Why more government investment in cycling should be a no-brainer

In the 17 years that I have lived in Perth, our city’s cycling infrastructure has improved immeasurably, to a point where we can proudly say that we have the best in Australia. But despite having a relatively flat city and a very benign climate, when compared to the best in the world, such as the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden, we still have a long, long way to go.

Globally, cycling infrastructure investments by governments have gained significant attention in recent years, and for very good reason. Beyond promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing traffic congestion, these investments offer huge societal benefits and a remarkable rate of return on investment for the public purse. And it’s not just infrastructure either. Did you know that in the UK you can salary sacrifice the purchase of a bike? Or in the Netherlands, you will literally be paid by the government to ride to work!

There are numerous reasons why our (cashed up) State Government should be investing far more into all forms of active mobility (bike, e-bike, e-scooters, walking). These include:

A healthier population with less burden on the health system:

Promoting cycling encourages people to adopt an active lifestyle. Regular cycling not only improves physical fitness but it also reduces the risk of chronic illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. A recent Norwegian study showed that cycling – even if it is done only once a week – reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, the biggest cause of death of WA men and the second biggest of WA’s women, by 22 per cent, or by just over one fifth. You don't need to cycle to work every day and you don't have to go flat out. Even cycling ‘with some assistance’ (e-bikes) is enough to have a significant health benefit. By increasing government investment, the burden on our overstretched healthcare system decreases, leading to cost savings as well as a healthier and far happier population.

A cleaner environment:

Investing in cycling infrastructure reduces the number of cars on the road, leading to decreased emissions of air pollutants. This contributes to cleaner air and a healthier environment, benefiting both public health and the planet. WA hasn’t exactly got a great track record when it comes to our environmental credentials. If we can get more of our population off the road and onto a bike, that would certainly be a huge step in the right direction.

Economic benefits to our local communities:

Cycling infrastructure projects create jobs in construction, maintenance, and related industries. Additionally, it boosts local economies as cyclists tend to spend more money with businesses in their own communities and it will encourage our numerous tourists to hire bikes while here too.

Reduced traffic congestion

If we get more people onto two wheels, there will be far fewer four wheeled vehicles on the road during peak hours. Less traffic congestion will save all commuters valuable time and it will reduce stress (another major cause of illness in our population). Less time spent in traffic also translates into increased productivity, so it’s a win for business too.

Improved safety for all

Even though the risks are statistically very low, the biggest discouragement to more people getting onto two wheels is its perceived risk. Dedicated cycling lanes and infrastructure improves road safety for all users. Properly separated cycling paths (not the ‘shared paths’ that are largely being built) reduce the likelihood of accidents involving cyclists and vehicles, as well as bikes & e-scooters with pedestrians. This, in turn, leads to lower healthcare costs and fewer legal expenses associated with accidents.

A positive societal impact

Investments in cycling promote social equity by providing an affordable and accessible mode of transportation. It will also foster a sense of community by encouraging active commuting and reducing isolation.

The rate of return on government investment in cycling is huge. Numerous studies have shown that for every dollar spent on cycling infrastructure, there can be a return of up to $5. This return includes factors such as reduced healthcare costs, increased economic activity, and improved overall well-being.

If our policymakers are genuine about creating a healthy and prosperous WA, they need to prioritise far more investment in activities that will get more people off four wheels and onto two.