Victorians are keen to embrace using a bicycle for local journeys, with 75% saying they are interested in riding more often. But for many, the confidence to use their bike, or let their kids use theirs, rests on a connected, quality network that, right now, just isn’t there.
That’s why we need your donations for our 5% for safer streets campaign!
Just 5% of the Victorian transport budget would help build the Strategic Cycling Corridor network in Victoria.
Strategic Cycling Corridors (SCCs) provide the broad-brush strokes of Victoria’s cycling network, linking activity centres, employment and transport hubs across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria and are the framework for a safer network.
When built, SCCs can integrate with local routes to allow everyone to find a safe route from their home to their destination, whether they are eight years old or eighty.
They can make public transport more accessible to more people, help reduce transport costs for families and provide significant health benefits for both individuals and at the public health level.
And for a cash-strapped state budget, the good news is that every dollar spent on safe cycling infrastructure delivers between $2.40 to $3.40 in benefits, and up to $4 when delivered as a network!
But as a network the SCCs are currently, as described by Infrastructure Victoria, a disconnected, low-quality cycling network. Opportunistic projects associated with major road and level crossing removals have provided some great upgrades, but can’t prioritise the building of a coherent network in a timely manner. For that, we need a dedicated funding stream established in Victoria’s transport budget.
Bicycle Network are collaborating with Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) and other volunteer community groups across the state to ask the Victorian government to allocate 5% of the transport budget to funding the building of the Strategic Cycling Corridor network.
Together with Bicycle Network members we are taking the message to local MPs ahead of the 2026 state election. But we need your support to make it happen!
Making a donation this EOFY will not only help to get more people on bikes but will also help to ensure the voices of riders are heard at the upcoming state election.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible and every little bit makes a difference.
You can contribute to the cause here.
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