Bicycle Network has helped develop 9 ideas to help households cut fuel use and ease cost‑of‑living pressures by making it easier to walk, ride and use public transport for everyday trips.
A national coalition* of cycling, walking and public health organisations has developed the list of nine ideas that can make a real difference to reducing fuel use and how much it costs us to get around.
The 26-cent a litre fuel tax cut is expected to expire on 30 June and Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled out an immediate extension ahead of the federal budget, suggesting that the government is open to alternatives to easing the fuel crisis.
The coalition’s 9 ideas are:
- Crossings and footpaths near schools, shops and stops
- Pop-up bike lanes on key commuter and public transport routes
- More frequent public transport services
- Pop-up bus-priority lanes
- Shorter wait times at push-button crossings
- Fuel-saving speed limits
- $100 vouchers for bicycle repairs
- Rapid grants for bike parking and end-of-trip upgrades
- $500 vouchers to buy a bicycle.
Bicycle Network Tasmania spokesperson Alison Hetherington said the fuel crisis highlighted the need to give people real alternatives, not just advice to drive less.
“Many daily trips could be done by walking, riding or public transport if safe, convenient options were available.
“The nine ideas are proven and can be rolled out quickly, saving households money and freeing up fuel for people who need it the most.
“We’ve already seen the success of e-bike rebates, no-interest loans and e-bike library on helping more Tasmanians to ride, let’s revisit these programs and look at pop-up safety treatments and bike parking grants.
Read the full joint statement: Joint-Statement-Nine-Ideas-to-Ease-Fuel-Crisis-Embargoed-.pdf
*Coalition
These initiatives have been developed and are supported by the following transport and health sector organisations: Australian Health Promotion Association; Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity; Better Streets; Bicycle Network; Bicycle NSW; Bicycle Queensland; Bike SA; Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia; Pedal Power ACT; Queensland Walks; 10,000 Steps; WestCycle; WeRide Australia.