Active transport is good for public health, reduces emissions and congestion, improves air quality, and is a cheap alternative for people to get around our towns as the cost of petrol continues to rise.
That’s why Labor has committed to delivering an extra $60m to funding for active transport in the transport budget to support more walking and cycling infrastructure across NSW.
Labor Candidate for Clarence, Leon Ankersmit: “Towns in the Clarence district are ideal for walking and cycling, with a moderate climate and a relatively flat topography. I would like to see some of our villages linked up by cycleways to separate cyclists from motorists. This will support the uptake of active transport for residents and visitors to our region. When we build the infrastructure people need to ride or walk, they use it.
Countries across the world are investing in active transport because they know that it transforms our communities and makes it easier for people to get around, whether it’s to work, going to the shops or helping families and kids get to and from school. Families want to have the choice to walk to ride to school, but often feel it isn’t safe to do so. One of the key concerns is that footpaths and cycleways sometimes not even extend to schools.
This is about making sure that we give a real choice to families and kids that want to ride or walk to school, and a real choice to people who want to ride or walk between villages or to work.
QUICK ACTIVE TRANSPORT FACTS
Two thirds of kids are driven to school; 40 years ago, 70% of kids walked or rode their bike.
The most dangerous time to be on our roads is the afternoon at school pick up time.
We know congestion is set to cost the NSW economy over 15 billion dollars by 2031.
If just 5% of all car trips under 5km were shifted to walking or riding, safety on our roads would increase by 50%. That’s the school holiday effect 265 days a year.
That’s why Labor supports active transport, and that’s why Labor will deliver more funding to deliver walking and cycling upgrades right across NSW.
