The campaign for 5% of the Victorian transport budget to provide a dedicated funding stream for Strategic Cycling Corridors has been keeping everyone busy!
In association with almost 30 bicycle user groups (BUGs), Streets Alive communities and other grassroots organisations, Bicycle Network launched a campaign calling on the state government to commit 5% of the transport budget to funding the Strategic Cycling Corridors and make it easier for Victorians to ride.
The Strategic Cycling Corridors were developed by the Victorian Government together with local councils and constitute a network of essential routes that connect key destinations across the state. They would help connect people to work, education, public transport, shops and other facilities.
Thousands of people have already checked their local electorate on the campaign website and hundreds have sent an email to their local MP asking them to support safer streets by advocating for 5% of the transport budget.
But we need a LOT more!
Local BUGs, Streets Alive communities and other grassroots community groups with an interest in active transport have also been busy, with almost thirty group representatives meeting at Bicycle Network’s offices in mid-June to plan their campaign activities.
For some this looks like handing out flyers to commuters in the morning, or to parents at local schools. Others have run rides or are attending local events to engage with their local community. We know that 75% of Victorians want to be able to ride, and that the biggest barrier to uptake is a lack of protected infrastructure so it makes sense that the wider community is engaged on the issue. In Hume it has even inspired the creation of a new Hume BUG, years after the previous BUG has stopped being active.
In Geelong local groups are organising a ride and meet up on Friday 10 July to launch the campaign locally and everyone in the area is invited. You can find all the details here.
If you’d like to get involved, either by helping hand out flyers or by connecting with a local BUG or advocacy group then send an email to bugs@bicyclenetwork.com.au.
And if you haven’t already emailed your local MP jump online and enter your address and you’ll find all the details filled in for you. We’re going to need hundreds of emails sent to every MP to make a difference!
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