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Vote4Cycling
Federal Government Campaign
Historically, there has been little federal support for cycling, relative to state and local contributions. With the converging issues of climate change, spiralling fuel costs, an obesity epidemic and rising congestion, there has never been a better opportunity to get bicycles on the agenda at the national level.
Federal Government Budget SubmissionThe Australian cycling sector has submitted a $200 million bicycle infrastructrue proposal known as the Healthy and Active Transport (HEAT) initiative. The program would see the Commonwealth directly assist local goverment to develop significant walking and cycling infrastructure projects.
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Cycling offers a range of important benefits. As a zero emission form of transport and recreation, it can help reduce the soaring rate of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.
- Cycling is also a proven method of reducing our rates of obesity and diabetes.
- With urban congestion becoming an increasing feature of our daily lives, cycling presents a refreshing alternative that takes only
1/12 the road space of a car.
- Spiralling fuel costs are straining household budgets. Cycling is a great way to get fit, make short trips and avoid the pain at the pump.
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Economic benefits of cycling:
Cycling: Getting Australia moving is a gound breaking research report into cycling. The report, commissioned by the Department of Health and Ageing and published by the Cycling Promotion Fund, was launched in Canberra on the 4. June 2008 by Professor Rob Moodie. The report found that cycling currently saves an estimated $227.2 million per year in health costs alone. The report has, for the the first time, placed a dollar value on cycling particpation.
Economic benefits from current levels of cycling are already significant:
Over $200 million cut from the health care costs each year
Reducation in the cost of traffic congestion $63.9 million per year
$9.3 million saved in transport externatlities such as greenhouse gas abatement
As well as uncovering the economic benefits of cycling, the report, prepared by some of Australia's most recognised experts in public health, examined the barriers currenlty preventing more Australians from getting out on two wheels and explored some of the most effective interventions to encourage and promote cycling.
 Contact your Local Member
We can all make a difference by making our voice heard. There has never been a better time to let politicians know that more federal support is needed for cycling.
The key national cycling organisations are running a public interest campaign, asking the Rudd Government to support bicycle friendly initiatives at the national level. The cycling community continues to work hard at the national level to advocate for greater federal investment for bicycle programs, but only with the support of many voices can we really be heard. And that's where you can help:
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