Federal Election

Australian bicycle organisations invite candidates to invest in a National Infrastructure Program for active transport in our communities

We are writing to you on behalf of the Australian bicycle sector with an opportunity to create safer, healthier and more vibrant communities through greater investment in cycling infrastructure that benefits everyone.

In 2023, 15% of Australians rode a bike in the previous week and 37% had done so over the previous year. Of those who weren’t riding, 41% were interested but concerned about riding on busy roads.[1]

Creating appropriate infrastructure in our communities has been shown to significantly increase bike riding and is especially important around our schools. When parents and children can safely ride to school, morning traffic eases for everyone.

The ability to choose a bike for short trips can help families save on transport costs while providing more convenient options for local travel. When more people feel confident riding bikes in their neighbourhoods, our streets become more efficient and enjoyable for everyone.

The physical activity gained from riding a bike delivers immediate benefits to physical and mental health. Whether it’s children riding to school or adults riding to work or shops, the preventative health benefits of cycling help people stay healthy and active.

Enabling more people to ride bikes creates an immediate path to reduce our transport emissions while bringing multiple community benefits.

The Australian Automobile Association, representing car clubs nationally, recognises this need and the benefits of bike riding, stating:

‘For active transport to play a meaningful role in reducing congestion and emissions, sufficient funding will be needed to ensure that suitable infrastructure is delivered to support a shift to this transport mode.’ [2]

The growing popularity of e-bikes is making riding accessible to more people, including those who previously found distance, hills, or physical limitations to be barriers. Supporting this trend through appropriate infrastructure and incentives will allow more Australians to choose sustainable, enjoyable transportation for everyday trips.

We invite your support for a commitment by the next Australian Government to increase funding to $250 million per year, representing just 1.9% of the Australian Government’s land transport budget.

This funding through the Active Transport Fund to States and Territories would support infrastructure and programs that enable more people to ride bikes and use other forms of micromobility.

In supporting this initiative, you will help ease cost of living pressures for Australian families, create healthier and more active communities, enable children to safely ride to school again, improve safety for everyone on our streets, and support climate action by enabling zero-carbon transport.

This can be achieved by:

• Allocating $250M per year to active transport (just 1.9% of federal land transport budget) by increasing funding to the Active Transport Fund
• Working with State and Territory governments to create safe cycling infrastructure around schools and communities
• Removing the 5% ‘nuisance tariff’ on imported e-bikes
• Removing FBT on e-bike leasing to provide parity with electric vehicle incentives

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in how Australians move around their communities. We would be pleased to discuss this further with you or provide additional information.

Kind regards,

Stephen Hodge – Director, National Advocacy, WeRide

On behalf of the following Australian bicycle organisations

yes@weride.org.au, 0411 149 910, www.weride.org.au

Media contacts:

• We Ride Australia, Stephen Hodge, 0411 149 910, stephen@weride.org.au.
• Bicycle Network, Alison McCormack, alisonm@bicyclenetwork.com.au
• Bicycle NSW, Peter McLean, peter.mclean@bicyclennsw.org.au
• Bicycle Queensland, Mike Blewitt, m.blewitt@bq.org.au
• Bike SA, Bailey Underwood, marketing@bikesa.org.au
• WestCycle, Shane Starling, shane@westcycle.org.au

[1] https://www.cwanz.com.au/national-walking-and-cycling-participation-survey-2023/

[2] https://www.aaa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025_Pre_Budget_Sub_WEB.pdf

Thanks for reaching out and sharing this important proposal.

Ben absolutely supports greater investment in cycling infrastructure and programs that help create safer, more active, and better-connected communities.

With over 83% of the Mornington Peninsula not serviced by public transport, the case for active transport options like bike riding is clear. People need safe, affordable alternatives for short local trips – whether it’s families getting to school, older residents staying active, or workers commuting to nearby towns. Cycling infrastructure makes that possible.

Ben also recognises that the Peninsula already has a strong cycling culture, with thousands of riders – both local and visiting – regularly choosing to ride here. But without dedicated, well-planned infrastructure, this can create tension on our roads. That’s why he believes federal investment in safer, separated cycling routes isn’t just good policy – it’s a practical solution that benefits everyone, including drivers.

If elected, Ben would support:

• Exploring a dedicated increase in funding to active transport through a national investment like the proposed $250 million annual allocation
• Partnerships with states and local councils to deliver safe cycling routes, particularly around schools and community hubs
• A review of outdated tariffs and tax settings that make it harder for people to choose sustainable, affordable transport options like e-bikes

Thanks again for your work and advocacy on this. We’d be happy to stay in touch as this conversation continues beyond the election.

