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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.
The CPF has made range of submissions to ensure cycling is considered as part of a package of effective solutions to some of the issues faced by Australia including, climate change, obesity and decline on physical activity levels, urban congestion and dwindling oil supply.
This will assist the cycling sector to provide practical examples of potential projects to the Rudd Government. We have developed a tool to enable local government and other interested parties to register potential projects which could be funded under our proposed Healthy and Active Transport program.
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.
- Read more information on the benefits of cycling
Cycling: Getting Australia Moving is a ground 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 4th 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 participation. Economic benefits from current levels of cycling are already significant:
- Over $200 million cut from the health care costs each year
- Reduction in the cost of traffic congestion $63.9 million per year
- $9.3 million saved in transport externalities, 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 currently preventing more Australians from getting out on two wheels and explored some of the most effective interventions to encourage and promote cycling.
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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Benefits of Cycling
Economic Benefits of Cycling
How you can help