Cycling: Getting Australia Moving

Cyberspace and the media buzzed for a while this month when the Cycling Promotion Fund released the report: Cycling: Getting Australia Moving. Widely talked about was the finding that cycling is already saving Australian governments over $200 million in direct health costs. But there is a lot more in this report which was commissioned by the Federal Health Department 12 months ago.

The rfindings and ecommendations (see Executive Summary reprinted below) made by the four distinguished writers of the report provide plenty of justification for greater inclusion of cycling in future policy and strategy documents.

Summary

Physical inactivity is a major contributor to poor health in Australia – with around half the population insufficiently active to protect against sedentary lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes.

The trend of decreasing rates of physical activity cuts across all ages and social groups. Modern lifestyles have engineered physical activity out of everyday life.

Cycling offers significant potential to increase physical activity levels in adults. It is already the fourth most popular physical activity for adults, it can be undertaken by a wide variety of ages and fitness levels, it is affordable and can be integrated into people’s daily life and used as a form of transport.

This report has been developed to assist practitioners, policy makers and planners to increase adult physical activity levels through bicycle riding. It does this by first setting the scene on Australian cycling and then outlines current barriers and facilitators to greater participation. Finally, the report delivers a set of recommendations to overcome these barriers and increase bicycle riding among Australian adults.

Cycling is on the increase!

Over 1.68 million adults cycled in 2006; an increase of 244,000 from 2001. Australian capital cities have also experienced an average 22% increase in bicycle journeys to work, with Melbourne’s growth rate soaring 42% between 2001 and 2006.

A range of interventions exist to encourage cycling; from cycling events attracting thousands of people, behaviour change programs targeting trips to work and school, social marketing campaigns and multifaceted community based programs. Those programs are successful in encouraging people to ride more often but their reach is currently limited and effectiveness will be enhanced with the development of more supportive physical environments, such as bicycle lanes and paths.

Valuing cycling

The value of current cycling to the health system is approximately $227.2 million per annum. Other benefits calculated for this report include reduced congestion ($63.9 million) and greenhouse gas emissions ($9.3 million).

What barriers exist to greater cycling participation?

Despite the significant increase in cycling over recent years and the multitude of benefits stemming from increased participation, a number of substantial barriers exist for large segments of the population.

Individual barriers, such as a lack of skills and confidence have been found to prevent many people from cycling.

Social and cultural factors can also influence rates of cycling. For instance, low income areas were found to have reduced opportunities for cycling and their residents make less short trips by either foot or bicycle.

Environmental factors (urban design and bicycle infrastructure) were found to be a major influence on levels of cycling. Higher density development reduces trip distance and this provides a major boost for cycling, as does the provision of on and off road bicycle routes. In fact, the current lack of bicycle infrastructure in Australia presents a particularly strong barrier for women, who comprise only 20% of commuter cyclists.

Safety concerns were consistently found to be among the most significant barriers preventing people from cycling. It was even found to be a concern for those that cycle regularly. Yet the perception of risk from cycle accidents is often disproportionate to the actual risk. For instance, the hospitalisation rate from cycling is seven times lower than that of football, per 100,000 participants. Moreover, the evidence clearly points to the fact that the more cyclists there are, the safer it becomes.

Policy and regulatory factors governing key influences on cycling, such as congestion charging, urban density and motor vehicle speed

limits have been identified as non-health sector issues that nonetheless have important outcomes for public health through their effect on cycling.

Recommendations

Establishing a cycling-friendly policy and regulatory environment is a significant challenge and one that is not entirely within the direct control of the health sector. A multi-faceted, whole-of-government approach is required. Each of the following recommendations are largely dependent upon one another and should be implemented in an integrated, coordinated way to increase bicycle participation:

* Mass marketing campaigns highlighting the benefits of cycling

* Bicycle education programs to increase skills, confidence and safety

* Behaviour change initiatives to market alternatives to car use

* Cycling events to provide incentives for people to ride in a supportive environment particularly for novice riders

* Urban planning/bicycle infrastructure/funding focused on increasing bicycle friendly design.

As Australians continue to lead increasingly busy lifestyles, cycling is in a unique position for its ability to combine physical activity, recreation and transport. This provides an important health benefit for a population failing to meet minimum physical activity requirements. Cycling is also a carbon neutral, petrol free form of transport, simultaneously helping Australians fight climate change and reduce fuel costs. For peak hour journeys in particular, the bicycle can reduce congestion and increase the efficiency of the transport system.

Creating more cycle friendly communities can also play an important role in creating better places to live, work, raise a family and grow old.

For Australia to fully capitalise on the benefits of cycling, a whole-of-government approach is required, with commitment from the health, transport, environment, education and planning portfolios. Only through a combined approach can the benefits of cycling be fully realised.

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