80 years’ investment in streets for cars, not people, is having a profound impact on our health
But after four decades we have seen a total reversal.
Preventable diseases due to lifestyle ie diet and physical inactivity have eclipsed all other health factors
If diabetes continues to rise at the current rates, up to 3 million Australians over the age of 25 years will have diabetes by the year 2025. For type 2, this is likely driven by rising obesity, the ageing population, dietary changes, and sedentary lifestyles (Diabetes Australia). This is a problem because Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
(Credit: Western Sydney Diabetes- The Facts)
0.2% of a $7.67 billion transport budget will take more than 300 years to deliver healthy streets
Obviously, our kids can’t wait that long. Nor should they.
How do we make governments prioritise walking and cycling?
The ability to be physically active and to move is a fundamental and human and environmental right. Whilst this is a right afforded to migratory mammals and birds, human movement is now subordinate to cars. And despite all the fine active transport policies, we’re stuck with 0.2% and car-brain trumping rational decisions affecting our health and the economy.
Whilst the NSW Government is making some positive noises, we’re urging Labor to substantially increase funding for active transport programs. So what we’re asking for is a paradigm shift.
We are not asking for the Government to spend additional money. But we are requesting a greater proportion to go towards walking and cycling.
$3.835 billion instead of $120 million= 5%
Though well below the UN recommendation, $3.835 billion over 4 years would provide the foundation for healthier streets and communities. Then we would see the sort of infrastructure and programs needed for:
- Walkable, liveable cities and towns
- Healthy active kids
- Improved public transport connections
- Slower, safer streets
- More people walking, wheeling and rolling- Less people driving
Active transport infrastructure is cheaper to deliver and benefits the whole community
We’re talking about simple policy changes like streetscape improvements, low-traffic environments and the reallocation of road space. Because, whilst motorways are a deadweight loss, bike infrastructure has a minimum 5:1 return on investment (Queensland Government)- This is due to the enormous health, productivity and environmental benefits of active travel. Indeed, the UK Government in its study, The Value of Cycling, estimates an impressive ROI in the range of 19:1 –35.5:1 taking into account population density, connectivity and the environment (UK Government).
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‘If you care about the environment, health, cost of living, social equity and childhood independence, consider supporting our bike advocacy,’ Says Bicycle NSW CEO, Peter McLean. ‘Bicycle NSW has been campaigning for safe, accessible bicycle infrastructure for almost 50 years’
