Bicycle NSW has five points to discuss with the federal candidates this year
Bicycle NSW joins other peak bodies across Australia to call for annual active transport funding of $400million each and every year during the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026 to 2035. This equates to $15 per person annually, a substantial - but very much needed - increase from the current level of 92cents a head. It is an investment that will return greater benefits than any other transport investment and provide equitable access to opportunities for communities around Australia.
The Australian Government must support the states’ efforts to manage micromobility safety with stronger controls over imports. As a starting point, remove the ability for importers to self-declare products and require Federal Advisory Notices as for vehicles. This will help ensure that only high-quality, certified e-devices and batteries, which do not pose a fire risk, are available in Australia.
Incentivise the import and purchase of legal, compliant e-bikes and reduce the relative appeal of illegal models by withdrawing the 5% nuisance tariff on all e-bikes. In addition, all bikes should be eligible for the existing Fringe Benefit Tax exemption for EVs to ensure equity for sustainable forms of transport.
E-bikes should be included in any policies that subsidise EVs. Subsidising e-bikes is much cheaper than subsidising electric cars and a subsidised e-bike is affordable for far more people. Modellers have calculated a return of $7 for each dollar invested in promoting the purchase of e-bikes. E-bike incentives can specify battery and standards guidelines to encourage more people to buy high-quality e-bikes. Pilot projects across Australia have demonstrated successful outcomes, inspired by over 300 schemes across the world.
The Australian Government’s Net Zero roadmaps currently overlook a switch to public transport, walking and cycling as a key lever for reducing emissions. Modelling shows that that 30% of private vehicle kilometres should shift to shared and active travel, at the rate of around 5% a year. Ambitious and consistent goals for mode shift in national strategies and policies will drive change.
In addition, Bicycle NSW is supporting our national advocacy partners WeRide and Better Streets in calling on the next Australian Government to invest in a National Infrastructure Program for active transport in our communities.
How federal MPs can influence the bicycle landscape
The lead up to an election always provides a great opportunity to make contact with current and aspiring Members of Parliament and ask them to help advance our advocacy to make NSW better for bike riders.
Of course, transport is not a key concern of federal representatives. Most of our public transport and road networks are managed by state and local governments. However, a significant chunk of funding for transport and roads is allocated to the states by the Australian Government.
Not nearly enough is spent on active transport. Over the last two decades, the Federal Government has spent just $384million on walking and cycling, less than 1% of road funding. Meanwhile, tax loopholes for large utes costs Australians over $250 million each year. This is more than ten times the Federal Government’s latest Active Transport Fund for the construction and upgrade of cycle paths.
Furthermore, vehicle and fuel taxes and rebates are managed federally, and imports are controlled at a national level. Federal levers could rapidly expand the uptake of safe and compliant e-bikes, helping ensure that sustainable e-mobility reaches its full potential.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, the Hon. Patrick Gorman, launches the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling for the 47th Parliament in November 2022 (Image: WeRide)
It is very much in the interest of federal MPs to care about expanding the uptake of bike riding. More cycling can help achieve the legislated targets to cut transport emissions – and tackle escalating public health costs.
What Bicycle NSW will do
There are 46 federal electorates and 12 senate seats in NSW. We plan to write to as many candidates as possible to introduce Bicycle NSW and our election asks.
We will compile responses here to help you make your decision on 3 May!
Each candidate will be asked to send us a photo of them travelling actively, either on bike or foot. We will then share the photo on our social media channels and website with the hashtag #CommittedToCycling or #IChooseToRideAndWalk
Anthony Albanese and Linda Burney announce federal funding for the Greenway in Sydney’s Inner West during the 2016 election campaign (Image: Daily Telegraph)
What the bicycle community can do
Please contact your federal candidates and amplify the voice of bike riders in Australia. As a constituent who votes, your opinion is important to politicians. Candidates and parties are there to listen to the views of the public and if elected, represent your needs in parliament. Candidates can win or lose the election based on the way you vote.
The more people who contact politicians about cycling, the harder it is to ignore us.
Letter and emails are good ways to engage with candidates. You can also make an approach on social media, attend a drop-in session or arrange for a meeting in the electorate office.
- As nominations close, 10 days after the election is called, candidates will start to be listed on the AEC website until they are all announced on Fri 11 Apr. You can check your electorate here.
- Start with a bit about you and any groups you are representing, and be sure to look up the candidate’s correct title and contact details.
- You can discuss local projects, or focus on the national issues outlined in the Bicycle NSW Asks. Explain why you and your family need safe infrastructure or e-bike incentives or more sustainable ways to get to school.
- A personal letter from cyclist is not just another submission full of facts and figures from experts, it is an everyday Australian telling their story. It makes the request more meaningful and connects with the hearts and minds of candidates.
Let Bicycle NSW know if you receive any commitments from your candidates. We can share these with the bicycle community via our social media channels.
One more election ask for you!
Join Bicycle NSW and turbocharge our efforts to advocate for more funding, safe e-mobility and better infrastructure. Become a Member during the election campaign and get 20% off your membership. Use BNSWELECT20 at the checkout.
Federal election resources
Dear federal candidate….
Kicking off the federal election campaign
Bike-friendly cities: A snapshot of success
Bicycle NSW responds to e-mobility recommendations
A clear mandate for active transport
Should we ban e-bikes in apartments?
Active transport for a healthy economy
Tasmania takes the lead on e-bike subsidies
The weight we share
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