Bicycle NSW is pleased to see so much political agreement on what is needed for riders.
We have come a long way since the ‘bad-old-days’ of the College St Cycleway removal. Bicycle NSW now enjoys a high level of strategic and political support for the work we do to ‘make NSW better for all bicycle riders’.
We’ve been pleased to see the new Transport Minister, the Hon. Rob Stokes MP’s commitment to the Principle Bike Network, and his support for active transport. One of the problems he has identified in response to questioning by the Hon Cate Faehrmann MLC, is:
“...having a pipeline of projects in relation to cycling infrastructure...A lot of the funding the secretary is referring to is provided to local councils and often they have not identified or planned a project beforehand. I understand a great deal of that money is ultimately refunded because it is not able to be expended on planned routes. It is clear to me that we need to identify a pipeline of future investment so that we can progressively move to fund it and build that network over time…” - The Hon Rob Stokes MP
The #BikePromise2021 campaign should help all of us ‘pedal together’ on what bike riders need. We were thrilled that so many riders have engaged through our campaign to send emails to the candidates running for election to Council.
We are aware that the Inner West Bike Coalition met with Councillors in person to ask for what they want, and have challenged members to write to candidates about the issues that need attention. Bike East surveyed each of the candidates in Councils they cover and have provided the answers to survey questions to help inform riders as they decide how to vote.
Bike North developed a members kit for their ‘Be Part of the Solution’ campaign, and for many years now the Newcastle Cycleways Movement has engaged with local and state governments seeking the delivery of the CycleSafe Network.
Riders across NSW engage in different ways around a range of issues, but lots of voices speaking up for what riders need is making a difference. When you ride to vote this Saturday, why not tag in your Bicycle User Group, Local Council, Local MP and #BikePromise2021?
By pedalling together we will help inspire Councillors to create the projects, apply for the State funding, and deliver what your community needs.
