The Greens say a safe off-road network will entice more people onto bikes. Photo: Grit Schuster.
The ACT Greens have promised to build a $216 million city-wide bicycle network and will offer $500 rebates to electric and cargo bike buyers if they form government after 19 October.
The party says it has an ambitious plan to make cycling accessible, affordable and a realistic option for people to choose to get around the city.
In a pitch to the city’s cycling community and those who would like to ride a bike but feel it’s unsafe, the Greens say a city-wide off-road bike network, based on the cycling network plan in the ACT Government’s Active Travel Plan, will be delivered by 2030.
The policy would deliver 135km of new separated bike paths, fixing many of the missing connections in neighbourhoods across the city and boosting the path network. The six-year plan would cost $36 million a year.
ACT Greens MLA for Ginninderra Jo Clay said the right infrastructure would make cycling a genuine option for more people.
“Many who ride around Canberra at the moment have to ride on the road and rely on the thin, painted bike lanes,” she said.
“Paint is not infrastructure and these lines provide little to no real safety. The danger of riding on the road discourages many from getting on the bike, particularly women and children.
“That’s why our plan focusses on off-road bike paths, giving real safety for anyone who wants to cycle.”
The Greens plan would establish a $5 million fund to provide up to 10,000 rebates of $500 to help people buy e-bikes.
Greens MLA for Brindabella Laura Nuttall said the $500 rebates would help young people and renters afford to get around Canberra.
“Often, sustainability is considered a luxury for those with money, and it actually shouldn’t be,” she said.
“At the moment, financial support for sustainability is overwhelmingly going to homeowners and people who drive, and not towards renters and those who walk or ride.”
The Greens would also boost bike parking and storage, including all ACT Government workplaces with more than 20 regular employees being provided modern end-of-trip facilities and secure bike storage.
Ms Nuttall said there needed to be a big increase in bike parking and storage to make riding a viable option.
“For many who are up for a ride to work, this could be the deciding factor which actually lets them do it,” she said.
Schools would also be provided bike storage facilities at least equivalent to one third of the maximum number of enrolled students.
The parking plan would increase overall bike parking facilities around the city in places such as town centres and bus stops.
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