Not everyone knows this…. But Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean is an independent councillor for Camden Council’s Central Ward.
It’s a role that takes a lot of energy and commitment. Especially when council work must be juggled with two other important jobs: being the best dad possible to three small girls and running the finest bicycle advocacy group in NSW (and the only one with full-time staff working hard every day to make NSW better for bike riding)!
Peter took some time away from the campaign trail to explain why he does it.
What does it mean to be a #CouncillorForActiveTransport?
“A #CouncillorForActiveTransport is simply a local government councillor or candidate who cares about more people in their local community gaining access to improved walking, cycling and sustainable transport options,” says Peter. “This could take the form of paths and safe crossings for students to travel to school, it might be amenities such as bike racks, or it might be improved accessibility for the less-abled.
“It could also include filling in missing links to footpath and shared path networks or introducing separated cycle paths. If it was safer to cycle in all parts of Camden, people would be healthier and their reliance on the car reduced.”
Peter McLean on the campaign trail with his three young daughters. Camden is a car-dependent part of outer south-western Sydney. Although many trips need a car, the McLean family uses bikes as much as possible. A network of creek trails, quiet back roads and shared paths make it possible for even the youngest members of the family to ride to many destinations! (Image: Bicycle NSW)
“Active transport is different for different people and different communities. But ultimately it means allowing people to move easily and efficiently without always having to rely on a private vehicle.
“This is not always achievable in regional and outer metropolitan areas. However, there are always opportunities in town and village centres to connect people safely through active transport improvements.”
Many councils have limited resources for active transport projects
“However, it doesn’t need to be complicated and expensive,” says Peter. “Many projects can be delivered as part of existing asset maintenance and renewal programs. And it is important to focus of applying for a range of state government grants.
“Supporting active transport is in everyone's interest. It is, of course, great for our health and wellbeing. It's good for the environment. And it connects us socially while also improving social equity.”
But most importantly, it brings families and friends together
“I can give testimony to this as a father with three young daughters. Some of the best quality time I have with my daughters is on the bicycle or walking to and from school. It's quality time because it’s mostly one on one. It's not interrupted and there are only positive distractions,” says Peter. “When I say positive distractions, I mean birds, changing seasons, clouds, wind, cold, the moon and sun as well as the occasional bit of rain. But whatever it is, it brings us closer together, it connects us and makes us feel alive. Oh - and we don't have to queue up in traffic and try and find a parking space.”
Peter also skips the traffic on the way to work, mixing a 10km bike ride from his Narellan Vale home to Campbelltown Station before jumping on the frequent express train into Sydney. He hopes to inspire his neighbours to do the same!
“My commute uses a combination of shared paths and quiet streets. I sometimes ride my vintage fixie but the Tern e-bike from Lug+Carrie makes for a very cruisy trip. I often see the sun come up in the morning which is always beautiful. The trip takes 20-30 minutes which is faster than driving at peak hour. I arrive clear-headed and ready to start work on the train. In the evening, the ride home allows me to leave the cares of the day behind. On average, a five km trip by bike saves 1kg of CO2. That’s 16-20kg each week!” (Image: Bicycle NSW)
The best bang for your buck
“I genuinely can’t think of many other projects which deliver better overall value and benefits to our communities,” says Peter. “In fact, economic modelling shows that for every $1 invested in cycling and walking infrastructure, $5 is returned through a range of benefits including community health, traffic decongestion and savings in car user costs. Active transport infrastructure is generally low maintenance, resilient and lasts many decades.
“Obviously, councils do have other important priorities and legislated responsibilities which they must deliver. Nonetheless, active transport can easily be delivered as part of these commitments and very cost effectively.
“I’m looking forward to another 4 years as a #CouncillorForActiveTransport. I will take every opportunity to steer Camden Council’s investments towards projects that enable more residents to walk and cycle as part of their daily lives.”
Help uncover more #CouncillorsForActiveTransport!
Please get involved in the Bicycle NSW Council Election campaign and ask your local candidates to take the pledge to be a #CouncillorForActiveTransport2024
You can find all your candidates here. Put in your address and click on ‘View candidates’ to get email addresses.
Candidates can use the pledge graphic in their own communications to let voters know that they will fight for the very best active transport outcomes.
Before you go…
Bicycle NSW has been campaigning for a better environment for bike riding for almost 50 years.
“If you care about the environment, health, cost of living, social equity and childhood independence, please join Bicycle NSW today,” says Peter McLean, Bicycle NSW CEO.
“You will ride with peace of mind knowing that you are covered by our comprehensive insurance, enjoy many other Member-only benefits and support our advocacy work.”
Not quite ready to sign up? Then we would love you to Buy Us a Coffee (or three!)
