Labor politicians at the federal and local level want to make Canberra a bike-friendlier city. Today, MPs Alicia Payne and Dr Andrew Leigh launched a petition for federal funding for cycling infrastructure in the ACT, while MLA Dr Marisa Paterson has published a report on how women can ride more, and will call on the ACT Government to adopt its recommendations.

Standing outside Parliament House this morning, Dr Leigh (founder of Parliamentary Friends of Cycling) presented the petition, calling on the Federal Government to make a major commitment to boost funding.

“Cycling is good for the environment, keeps us healthy, and strengthens our community connections,” Dr Leigh said.

Canberrans have the highest rate of cycling participation in Australia, according to the 2019 National Cycling Participation Survey, he noted; ACT residents were on average 10 per cent more likely to cycle than the average Australian, or residents of other states.

According to a recent report from WeRide and EY, the direct contribution of cycling to the ACT economy is $350 per person – the highest of any state or territory in Australia.

“Canberrans love to get out on their bikes, so they need the infrastructure to do that safely,” Ms Payne said.

Her petition argues that better cycling infrastructure will make the city more accessible for Canberrans and for the visitors who come to enjoy its natural and cultural attractions.

She thinks the government should make the Parliamentary Triangle, “the beating heart of the capital and the nation”, as bike-friendly and safe as possible.

“Better cycling infrastructure in the parliamentary zone will make our city more accessible for tourists, commuters and keen cyclists – who shouldn’t have to risk their own safety,” she said.

In last month’s budget, the ACT Government said it would invest $77 million in active travel over the next four years.

“The ACT Government has spent millions upgrading and building bike paths throughout the Territory,” Ms Payne said. “The Federal Government should support that work by funding more cycling infrastructure in central Canberra.”

Ms Payne’s petition is online here.

‘Her Way’ travel campaign

When the ACT Government announced earlier this year that the light rail to Woden project would disrupt road traffic for four years, Dr Paterson thought it was the perfect opportunity for southside women to get fitter by walking, cycling, or scootering to work. In August, she launched the ‘Her Way’ campaign around active travel.

This week, she published the ‘Her Way’ Recommendation Report, with 43 recommendations for how the ACT Government could encourage women to use public transport and active travel.

Those recommendations include a buddy system for women nervous about cycling; tools to develop personalised travel plans; digital technology for public transport times; maintaining and repairing bike paths; more separated bike lanes; easier access between town centres; safe cycling routes along the light rail corridor; better lighting on paths and at bus and light rail stops; more secure bike parking facilities in public places; end of trip facilities (showers) at offices; incorporating Park and Ride facilities with light rail Stage Two; and establishing an e-bike library in the south.

These recommendations are based on responses from more than 100 people and key stakeholders to the public Discussion Paper Dr Paterson released in August.

“I’m really excited about the opportunities to help support members of our community who want to make changes to their travel patterns and behaviour,” Dr Paterson said. “The opportunity is not just about travel behaviour but is also about the type of city in which we want to live, and the type of lifestyle we want to have.

“What surprised me most about the comments received from community members was the number who want to switch from private car use to walk or ride for short journeys – to their local shops, or for recreational, sports, and social purposes. I’m keen to help them make this happen.”

Dr Paterson will table the Recommendation Report in Assembly sittings on Thursday, and call on the ACT Government to implement the 43 recommendations.

She encouraged the ACT Government to take low-cost risks, trials, pilots, and experiments to help Canberrans adopt cycling.

“Studies suggest that women are a great litmus test for the safety and uptake of public transport and active travel in any city,” Dr Paterson said. “That is, the higher the number of women engaging with public transport and active travel, the more effective and safer the travel system is for everyone.

“Although society is shifting, studies show that – on average – women still carry the bulk of the childcare responsibility and household labour. So, basing the campaign around women who potentially face substantial challenges with time and flexibility will ultimately ensure that public transport and active travel will be more accessible for everyone.”

In August, Dr Paterson said she was not a bike rider, and was not confident about cycling on the road. She will share her own story on her Facebook page and newsletter.

Pedal Power ACT (the ACTs largest cycling organisation) and the Amy Gillett Foundation (Australia’s lead cycling safety organisation) supported Dr Paterson’s proposals.

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