NOTE: This article will be updated as more funding announcements are made in the lead up to election day, Saturday 26 November.
As early voting opens on the Victorian state election this week, we’re yet to see much action on active transport policy. In our 2022 state election policy paper, we wrote on how there is ‘a lot of sentiment but not enough action’ to meet the Victorian Governments' pledge of 25 per cent of all trips by foot or bike by 2051.
The Victorian Cycling Strategy 2018-2028 does provide a strong guide for improving bike conditions across the state. However, achieving goals such as 25 per cent of all trips by foot or bike by 2050, means a significant investment is needed in new active transport infrastructure.
What Victoria needs is a ‘great plan, great policies, and great leaders’ to help us move forward and election times are when candidates can pitch their great plans and policies.
But when it comes to active transport plans and policies, there has been little commitment or promise from candidates.
At Bicycle Network, we’re asking for an elected government to commit at least 10 percent of the state’s transport budget for active transport projects, currently sitting at less than 2%.
Additionally, there are a number of fantastic projects that are ‘shovel ready’ but require state funding commitments to make the infrastructure happen. These projects include those such as the Hawthorn to Box Hill Rail Trail, High Country Rail Trail, Hobsons Bay Coastal trail, Sunshine - Water gardens bike link and many more.
So what has been announced?
The most significant announcements by major parties that are relevant to riders include:
- Labor: 34km of walking and riding paths through North East Link Program, removal of 110 level crossings by 2050, and continuation of the Greensborough-Eltham shared path
- Greens: $2.5 billion for ‘Big Bike Build’ funding package
- Liberal: $20 million for new Walmer Street Bridge and more bike facilities at Beaconsfield train station
You can keep up to date with bike-related election commitments and announcements via our tracker here.
You can also read the individual candidate responses to our three key election questions here, noting that a significant proportion of candidates have not responded to our survey.
With only one full week until election day, there is still time for candidates to commit to funding the active transport infrastructure that Victoria desperately needs.
What can you do?
You can help us get the message out and push your local candidate to take action on active transport. Here’s how:
- Speak with your local candidates – We need your help displaying that active transport is an issue worth talking about and committing funding to. You can easily send an e-mail to your candidates using our helpful guide. A personally worded email, sharing why the path would be important for you and your vote is a critical way of achieving policy commitments. Alternatively, you can try and approach your local candidates at a community event, or pre poll station, open from this week.
- Vote for bike-friendly candidates – Support those candidates that are ready to take action!
- Spread the word! – Get active on social media and share why active transport is important to you and be sure to tag @BicycleNetwork and your local candidates!