The report, titled ‘Proactive investment: Policies to increase rates of active transportation’, shows that the Commonwealth Government’s four year, $100m National Active Transport Fund has only enough money to build 25-50 km of new, separated bike paths.

In contrast, France plans to invest EUR 2 billion (around AUD 3.2 billion) in cycling infrastructure between 2023 and 2027, and has committed to building 100,000 km of bicycle lanes by 2030.

Just 0.7% of Australians cycle to work, and rates of cycling are declining.

Stronger uptake of active transport options – like walking, cycling, and scooters – would help ease traffic congestion and improve public health.

Key recommendations:

• Increase funding for active transportation to the equivalent of at least 10 percent of road-related expenditure
• Introduce a tax-deductible per/km ride to work mileage allowance similar to programs in place in Europe, where employees can claim an allowance for riding to work ($A0.25-0.50 per kilometre, capped.)
• Introduce a scheme that would allow people to trade in end-of-life internal combustion engine cars for EVs, e-bikes and public transport tickets. Such schemes exist in Finland ($A3300 credit) Canada ($A1100 credit) and Lithuania ($A1600 credit).
• Legalise private e-scooters in all states and territories, with supporting rules, regulation and infrastructure
• Subsidise the purchase of e-bikes

Key national polling results:

The Australia Institute surveyed 1,014 Australians between 10 July and 16 July 2024. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

• Three quarters of Australians (76%) support building more walking and cycling paths in their areas
• Two-thirds of Austalians (62%) are in favour of a cycling mileage allowance
• Two-thirds of Australians (63%) support schemes that would allow for internal combustion engine cars to be traded in for EVs, e-bikes and public transport tickets
• More than half of Australians (60%) support introducing a government e-bike subsidy scheme

“In cities across Australia, cars continue to rule the road,” said Dr Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute.

“Unless we build the infrastructure that gives people other options for getting around now, we’ll only have more problems with congestion and pollution in the future. This is not a question of spending more money on roads but spending the money we already have differently.

“Despite the many benefits of active transport, cycling rates are actually declining. A major obstacle is that people don’t feel safe riding in painted bike lanes, but in most parts of Australia there’s no option but to share the road with big, heavy cars. Investing in separated bike paths would help all commuters get around our cities more efficiently.”