MORE CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE

In June and July last year, all councils in Australia were invited to participate in an online survey called the Australian Local Government Account 2011, which was carried out with the support of ALGA.

Participation in the survey by councils was voluntary but responses were received from 55 per cent of councils, or 305 across the nation. This is up from 29 per cent of responses received in 2007, which indicates a growing interest in cycling by both urban and regional councils, both as means of improving health and wellbeing and as a mode of transport.

“The results of this survey complement ALGA’s budget submission to the Australian Government, which seeks funding of $120 million for the next four years for cycling infrastructure,” says Mayor McCaffery.

Key findings from the survey include:

• Councils responding to the survey spent more than $72 million on bicycle-related programs in 2009-10.

• Survey participants reported receiving $26 million from the Australian government and $26 million from state governments.

• More than two thirds of responding councils either have a bicycle strategy or are working towards one.

• More councils are including education and encouragement programs, safety, integration with public transport, and tourism in their bicycle strategies.

• Councils responding to the survey reported having constructed a combined total of 11,704 km of cycling infrastructure. When the cycle networks are complete, the infrastructure will measure 17,842 km.

To view the full report visit: http://www.austroads.com.au/abc/australian-local-government-bicycle-account-2011