Policy & Funding
This category includes government policy announcements, both local, state, national and international along with updates and summaries about budgets and upcoming projects.
Historic Declaration Expected to Unlock Billions for Cycling Infrastructure
Brussels, Belgium The European Declaration on Cycling was signed on Wednesday 3rd April at the Informal Council meeting of Transport Ministers led by the Belgian European Union (EU) presidency at Egmont Palace in Brussels. It is the most ambitious EU-level policy initiative on cycling to date, recognising cycling as a strategic priority and acknowledging its…
Parisians Vote to Triple SUV and 4×4 Parking Fees
Paris, France Parisians have voted to triple parking costs for sports utility vehicles (SUVs), as the city aims to tackle air pollution and climate breakdown by targeting rich drivers in heavy, large and polluting cars. In a referendum held on Sunday 4th February 2024, which was closely watched by other capital cities, 54.6% voted in…
Strong Demand So Far for Tasmanian E-Bike Subsidies
Hobart, Tasmania As we previously reported here, late last year Tasmania became the first Australian state to announce an e-bike subsidy program. There are many subsidy programs already underway or completed elsewhere in the world including Europe and the USA. They consistent pattern has been strong and immediate uptake and based on the following information,…
City of Adelaide Votes to Subsidise E-Bike Purchases
Adelaide, SA On Tuesday, 30th January 2024 the City of Adelaide became the first government in mainland Australia to commit to subsidising the purchase of e-bikes and electric-assisted as well as unassisted cargo bikes for its residents and business operators. Australian cycling organisations, including Bike SA, have long lobbied all levels of government for just…
Cycling Advocates Make Seven Point 2024/25 Federal Budget Submission
Canberra ACT Every year interested groups are invited to make submissions to what they think should be included in the upcoming Federal Budget. Most people would be unaware of the sheer scale of the Federal Budget. For the current financial year of 2023/24 projected expenditure is $668.1 billion. Put another way, that’s just over two…
Tasmania Becomes First Australian State to Subsidise E-Bike Purchases
Hobart The Tasmanian Government has launched a rebate program for e-mobility devices. The program is a national first and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport, particularly from daily commuting. The program is an initiative of Tasmania’s Climate Change Action Plan 2023-25. Rebates of 12 percent of the purchase price are available for e-bikes,…
ACCC Lithium Battery Report Branded Inadequate and Underwhelming
Canberra, ACT Nationally consistent controls and systems for the sale, testing and disposal of lithium-ion batteries are needed to address the “limited but increasing number” of fires started by these batteries, according to a recently-released report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The Lithium-ion Batteries and Consumer Product Safety Report delivers six recommendations…
Roadmaps for Transport Gains: National Net Zero Roadmap & Yarra Transport Action Plan
Canberra, ACT Community consultation for a new Federal Government Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan is underway, starting with a preliminary survey to gain an initial impression of public concerns and idea. The short survey asks respondents to identify the greatest roadblocks to the decarbonisation of transport in Australia, and their ideas…
Health Professionals Demand Federal Action for Active Transport
Canberra, ACT An alliance of 18 Australian health organisations has launched a public petition calling for healthy transport and headlined by the need for better infrastructure to encourage active transport. The Healthy Transport campaign comprises groups including the Climate and Health Alliance, the Australian Health Promotion Association, the Consumer Health Forum of Australia, Doctors for…
Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister Considers E-Bike Power Boost
Hobart, Tasmania E-Bikes with more powerful motors could be allowed on Tasmanian roads, following a commitment from the State’s Minister for Infrastructure, Michael Ferguson, to consider motors up to 500 watts. Tasmania’s two houses of parliament last month passed a vehicle and traffic amendment Bill that outlaws petrol-powered bicycles and includes a change which allows…