A new report by the Australia Institute finds less than one per cent of federal road funding is going toward infrastructure for active transport, but that there is strong public support for a range of active transport reforms that would help ease traffic congestion and improve public health.
The report, 'Proactive investment: Policies to increase rates of active transportation,' shows the Commonwealth Government's four year, $100m National Active Transport Fund has only enough money to build 25-50 km of new, separated bike paths. In contrast, France plans to invest EUR 2 billion (around AUD 3.2 billion) in cycling infrastructure between 2023 and 2027, and has committed to building 100,000 km of bicycle lanes by 2030.
Key recommendations:
- Increase funding for active transportation to the equivalent of at least 10 percent of road-related expenditure
- Introduce a tax-deductible per/km ride to work mileage allowance similar to programs in place in Europe, where employees can claim an allowance for riding to work ($A0.25-0.50 per kilometre, capped.)
- Introduce a scheme that would allow people to trade in end-of-life internal combustion engine cars for EVs, e-bikes and public transport tickets. Such schemes exist in Finland ($A3300 credit) Canada ($A1100 credit) and Lithuania ($A1600 credit).
- Legalise private e-scooters in all states and territories, with supporting rules, regulation, and infrastructure
- Subsidise the purchase of e-bikes
Key national polling results:
- Three quarters of Australians (76%) support building more walking and cycling paths in their areas
- Two-thirds of Australians (62%) are in favour of a cycling mileage allowance
- Two-thirds of Australians (63%) support schemes that would allow for internal combustion engine cars to be traded in for EVs, e-bikes and public transport tickets
- More than half of Australians (60%) support introducing a government e-bike subsidy scheme
"Cycling rates have actually been declining and today just 0.7% of Australians cycle to work," said Dr Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute.
"In cities across Australia, cars continue to rule the road. Unless we build the infrastructure that gives people other options for getting around now, we'll only have more problems with congestion and pollution in the future. This is not a question of spending more money on roads, but spending the money we already have differently.
"A major obstacle to improving cycling rates is that people don't feel safe riding in painted bike lanes. In most parts of Australia there's no option but to share the road with big, heavy cars. Investing in separated bike paths would help all commuters get around our cities more efficiently.
"With the rise of e-bikes and e-scooters it has never been easier for people to make the switch to active transport. A modest redirection in spending from government could make a massive difference to our transport culture and our national wellbeing."
The Australia Institute surveyed 1,014 Australians between 10 July and 16 July 2024. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.
