The $15 Fix: A Nation-Building Investment in Walking & Cycling

Imagine a future where walking and cycling are safe, easy, and the obvious choice for short trips. That future is within reach—if the Australian Government makes a simple, cost-effective commitment.

In its pre-budget submission to the Australian Treasury this month, Better Streets called for a Nationwide Active Transport Infrastructure Program. The ask? $400 million annually from 2026 to 2035—just $15 per person per year. With matching funds from states and territories, this investment will:

✅ Build 15 Regional City Networks – Expanding connected cycling and walking paths in fast-growing cities, towns and fringe suburbs. 

✅ Deliver Cycling Superhighways – Creating world-class networks in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

✅ Introduce a National E-Bike Subsidy – Making cycling an affordable transport option for all.

✅ Ensure On-Time Delivery – A dedicated oversight unit to fast-track projects.

Why This Matters

💼 More Jobs – 2,000 new jobs annually, with the bike industry already employing 61,000 people—nearly 50% more than coal.

🚦 Less Congestion – Over 2 million daily car trips in Sydney alone are under 2 km. Safe cycling and walking networks would replace many of these.

💰 Cost of Living Relief – Households spend 17% of their income on transport. Investing in walking and cycling means fewer second cars and more savings.

🏥 Health Benefits – Physical inactivity costs Australia $2.4 billion a year in healthcare. More active transport = healthier communities.

🌏 Climate Action – Transport is 20% of Australia’s carbon emissions. Walking and cycling cut emissions without costly infrastructure.

Australia’s Spending Problem

Australia spends 800 times more on roads than active transport. While countries like Ireland invest $120 per person annually, Australia spends just 90 cents. The UN recommends at least 20% of transport budgets go to walking and cycling. We’re at 0.1%.

A Smart Investment

The economic case is clear:

🚶‍♂️ Every km walked generates $6.30 in benefits.

🚴‍♀️ Every km cycled generates $4.10 in benefits.

💰 Every $1 invested returns $5 to the economy.

This is a nation-building investment that pays off. 

We called on the Australian Government to make the investment in our pre-budget submission to Treasury, and we’ll follow up with candidates and parties vying for seats in the 2025 federal election.