Greens Committed to Bicycles

“I have received numerous emails from cycling enthusiasts regarding Greens’ policy on cycling”, said Bernard Rooney, Greens Candidate for Drummoyne. “I am happy to say that the Greens have a very strong policy on the use of bicycles as a method of transport.

Cycling has many benefits, including:

• Reduced motor vehicle usage means reduced traffic congestion, less air pollution and less wear and tear on road infrastructure.
• Improved active exercise through cycling means improved health, reducing obesity, heart disease, diabetes and depression.
• Improved health means less demand upon our health resources.
• Healthier communities mean fewer days off work with illness, and increased economic productivity.
• Cycling to work results in improved fitness, refreshed and productive employees. The same benefits apply to children riding to schools.
• Higher numbers of cyclists improves the amenity of urban areas, cities and towns resulting in more ‘liveable’ communities that are safer and healthier to live in.
• Increased cycling will increase the efficiency of existing public transport infrastructure because more people are capable of riding a bike to bus or rail stations.

“According to vote4cycling.com.au , “NSW has the lowest percentage of cycling for recreation, trips made to work as well as other trips, in Australia.” This is a situation that needs to be corrected.

“The Greens are committed to the following:

• Provide free passage on public transport for bicycles;
• Develop a safe, secure network of on-road and off-road cycling routes, bicycle parking and end trip facilities; and
• Allocate at least 5% of the state roads budget to, and remove from control of the RTA, bicycle programs in NSW.

More Information:

Greens Transport Policy (Summary)

Greens Transport Policy (Full Version)