The Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) reports that bicycle sales in Australia once again out-performed car sales and is pushing for continued investment in bicycle infrastructure of national significance.
In 2009, 937,328 motor vehicles were sold compared with 1,154,077 Bicycles (23% lead) and is the tenth year that bicycle sales have exceed car sales. Australian bicycle sales have shown amazing strength throughout the global recession,” said Stephen Hodge, spokesperson for the Cycling Promotion Fund.
“The fact that bike sales have held up so strongly thoughout the last year indicates that Australians are aware of the benefits of cycling and want to ride.
“Governments at all levels have been investing in cycling infrastructure which is critical to lowering the barriers to getting more people active on bikes. But more needs to be done,” Hodge added.
2009 was a significant year for cycling infrastructure with the $40 million Bike Paths Fund part of the Commonwealth’s stimulus package and substantial State government investment.
“But the surging interest in cycling and continuing strong sales of bicycles warrant significant ongoing investment if we are going to address the obesity epidemic, provide alternative transport options and make our communities better places to live,” Hodge said.
“With petrol prices expected to continue rising in 2010 cycling provides a cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly option for the many shorts trips Australians make each day.
“Provision of high quality bicycle infrastructure costs a fraction of other transport modes and increasingly makes sense when all benefits are taken into account.”
FAST FACTS
Over 50% of car trips in Australian cities are under 5km and 30% are less than 3 km.
– Transport is responsible for 34% of household greenhouse gas emissions
– 1.59 million Australians adults cycled in 2007 (9.7% of the population)
The Australian Bicycle Industry is worth approximately $1 billion and employs an estimated 6,000 people.
The Cycling Promotion Fund: www.cyclingpromotion.com.au
