$41 million available for bikeways across Queensland, says Bicycle Queensland

Building new bikeways and shared paths is the most positive way that Queensland cities can use the Federal Government’s post-pandemic stimulus money.

Bicycle Queensland CEO Rebecca Randazzo said bikeways and shared paths will give a massive economic, health and sustainability benefit to Queensland local authorities which are now eligible to receive their share of $500 million of Federal stimulus money.

The Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program has made $41,282,528 available to local governments in Queensland, to be spent in the 20-21 financial year. All councils have to do is submit a work schedule outlining the projects.

Cycling and walking paths are specifically listed as eligible community infrastructure for this program.

The State Government’s own assessment program for bicycle infrastructure has demonstrated that each dollar spent on bikeways can return up to $5 in benefit to the community.

Bicycle Queensland is working with local bicycle advocacy groups across the state to help communities determine what new paths they would like to see built as part of this program.

“Thousands of Queenslanders started riding their bikes more during the pandemic, and many more were walking more for exercise,” Ms Randazzo said.

A survey commissioned by Bicycle Queensland of more than 3000 people across the state found that 81% of the respondents wanted to keep riding their bikes after the pandemic.

“Now is a great time for local Governments to use this post-COVID stimulus money to bring about positive change in their communities.

“More people cycling and walking makes for a healthier community. It helps address our national obesity crisis. It contributes to lowering pollution and carbon emissions.”

“And best of all, if we plan the paths wisely, it has a 500% return on investment. Surely every local government in Queensland wants to be part of that,” Ms Randazzo said.

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Sources:

Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program/index.aspx

Queensland Department for Transport and Main Roads Infrastructure Benefit Evaluations: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Cycling/Research-and-resources/Infrastructure-benefit-evaluations

Cycling during COVID-19 survey: https://bq.org.au/news/riding-a-bike-is-39-times-better-than-going-to-the-gym-queenslanders-say/

Release by Bicycle Queensland.

More information or comment from

Rebecca Randazzo, CEO

Email: r.randazzo@bq.org.au or phone 0411 260 336

Andrew Demack, Director of Advocacy

Email a.demack@bq.org.au, or phone 0411 688 460