WeRide Media Release – 7 May 2024

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King’s announcement today of $100m for active transport nationally is an early and welcome Budget announcement by the Albanese Government.

While the national fund kicks off in 2025, We Ride Australia’s Stephen Hodge says the initiative is an opportunity to talk nationally about how people move around where they live.

With no shortage of shovel-ready projects across the country, WeRide and associated state and territory advocacy bodies encourage the federal government to engage closely with local communities.

“In meetings with the Minister and her office we have been advocating for measures that would respond to the appetite of many more Australians who want to ride for short, local trips in their communities.

“We have argued that active transport has the potential to assist governments provide affordable and equitable options for daily transport,

“Options that reduce congestion, save money and just make sense for the trips every day in this country that are just five kilometres or less – it’s 50%!” Mr Hodge said.

“Bike riding contributes significantly to our economy with the sector contributing $16.9 billion, nearly a billion in health and social benefits and an estimated 58,000 FTE jobs.

“Active transport also makes a lot of sense as we seek ways to decarbonise our transport system.

“We’re pleased to see this announcement from the Minister and will be continuing the conversation to drive real change that will make it easier for kids to ride to school, people to commute to work and everyone to have just a bit more enjoyment when the choice to ride is more convenient, safe and attractive,” said Stephen Hodge.

About We Ride Australia

We Ride Australia’s vision is that Australia’s a greener, healthier, better place to be because more people are riding bikes.

The 2023 WeRide Australian Cycling and eScooter Economy Report, the largest ever study of its kind in Australia, has reinforced cycling’s importance in delivering triple bottom line outcomes with significant economic, health and environmental benefits.

The report revealed that that in 2022 the sector generated:

  • More than 60,000 jobs (FTE) and $18.6 billion in economic and social contribution from cycling and e-scooter use
  • Cycling contributed $954 million in health and social benefits including $313 million in savings to the Australia health system, and
  • Cycling avoided 514,096 tonnes of CO2e in greenhouse gas emissions, through replacing 3.9 billion kilometres of motor vehicle travel.

REPORT LINK: weride.org.au/australiancyclingeconomy/

Media contacts: Stephen Hodge, 0411 149 910, stephen@weride.org.au.