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the proposal to invest in a National Infrastructure Program for active transport. As a strong advocate for active transport from climate, health and community perspectives, Caz is pleased to support each of the four key asks outlined in your letter:

1. Allocate $250 million per year to active transport (1.9% of the federal land transport budget)
Caz supports this investment as a modest but important step towards building healthier, more connected communities. With transport being a major source of emissions, increasing federal funding for cycling and walking infrastructure is a smart, low-cost way to reduce emissions while improving public health and reducing congestion.

2. Work with state and territory governments to build safe cycling infrastructure around schools and communities
Caz strongly supports a national approach to safer school routes and local cycling links. When families feel confident letting their children ride to school, it eases traffic, improves safety for all road users and supports daily physical activity for children and adults alike.

3. Remove the 5% ‘nuisance tariff’ on imported e-bikes
Caz supports removing this unnecessary barrier to affordable, low-emission transport. E-bikes are a game-changer for many people, especially in regional areas where trips are longer and the terrain can be challenging. Removing the tariff would help more people access this option.

4. Remove the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) on e-bike leasing to provide parity with EV incentives
Caz believes in fair and consistent incentives that support all forms of clean transport. With EVs already receiving FBT exemptions, extending this to e-bikes would help employers offer low-carbon travel options to staff, reduce car dependency and improve access to affordable transport in both urban and regional communities.

We are particularly interested in understanding and collaborating on regional strategies to enhance active transport infrastructure. Regional areas often face distinct challenges compared to cities, such as longer travel distances, gaps in infrastructure and greater reliance on private vehicles. Additionally, recent data suggests that regional areas have not experienced the same increases in cycling participation seen in capital cities, highlighting the need for targeted investment and support (source, page 10)

We welcome the opportunity to work with you to ensure these proposals benefit regional Australians as well as those in our cities.

Kind regard, Caz4Cowper Community Independent Campaign

Hi, while I cannot speak for my entire party, I myself will commit to these requests. As a poor person I am well aware of how useful bicycles and e-bikes are and strongly agree they are one of the best ways to move forward with addressing the impacts of transport on climate change. I wish you luck with your campaign.

Pheonix Valxori.

Thankyou,

I have a confession, I love riding bikes, strengthens the muscles instantly, feels fantastic.

I also have another confession to make, am gravely concerned for cyclist in the New England, often riding on varying roads that have varying degrees of difficulty at the mercy of traffic or inconsiderate drivers.

Living at Invergowrie I am privy to many cyclists transversing our roads in a community that welcomes the sport with respect and admiration.

Thankyou for sharing the position and policies important to cyclists.
Looking forward, I would like to see a formidable bike track carved for each gradient highlighting local destinations that increases tourism.

Once those plans are formatted is when the funding becomes accessible. The consultation process produces the plan, highlighting the advantages and outcomes for the broader community, and is consequently funded. During the planning stages many details, varying options, and concerns will be highlighted, mitigated and advanced. It may be plausible to integrate other funding options ie. toilets, wheelchair access, mental health funds, etc fundamentally (creating) a template helping all regional centres to achieve a common outcome.

Together developing a comprehensive management plan across all regions in the New England to be carried out swiftly, starting works pronto.

Bike riding is much loved in our region, the safety of riders neglected in years prior under the national government.

Let’s be the change,
Let’s get started
Looking forward to working with you too.
Natasha Ledger

Thank you for your email and for the incredible work Bicycle NSW continues to do to support safe, sustainable cycling in our state.

I’m grateful for the clarity and energy your organisation brings to these important issues.

As someone who has lived, worked, and raised a family in the Shortland electorate, I understand just how valuable cycling infrastructure is — not just for transport, but for health, community, and lifestyle. Personally, I’ve been a passionate mountain biker for years and have even raced Enduro-style events. While a pretty serious crash sidelined me for a while, I’m still a keen advocate for the sport and for making cycling more accessible across the board.

I strongly support your key policy priorities, including:

• Increasing investment in active transport infrastructure to $400 million per year.
• Introducing stronger controls on e-bike imports to ensure safety and compliance.
• Tax reform that treats e-bikes equitably alongside electric vehicles.
• Subsidies to support everyday Australians in accessing safe, high-quality e-mobility options.
• Embedding mode-shift targets in national transport and climate policy.

Cycle tourism has untapped potential in our region — and beyond just commuters, we need to think about recreational riders, families, and people trying to stay active without owning a car.

You can absolutely count on my support for these goals, and I’d be happy to contribute a photo for your campaign page with the hashtag #IChooseToRideAndWalk. I’ll dig up one from an old Enduro race — seems like a fitting way to show my long-standing connection to cycling.

Thanks again for reaching out and for your leadership on these issues. I look forward to working with Bicycle NSW, Better Streets, and WeRide if elected.

