We head to the polls on 23 March
NSW State Election 2019
Our message to political parties is: be bold for bikes
It’s time to be bold for bikes
The increasing cost of living, health and congestion are having a very real impact on the people of NSW. Population growth, urbanisation and new technologies are rapidly changing the accessibility and connectivity of our communities.
Cities around the world with an eye on future growth and liveability are enthusiastically responding to these challenges by moving away from a dependence on cars and investing in efficient, sustainable and affordable active transport.
NSW has reached the point where critical decisions must be made — otherwise the state’s global brand, standard of living, transport network and economy are all at stake.
However, bike riding faces road blocks at every turn. NSW continues to have the lowest bike riding numbers in Australia. At the same time, less than one per cent of the NSW transport budget is allocated to active transport.
We need a government that’s progressive enough to invest in active transport and recreation that saves, improves and lengthens lives.
Making it easier for more people of all ages, genders and backgrounds to ride a bike for transport is one of the best ways to build physical activity into our daily lives, unclog public transport and free up our roads.
This election will be a watershed moment.
Momentum is building for change. The people of NSW are looking for a government that is willing to make the bold decisions that deliver the biggest gains and the answer to today’s challenges isn’t in organised sport or low-co-ordination, vaguely-justified roads and rail.
The people of NSW want to ride bikes and will back a government that promises to unlock the potential of our transport system with active travel and get NSW moving towards health and happiness, rather than a government that is afraid of the loud minority who incorrectly see bike riders as slowing them down.
Our message to the NSW political parties and candidates is:
Be bold for bikes and the people who ride them
Now’s the time to commit to making it easier for more people, of any age or ability, to ride bikes for their own health and happiness and the liveability of the entire community.
1. BUILDING PLACES FOR PEOPLE TO RIDE
Build and connect our cycleways
Invest in an ongoing annual bike infrastructure fund of $238 million+ (roughly $30 per head of population).
Accelerate plans and funding schedules
Accelerate the delivery of cycling infrastructure and related plans set out in the Future Transport Strategy from 2056 to 2026.
Positive provisioning
Commit to positive provisioning for all state-owned road projects, non-road transport projects and maintenance regimes.
Low speed local neighbourhoods
Reduce speeds on local streets or in built up environments to 30km/h.
Regional trails and tourism
Amend legislation to remove barriers to rail trails and establish an annual Rail Trail Fund to support development and construction.
2. NORMALISING BIKE RIDING
Fund a state-wide Ride2School program
Fund Bicycle Network’s flagship behaviour change program Ride2School by investing $4.5 million over four years.
Station access and bike parking
Every station needs a local bike network and secure bike parking.
Trial relaxation of helmet laws
Relax MHL with a five-year trial permitting people over the age of 17 to ride on footpaths and cycle paths/trails without a helmet.
3. PROTECTING PEOPLE WHO RIDE
Enforcement program for minimum passing distance law
Invest in a close-pass enforcement program that includes the establishment of a special policing unit. Learn more here.
Allow footpath riding for all ages in NSW
Remove the age limit and allow people of any age to ride on the footpath.
Bike policy should not be hard or complicated.
Parties of all ideologies can make a massive difference for people who ride.
And if you haven’t seen it yet, make sure you check out our NSW Budget submission 2019-20.
NSW election commitment tracker
In the lead up to the election, we’ll update this page with the commitments made by major parties that are relevant or directly impact people who ride. If we’ve missed one, please let us know via email: campaigns@bicyclenetwork.com.au.
LIBERALS
- Support for cycling projects in line with Future Transport Strategy 2025 which prioritises the delivery of connected cycling networks within 10 kilometres of metropolitan city centres by 2026, and within five kilometres of strategic centres by 2036. See Bicycle Network’s response to the Future Transport Strategy
- Double funding of active transport to $330 million over 5 years and spend another $285 million on paths through infrastructure projects such as the South West Metro.
- New fully separated cycleway along Centennial Park – Eastern Suburbs Cycleway
LABOR
- $7 million for getting kids on bikes including support for a Ride2School program
- $412 million commitment for cycling and walking infrastructure as well as rail trails in NSW
- Reinstate Active Transport NSW
- Planning for cycling and walking to be included in all future major road and rail projects
- Review local council Development Control Programs to deliver more bike parking and end-of-trip facilities near public transport hubs.
- $1 million for bike paths around Queanbeyan as part of an extra $10 million in funding to Canberra region for road upgrades
- $5 million for cycleways to connect Newcastle’s west and east
GREENS
- A proposed $164 million Cyclesafe network in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
- $250 million per year for a cycling
infrastructure fund ($1 billion over four
years) - Active transport infrastructure to be
mandatory in all major new road and
transport projects - At least 20% of developer contributions
to go towards cycling and walking
infrastructure; - Improved motorist education and
police enforcement to keep cyclists and
pedestrians safe; and - Statewide behaviour change education
programs to increase uptake of cycling and walking - See the Greens plan to improve cycling infrastructure
- See The Greens position, principles and aims when it comes to Active Transport points 53-59.
Latest news
NSW Greens pledge $1 billion for bikes
The Greens NSW have released their detailed plan to make easier for more people to ride, which includes a $1 billion cycling infrastructure fund.
NSW Government to double active travel investment
The NSW coalition government has promised to double its spending on bike and pedestrian paths if re-elected.
NSW Labor commits millions for bikes
Labor have committed to spend $412 million on infrastructure that makes it easier to ride and walk if the party wins the NSW State Election...
NSW Greens call for support for Newcastle’s Cyclesafe Network
NSW Greens have called for the major political parties to match their support for a state-funded cycleway network in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
NSW Labor commits $7m to get kids on bikes
NSW Labor has announced that if elected in March, they will commit $7 million to make it easier for more children to ride to school.
Make contact
Contact your local candidates and ask what they’re doing for bikes. We’ll share their responses online – just make sure you cc us at campaigns@bicyclenetwork.com.au
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Become a member
Become a member today and together we can make it easier for more people to ride.
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