com.au

Vote 4 Cycling
www.vote4cycling.com.au

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