The Australian Greens have pledged $1 billion in funding over four years to help make it easier and safer for more people to ride bikes across the country.
The $1 billion announcement is the biggest commitment to bike riding and active transport in this election by a major party.
The package includes the creation of a comprehensive network of bicycle routes and separated infrastructure. The routes would link key destinations in regional and metropolitan areas and be integrated with public transport.
The plan also includes the development of end-of-trip facilities as part of infrastructure projects, investing in safe and secure public bike storage and funds to boost cycling tourism through the development of regional trails and facilities.
The Australian Greens support Bicycle Network’s proposed $20 spend per person on active transport infrastructure. This level of funding for active transport broadly mirrors what’s spent in the Netherlands and Denmark.
Currently, less than 1% of the federal transport budget is currently spent on bicycle facilities.
Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens spokesperson for infrastructure and transport said that almost all bike rider deaths on Australian roads are a failure of infrastructure.
“Every bike rider death on Australian roads is a preventable tragedy,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens transport spokesperson.
“An annual average of 38 people killed while bike riding on our roads is a sobering figure, and with over 12,000 people hospitalised after bike crashes in a year, it’s clear that our roads aren’t safe for bike riders.”
“While most Australians own a bike, most people don’t ride regularly because of the lack of safe bike paths and lanes. The Greens $1 billion funding over four years will make Australia a safer and easier place to cycle.”
“The public want a network of safe continuous routes that connect directly and integrate smoothly with our public transport network and key destinations such as schools and shopping centres.”
“We will invest in infrastructure that better integrates cycling and public transport, supports cycling for commuting and creates a network of cycling links for local and longer trips,” Senator Rice said.
What's been promised?
With just over a week until the election, make sure you're informed and that your vote counts for people who ride bikes.
We've contacted all major parties calling for their commitment to our election priorities that would turn Australia into a nation of bike riders.
Check out what's been promised by the major parties for people who ride and the responses we've received so far.
Commitment tracker