Bicycle Network has joined a national coalition of health and transport groups to call on governments to make it easier to ride, walk and catch public transport in the face of the fuel crisis.
The coalition is offering nine ideas to governments that could be implemented quickly to provide more transport options to help Australians reduce fuel use.
The nine ideas are:
Crossings and footpaths near schools, shops and stops
Pop-up bike lanes on key commuter and public transport routes
More frequent public transport services
Pop-up bus-priority lanes
Shorter wait times at push-button crossings
Fuel-saving speed limits
$100 vouchers for bicycle repairs
Rapid grants for bike parking and end-of-trip upgrades
$500 vouchers to buy a bicycle.
Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack said the fuel crisis highlighted the need to give people real alternatives to driving less, not just advice to drive less.
“When fuel prices are high, families feel it immediately. Most daily trips are short, in fact about two thirds of car journeys nationally are under 5km.
“Many of these trips could be done by walking, riding or public transport if safe, convenient options were available.
“These are proven ideas that can be rolled out fast, saving households money and freeing up fuel for people who need it.”
“We’ve already seen an 11% increase in cycling in Melbourne since our annual March counts, with some routes increasing by 15% and 17%, but we can do more to help more people ride.”
The nine ideas statement was developed by a coalition of cycling, walking and health groups including the Australian Health Promotion Association; Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity; Better Streets; Bicycle Network; Bicycle NSW; Bicycle Queensland; Bike SA; Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia; Pedal Power ACT; Public Health Association of Australia; Queensland Walks; 10,000 Steps; WestCycle; and WeRide Australia.
Read the full Nine Ideas to Ease the Fuel Crisis joint statement: https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Joint-Statement-Nine-Ideas-to-Ease-Fuel-Crisis-Embargoed-7th-May.pdf
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