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Get on your bike
Australian communities will benefit from $5.7 million worth of cycling infrastructure projects announced by the federal government in October. The money is part of the $40-million National Bike Path Program fund set up under the government’s Economic Stimulus Plan.
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The National Bike Path Program will make life easier for cyclists across Australia. Credit: stockphoto
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The allocation will fund 174 projects and more than 1900 jobs and traineeships. A 50 per cent joint funding contribution will be provided by local councils.
Projects include the improvement or development of new off-road bike paths, on-road bike lanes and bicycle parking facilities.
The announcement comes as more people are realising the environmental and health benefits of cycling. Despite these benefits, Australians cycle less than citizens in other developed countries.
At a recent Bike Futures conference in Melbourne, NSW Transport Planner Rebecca Lehman said a holistic approach to infrastructure and encouragement programs to increase everyday cycling were needed.
‘Transport planners must adopt the same principles as advocates of other transport modes and put cycling at the centre of their plans. This will encourage cities which are bike-friendly, economically vibrant and sustainable,’ Ms Lehman said.
