Following posted on behalf of Sam Powrie

Sam Powrie,Chair, BISA Committee,
Ph:(wk) 8348 6000
E-mail: chair@bisa.asn.au
Web: www.bisa.asn.au
GPO Box 792, Adelaide, SA. 5001

Survey of Cycling Policy & Program Initiatives:South Australian State Government Elections, 2006.

Dear State Election Candidate - 2006,

South Australia faces serious challenges over the coming years if it is to effectively address:

· escalating health costs -
· (generated by obesity and inactivity-related medical problems etc,)
· environmental degradation -
· (arising from air pollution, land use patterns, urban sprawl, road congestion etc,) and
· increased car private dependence -
· (which further reinforces the negative impact of both of the above)

While each area will require significant input from a range Government Departments to resolve, research has shown that cycling can significantly reduce the negative impact each of these issues has on our community.

In Europe, cycling accounts for up to 30% of all personal travel in some towns. This is in stark contrast to Adelaide where cycling accounts for only 1% of all private travel.

BISA believes that increasing the level of cycling trips taken by South Australians will contribute to addressing the above areas. However it will require that those elected to govern South Australia support initiatives that:

· promote the benefits of cycling via substantial and practical strategies

· provide infrastructure and supports that facilitate everyday cycling for all South Australians; and

· monitor Government and Departmental strategies, designed to address aspects of the above issues, to ensure they include cycling elements.

Ensuring that elected Members are responsive to issues facing society is important for the long term future of South Australia.

To ensure the public has information on these important matters, BISA is putting the following questions to all those standing for public office in the State Elections in 2006 to ascertain their views and support for the remedial actions required. We would appreciate your response.

· Many South Australians consider that they would cycle more if it was safer to do so:
1. What initiatives will you seek to introduce to improve the safety of cyclists on our roads and encourage more people to cycle?

· Obesity related problems are generating pressure on our health systems. Involvement with cycling has repeatedly been shown to have considerable health benefits to people of all ages.
2. What initiatives will you seek to implement to improve the health of South Australians through cycling?

· Rising fuel prices and associated costs of living are increasing the importance of cycling in our community.
3. What actions will you undertake to ensure cycling is encouraged and promoted as a viable and alternative means of transport in South Australia?

· Environmental changes are taking place that significantly threaten the environmental future of South Australia.
4. What commitments will you make to ensure that cycling and cyclists are supported to perform a greater role in strategies to address this matter?

· South Australia currently spend $1.50 per capita on cycling related activities. The Australian average is $3.00. Western Australia is currently $5.00 per capita
5. Will you be prepared to increase the level of South Australian funding to that of the Australian average level of spending per capita on cycling.

BISA will circulate a summary of your responses to these questions to cyclists and members of the general public, as they are received, prior to the 2006 State Elections.

Time spent responding to the questions will be valued and appreciated by the people of South Australia and contribute to them making an informed decision at the ballot box around important social issues such as health and transport.

Please send your response to me at chair@bisa.asn.au or by mail to the above address.

Thank you.

Sam Powrie,
Chair, Bicycle Institute of South Australia.
Date 9/12/2005