Local governments play an pivotal role when it comes to creating people-friendly streets that support active transport. It is more critical than ever that councils prioritise active transport and recreation as a way to manage the challenges posed by COVID-19, to support the economic recovery of businesses, and to build liveable, sustainable and resilient communities full of healthy and happy people. The NSW Local Government elections on December 4 provide an opportunity for electing candidates who support initiatives and improvements that encourage bike riding and walking. We’re calling on our members, friends, BUGs and local organisations to be a voice for bikes. Below are just some of the ways your council can help make it easier to ride a bike: Don’t wait to be contacted. If you’ve got a strong position on bikes, send us your responses to the questions listed and we’ll publish them on our website. Your local candidates are elected to lead the community, so be sure to make your concerns known to them. You have the best experience when it comes to riding a bike around your community. What are the challenges? What negatively affects your riding experience? No one knows your community better than you. When speaking to a candidate, consider sharing some personal experience of riding a bike in your community. This may help in painting a clearer picture of the concerns you raise. Here are some questions that you can ask your local candidates: If you’ve got a local infrastructure project, road, speed limit or initiative you’d like to see the council support, it’s worth raising that too. To find your candidates or information about your local council visit the NSW Electoral Commission website. Please note that Balranald Shire, Central Darling Shire, Central Coast and Wingecarribee councils will not be having an election. Early voting or ‘pre-poll’ is available from Monday 22 November to Friday 3 December 2021. Any person enrolled to vote may vote by pre-poll. You may be eligible to vote using a postal vote at this election. You can check your eligibility criteria here.On December 4 2021, 124 councils in New South Wales will be holding elections.
Riding a bike starts in our local neighbourhoods
What can councils do for bikes?
How to connect with your local candidates
Are you a local candidate up for election? We want to hear from you.
Step 1: Share your concerns
Step 2: Offer personal experience
Step 3: Ask questions
Key dates you need to know
Become our friend
Find out more about Bicycle Network and support us in making it easier for people to ride bikes.