Bicycle Queensland backs low-cost initiatives for the fuel crisis

In a joint national statement, Bicycle Queensland has joined a national coalition of transport and public health organisations¹ providing practical measures that would help households cut fuel use and ease cost‑of‑living pressures by making it easier to walk, ride and use public transport for everyday trips.

The 26-cent a litre fuel tax cut is expected to expire on June 30^th. Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled out an immediate extension ahead of the federal budget, suggesting that the government is open to alternatives to easing the fuel crisis.   

These practical actions can make a real difference to reducing fuel use and keeping Australians moving – while easing cost of living and improving public health through increased physical activity, for example. 

The nine ideas are: 

1. Crossings and footpaths near schools, shops and stops

2. Pop-up bike lanes on key commuter routes

3. More frequent public transport services

4. Pop-up bus-priority lanes

5. Shorter wait times at push-button crossings

6. Fuel-saving speed limits

7. $100 vouchers for bicycle repairs

8. Rapid grants for bike parking and end-of-trip upgrades

9. $500 vouchers to buy a bicycle

Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke said: “The emergency fuel stockpiles released globally in conjunction with the International Energy Agency (IEA) will be exhausted by around late-July. The international fuel crisis is then likely to worsen quickly. Australia will be affected.”

“Governments can’t just tell people to drive less. We need to make walking, cycling and public transport better alternatives in rapid time.”  

“Pop-up bike lanes, pop-up T2 and T3 lanes, pop-up bus lanes: these can all reduce single-occupant car travel. Reducing neighbourhood street speeds saves fuel and encourages kids to walk and ride to school.” 

“We can make changes like these in weeks, not years. Most of these actions will work immediately and at very little cost. If something doesn’t work, you can switch it back just as quickly.”

Bicycle Qld is asking the State and Commonwealth Governments, and local councils across Queensland, to harness these ideas and put them to use immediately.

Link to the full report.

Bicycle Queensland media enquiries

Dr Matthew Burke, CEO – Bicycle Queensland, m.burke@bq.org.au, 0402 346 464

National media contact for this initiative

Stephen Hodge, Director – National Advocacy, WeRide Australia, stephen@weride.org.au , 0411 149 910

Coalition members

These initiatives have been developed and are supported by the following transport and health sector organisations: 

• Australian Health Promotion Association 
• Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity
• Better Streets
• Bicycle Network
• Bicycle New South Wales
• Bicycle Queensland
• Bike SA
• Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia
• Pedal Power 
• Queensland Walks
• 10,000 Steps
• WestCycle
• WeRide Australia

About Bicycle Queensland.

BQ is the leading voice for cycling in Queensland. With over 12,000 members statewide and more than 40,000 supporters on our database, every day we’re helping Queenslanders to cycle safely.