Mapping out NSW's cycling future

New NSW BikePlan: Summary of NSW Government announcement

30 August 2008

• The NSW Government is calling for community comment on a new NSW BikePlan to promote and encourage cycling.  The Premier’s Council on Active Living had been commissioned to prepare this new plan.
• The NSW Government is committed to promoting cycling and improving cycling facilities as part of a balanced transport system for NSW, and the new BikePlan will be the blueprint for the future of cycling in the state.
• The Plan is expected to map out the new programs and facilities needed to support the development of cycling for recreation and transport, including initiatives to promote use of the 4100 km of cycleways already available across NSW.
• Encouraging cycling as a healthy, flexible and efficient means of transport, particularly for short trips, delivers environmental benefits for the whole community.  NSW Government figures indicate that one person switching from driving to cycling to work, for a 10 km each-way trip, saves around 1.3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year.
• The new NSW BikePlan will build on growing interest in cycling.  In 2007 NSW residents bought around 430,000 new bicycles, outstripping the number of new vehicles registered in the same period by 75,000.  In Sydney alone, bicycle use has grown by 23 per cent on weekdays and 58 per cent on weekends since 2001.
• The NSW BikePlan will also build on current investment commitments.  The NSW Government is proposing to fund bicycle initiatives worth up to $50 million in 2008/09.  This will include funding contributions towards 91 local bicycle projects, matched by dollars from local councils, and off-road shared paths delivered when new roads are built.
• Community consultation is an important component of developing the NSW BikePlan, and the NSW Government is seeking input on the ways in which people can be encouraged to take up cycling. 
• The NSW BikePlan project team will be consulting widely with local councils, major employers, bicycle user groups, and other peak organisations with an interest in improving safe and sustainable transport options.  Additionally, individuals are encouraged to put forward their ideas and views via email to Bike_Plan@rta.nsw.gov.au.