Policy & Funding
This category includes government policy announcements, both local, state, national and international along with updates and summaries about budgets and upcoming projects.
Climbing Cost of Living Makes e-Bike Subsidies More Attractive
Canberra, ACT Government incentives to get more people riding e-bikes would return up to $3 for every $1 invested, according to figures released last week by We Ride Australia to coincide with last week’s Active Transport Mobility Summit in Sydney. The figures, based on data released by NSW Treasury and modelled by the independent Institute…
Parliamentary Friends Group Taking Politics out of Active Transport
Sydney, NSW A new Friends of Active Transport in NSW Parliament, incorporating Liberal, Labor and Greens Members, will help remove the politics from planning and policymaking for active transport in the State, according to Bicycle NSW. The cycling advocacy group’s CEO, Peter McLean, said the Friends, launched at a gathering at Parliament House late last…
$6 Million Federal Budget Boost for Amy Gillett Foundation
Melbourne, Victoria National cycling safety charity the Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) received $6 million in last month’s Federal Budget, after flagging several initiatives to improve cycling infrastructure and mapping. The Melbourne-based organisation outlined four recommendations in its pre-budget submission, including updating road design guidelines, training for local decision makers and practitioners to deliver best-practice cycling infrastructure,…
Berlin Superhighway to Ensure Time is Right for Switch to Cycling
Berlin, Germany A new east-west cycle superhighway to cross Berlin is expected to enable cyclists to make the 38km journey in about the same time as cars. The new “high-speed bicycle route”, from Hönow through the city centre and out to Spandau, was announced recently by the city’s state-owned cycle planning company, Infravelo. A statement…
Bicycle Network Seeks New CEO
Melbourne, Victoria Bicycle Network has begun the search for a new CEO, with news its current head will leave the organisation at the start of July. The contract for the current CEO, Craig Richards, will end later this year after he has spent nearly a decade at the helm. “In reviewing what’s next for Bicycle…
Landmark UK Prosecution of Supplier of High-Powered e-Bike
Worcester, UK A UK vehicle standards authority had announced the country’s first successful prosecution of a company for illegally supplying high-powered electric assisted pedal cycles (EPACS) not approved for road use. The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) took action against Monsterebikes Ltd for supplying Falcon-branded EAPCs fitted with motors powered up to 8,000 watts…
Spanish Ministry Proposes Compulsory e-Bike Insurance
Spain The Spanish government is considering implementing mandatory insurance for e-bikes, a policy that would put it at odds with the rest of Europe. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation’s push to incorporate “personal mobility vehicles” within regular motor vehicle regulations would bring a need for compulsory insurance for electric bicycles. The controversial proposal…
Bike Businesses Sought for Green Square Cycling Incentives
e-Bike suppliers are invited to participate in a City of Sydney pilot program to make electric bikes more readily accessible to residents in the municipality’s Green Square area. “The City of Sydney is seeking to trial a panel of businesses who can provide e-bikes for Green Square residents to experience riding,” the council’s Manager Cycling…
Brussels Bumps Up Bonus to Forgo Cars
Brussels, Belgium A sustainable transport initiative in the Belgian capital Brussels has almost doubled its bonus to residents who don’t renew their car registration, as part of a revitalisation of the Bruxell’air mobility bonus. The maximum payment increased from €500 (A$733) to €900 (A$1319), with payments calculated on a sliding scale based on residents’ annual…
Rider Both Beneficiaries and Targets of New ACT Road Laws
Canberra, ACT New road safety laws in the ACT will provide added protection for cyclists and other micromobility users, but will also subject them to greater regulation. The regulations, announced by the ACT Transport Minister Chris Steel last week, were intended to protect riders and pedestrians, but also to encourage safe riding practices on public…