The Greens have cited new data from insurer AAMI as further proof that the Government needs to do more to support vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.

According to the survey, almost 50% of ACT residents own a bike but only one in six uses it to commute. 80% of those who didn’t ride cited dangerous traffic and unsafe roads as the biggest barrier to riding.

“This result shows that our car and road focused Government is discouraging people taking up healthy sustainable transport options,” said Caroline Le Couteur MLA, Greens spokesperson for planning.

“The survey shows there are people out there wanting to ride, but being discouraged by Canberra’s traffic environment. The Greens have been working to address this through the Parliamentary Agreement by securing extra funding for bike paths and footpaths.”

“The AAMI report comes on the back of an ANU report last year, showing that almost one quarter of hospital episodes due to road trauma were cyclists.”

“We must prioritise sustainable transport like cycling, walking, and public transport. Increasing cycling infrastructure makes it safer to cycle, and better prepares Canberra for the challenges of climate change and peak oil, as well as improving people’s health.”

“The Government continues to prioritise car use, focusing on new freeways, and providing 50 times more capital funding for roads and car parks, than for cycling and pedestrian projects.”[1]

Ms Le Couteur said Canberra needs a multifaceted approach to create an environment that is cycling and pedestrian friendly, including:

• Making cycling and walking prioritised transport modes in planning, traffic, and urban design policies, instead of motor transport
• Structural measures, such as separated bike ways, and ‘pedestrian-priority’ spaces
• Improving road education to help all users co-exist safely.

[1] Figure from Government’s 5 year Integrated Transport Action Plan. It sets out $161m for road infrastructure projects and $41m for car parks. By contrast, it provides $4m for cycling and walking.

Tags: planning, sustainability, transport, urban planning

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