Bicycle Network has joined with other bicycle organisations to call for more funding for active transport from federal election candidates.
The joint statement asks the next Australian Government to commit at least $250 million per year to active transport, accounting for just 1.9% of the transport budget.
The current government recently announced the successful recipients of its Active Transport Fund, which allocated $100 million over four years to active transport.
The statement points out the many benefits of encouraging more people to ride:
“Creating appropriate infrastructure in our communities has been shown to significantly increase bike riding and is especially important around our schools. When parents and children can safely ride to school, morning traffic eases for everyone.
“The ability to choose a bike for short trips can help families save on transport costs while providing more convenient options for local travel. When more people feel confident riding bikes in their neighbourhoods, our streets become more efficient and enjoyable for all residents.
“The physical activity gained from riding a bike delivers immediate benefits to physical and mental health. Whether it's children riding to school or adults riding to work or shops, the preventative health benefits of cycling help people stay healthy and active.
“Enabling more people to ride bikes creates an immediate path to reduce our transport emissions while bringing multiple community benefits.”
Other requests in the statement of an incoming government include:
- working with state and territory governments to create safe cycling infrastructure around schools and communities
- removing the 5% tariff on imported e-bikes
- removing Fringe Benefits Tax on e-bike leasing to provide parity with electric vehicle incentives.
Signatories to the joint statement are Bicycle Network, We Ride, AusCycling, Pedal Power, Bicycle NSW, Bicycle Queensland, Bike SA and West Cycle.
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