Warm regards, James Pheils
Independent for Shortland

From the time I was 5 I had to deliver papers in the morning and in the evening. My first bike cost me 7 pounds which was a huge amount of money which I saved being paid two and six pence a week; delivering the papers on foot.

I have been a keen cyclist whilst in the Army. I used to cycle from Wanniassa in Canberra to Russell Offices each day to work, a total distance of 48km over a hill called the Woden Gap.

Yes, I like bicycles so you do not have to convince me about that. If I were to be elected, I would love for us to continue this discussion and work together to achieve your goals. (In truth though, I a bit “old school” and prefer to pedal than be pushed along by a battery!)

With best wishes, Kevin

Thank you for your interest in Nicolette Boele’s Community Independent campaign, and for outlining the important advocacy of the Australian bicycle sector to create safer, more accessible and more sustainable transport options in our communities.

Nicolette recognises the vital role cycling plays in improving community health, reducing emissions, lowering transport costs, and making our streets safer and more liveable—especially for children and families. We appreciate your leadership in bringing forward a clear, evidence-based set of proposals, and acknowledge the work you are doing to make cycling infrastructure a national policy priority.

As you may appreciate, with just days to go before the election, Nicolette’s schedule is currently focused on engaging with as many constituents as possible. While she is not in a position to meet before polling day, we would be pleased to stay in touch. Should Nicolette be elected, she and her team would welcome a meeting to discuss your proposals in greater detail.

Thank you again for reaching out and all the best with your campaign.

Community independent campaign for Bradfield

It is imperative that the Government supports active transport, including bike paths, to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.

Investing in bike infrastructure is a win for everybody. It encourages more people to cycle, improves public health and reduces pollution. In particular, bike paths can alleviate traffic congestion, making traffic flow more efficient and less stressful for everybody. I will lobby the next Government to significantly lift investment in bicycle infrastructure and hold them to their election promises.

Andrew Wilkie, the Independent Member for Clark

We Ride Australia has supported the Australian Physical Activity Alliance, led by the Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity in their ‘Call to Action: Supporting Australians to Move More’ to encourage the next Federal government to help more Australians to enjoy the benefits of moving more.

There are many benefits of increased physical activity, including enhanced health, education, transport, economic, social, and environmental outcomes.

The Federal Election Recommendations outlined by the Australian Physical Activity Alliance include six key policy priorities that would set Australia on a path to a more active and healthy nation:

1. Fund Development and Implementation of a National Physical Activity Action Plan: This plan will help the government achieve national preventive health and obesity reduction targets and meet international commitments to the WHO Global Action Plans on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Physical Activity.
2. Implement a National Active Schools Fund: Schools provide a cost-effective opportunity to reach most Australian children and adolescents. Funding resources that support whole-of-school approach to physical activity is recommended, involving high-quality physical education classes, classroom activity breaks, and active lessons.
3. Implement a Nationwide Active Transport Infrastructure Program: Investing in active transport infrastructure will enhance health, wellbeing, and the economy by reducing inactivity, traffic congestion, and CO2 pollution.
4. Fund Physical Activity Pre- and Post-Service Training Programs for Health Professionals: Health professionals play a crucial role in promoting physical activity, but don’t always have the skills or expertise to talk about physical activity. Providing health carer training can increase health practitioners’ confidence to help boost physical activity levels.
5. Commit Ongoing Funding to National Walking Programs: Walking is the most prevalent physically active recreation pastime reported by adults and older adults. Programs like the 10,000 Steps and Heart Foundation Walking have demonstrated important health and social benefits and need sustained funding.
6. Fund Implementation and Promotion of National Physical Activity Guidelines: The new 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults and Older Adults will be launched in this year. To optimise uptake, it is vital that these guidelines are supported by a funded implementation plan and a communications strategy.

The Call-to-Action document can be downloaded here: ASPA’s A-Call-to-Action_Supporting-More-Australians-to-be-More-Physically-Active.pdf

We Ride Australia has joined the Better Streets 2025 Federal Election Campaign to significantly increase funding for walking and cycling in towns and cities across Australia.

By joining a long list of organisations and supporters across Australia in signing the Better Streets Open Letter, our goal is to boost the funding commitment by the next Australian Government from a measly $0.92 per person to a modest $15 per person every year.

The campaign calls for the Australian Government to establish a $400 million annual Active Transport Infrastructure Program. This commitment equates to $15 per person and will run for the duration of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026 to 2035.

It will ensure that complete walking and cycling networks are fully delivered in 20 cities and towns throughout Australia.

You can read more about this campaign on the Better Streets campaign page here: betterstreets.org.au/whats-happening/2025-federal-election.