November 17: Media Release: Greens call for federal funding for cycling

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle has today launched The Greens federal cycling initiative. Joining dozens of cyclists for a mass ride into the centre of Sydney Senator Nettle announced that The Greens will be pushing for a Commonwealth commitment of $750 million dollars over ten years to support cycling infrastructure and promotion.

“The Greens believe that all transport funding should be based on principles of equity, fairness and sustainability. Cycling, walking and public transport make a huge positive contribution to the environment and to communities, yet the federal government is not doing enough to promote and support cycling,” Senator Nettle said.

“The Greens ‘Roads to Rail’ policy has called for 25% of the over $5 billion dedicated to road development each year to be redirected into sustainable transport options including cycling infrastructure.

“The funding priorities of this government need turning around. Currently the tariff on 4WD vehicles which subsidises 4WD by around $2000 per vehicle, costs the Commonwealth up to $150 million each year, whilst cycling gets almost nothing.

“Whilst the Australian National Cycling strategy 2005-2010 offers some policy coordination it offers nothing in terms of funding. The federal government’s Green House Gas Abatement Programme has just $6.4 million dollars for the National Travel Behaviour Change project which encourages people to move from their cars to walking cycling and public transport.

“The threat of dangerous climate change demands a whole of government response. Significant backing of sustainable transport options, including cycling, must be a part of that response.

“Cycling as a component of a healthy lifestyle is also important in combating the obesity challenge which costs Australia $21 billion annually. Investment in the promotion of cycling will save the Commonwealth money in health expenditure in the medium to long term.

“The Greens policy is developed in support the Healthy and Active Transport Programme initiative developed by Australian Bicycling Federation to build cycling infrastructure across the country.

Contact – Kristian Bolwell – +61411638320

POLICY HIGHLIGHTS

A) $750 million over ten years to support state and local government bike infrastructure projects

B) Commitment to target increase cycling participation in Australia to 15% by the year 2010

C) Support for cycling friendly public transport.

A. Building and Funding the Bike Network

The Commonwealth budget to include an ongoing component dedicated to assisting states and local governments to create and maintain bicycling infrastructure. – $750m over ten years

Councils and other institutions such as hospitals, universities, and corporations, will be provided with $3 for every cycling support dollar they contribute themselves.

Provision of bicycle facilities has to be written into all other infrastructure projects, so that, for example, if a road or rail line is built with federal dollars, bicycle network facilities have to be provided as part of the project.

In concert with the Healthy and Active Transport policy proposal support for ride to work and ride to school programmes.

B) Setting an aspirational target of bicycle trips

A specific government policy commitment to sustainable transport including a target for increasing cycling participation by 15% by the year 2010.

This specific goal is missing from the Australian National Cycling Strategy. Currently cycling participation for adults is at just over 9%.

C) Public Transport and Bicycles
Make bicycling and public transport work better together by actively promoting the value of riding to public transport, and by providing a range of bicycle facilities, such as accessible, undercover racks and lockers at stations and wharves;

Commonwealth support to State governments to ensure:

Construction of integrated bike paths to public transport hubs

Free carriage of folding bicycles on all buses and trains

Greatly improved provision for bicycle carriage on long-distance and inter-urban trains, and the promotion and facilitation of the use of railways for tourism and active community recreation;

Provision of secure undercover bicycle storage at train, bus, ferry wharves and light rail stations.

Jon Edwards
Chief of Staff
Senator Kerry Nettle
Australian Greens Senator for NSW
111-117 Devonshire St
Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010

Canberra 02 6277 3501
Sydney 02 9690 2038
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