Matthew ‘Tepi’ Mclaughlin, Stephen Hodge, Peter Bourke, Peter McCue, on behalf of the Australasian Society for Physical Activity (ASPA) and We Ride Australia.
The 2022 Federal Election document was presented to the Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling, a group that unites MPs and Senators with an interest in the benefits of active travel and cycling in Parliament. The launch was led by We Ride and ASPA on behalf of an alliance of 13 national health, transport, education and climate organisations.
Launched in February 2022, the Three Transport Priorities are tangible transport solutions, prepared for the 2022 Australian Federal Election.
What are the Three Transport Priorities?
- Lower Default Urban Speed Limits in residential areas, shopping streets and school zones.
- 1,500m Safe Routes to School including footpaths, pedestrian priority crossings, and ‘no drop off’ zones.
- E-Bike Purchase Subsidy of up to $1,000 for customers purchasing an e-bike
Why these #ThreeTransportPriorities?
The Three Transport Priorities are evidence-based solutions to reduce crashes, reduce congestion, and increase physical activity.
In short, the priorities are urgent for safety, health and liveability — and this especially true for our children.
Within the full document we outline each priority, and its key underpinning evidence. Here are the highlights*:
1. Lower Default Urban Speed Limits
Why?
- Speed is the number one cause of motor vehicle crashes
- There are more than 39,000 serious injuries and 1,100 deaths annually on Australian roads and paths – that’s a serious injury every 10-15 mins, and more than 3 deaths per day
- Local businesses benefit from low-speed walking environments
- Lower speed limits in residential areas are supported by most Australians
2. 1,500m Safe Routes to School
Why?
- The most unsafe time to be on Australian roads is during school pick up.
- For the same cost of the Sydney NorthConnex tunnel ($3 billion),we could build an additional signalised pedestrian crossing within 1,500m of every Australian primary and secondary school
- Four decades ago, 3 out of 4 kids walked or rode to school in Australia. Today, just 1 out of 4 do.
- Over half of Australian kids live within 3km of their school — that’s a 10-15 minute bike ride
3. E-Bike Purchase Subsidy
Why?
- Latest modelling shows a return on investment of $2.61 and $3.11 respectively for each dollar invested in $1,000 and $500 subsidies.
- Upfront purchase price is one of the main barriers to the uptake of e-bikes.
- E-bikes help reduce congestion, parking frustration, road traffic crashes, and physical inactivity.
*references provided within the full document, available here.
A National Alliance
The Australasian Society for Physical Activity, in partnership with We Ride Australia and an alliance of 13 health, transport, education and climate organisations have authored and presented this document to Parliamentarians. This includes Public Health Association of Australia.
These national organisations have supported this 2022 Federal Election policy.
What did the politicians say?
ASPA’s A/Prof Nicole Freene discussing the launch with Hon. Andrew Leigh, Member for Fenner, one of the three Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling.
We Ride Australia’s Stephen Hodge discusses the launch with Dave Sharma, Member for Wentworth, one of the three Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling.
Media
If you’re interested in learning more, we recommend you tune into some of the media coverage of the #ThreeTransportPriorities and join the conversation using the hashtag on social media.
ASPA Spokesperson and Senior Research Officer at the Telethon Kids Institute, Tepi Mclaughlin, chats with ABC Radio Perth on launch day. Listen here.
Tepi Mclaughlin from the Australasian Society for Physical Activity and Health on ABC Radio Perth.
Safe Streets to School and 30Please campaign founder, Lena Huda, speaks to ABC Illawarra about the importance of the priorities. Listen here.
Quoted in the Illawarra Mercury, Lena Huda and Tepi Mclaughlin discuss the important launch of the #ThreeTransportPriorites. Read here.
Call to action: Pledge your Support
Join the many Three Transport Priorities supporters by pledging your support on the ASPA website, either as an individual or organisation.
Featured Image: We Ride’s Stephen Hodge, Member for Wentworth Dave Sharma, the Member for Fenner, Hon. Andrew Leigh and ASPA’s Associate Professor Nicole Freene PhD at the presentation in Parliament. Dr Helen Haines MP, the third of the three Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling, was unfortunately unable to attend at the last minute after being detained by Parliamentary business.