Bicycles eclipse car sales by 40 per cent in 2007

While public transport planning and upgrading continues to stagnate,
forms of personal transport are booming. Sales of new vehicles passed
the 1 million barrier in 2007 - 1.04 million new vehicles were sold to
increase the national car fleet to over 14 million, according to a
report in the Sydney Morning Herald. But Bicycle sales continue to
eclipse vehicle sales with a record 1.47 million bicycles sold in 2007
– outselling car numbers for the 8th consecutive year, according to the
Cycling Promotion Fund.

Related: Sydney Cyclist | NRMA attack on bikes bad move for all road users

“Soaring petrol prices, concern over climate change, crippling traffic
congestion and the desire to lead healthier lifestyles all contributed
to the record breaking year” said Elliot Fishman, Policy Advisor at the
Cycling Promotion Fund. “Not only are Australians buying more bicycles,
they are using them in increasing numbers. Cycling has become the 4th
most popular physical activity with more than 1.6 million Australian
adults cycling in 2006, an increase of 17% from 2001. Recently released
Census
figures show that many Australians have also rediscovered the bicycle
as a great way to commute, with cycling trips to work growing at an
average 22% across Australian capital cities; with Melbourne soaring
42% between 2001 and 2006” adds Fishman.

The heaviest growth in cycling is occurring in the wealthier,
inner city areas which have superior bicycle infrastructure. “Many
outer suburban areas have dismal bicycle infrastructure and have
experienced flat growth rates. As petrol prices continue to skyrocket
and the need to fight climate change becomes more urgent, all levels of
government need to increase their level of investment in bicycle
infrastructure and encouragement programs”
argued Fishman.

Transport is responsible for about 34% of household greenhouse
gas emissions, with over 50% of car trips in Australian cities under
5km and 30% less than 3 km, ideal for cycling. Government spending on
road related expenditure currently exceeds $7.5 billion a year with
approximately $100 million spent on cycling infrastructure. It is
estimated by the Cycling Promotion Fund that Australians currently
riding to work save $72 million annually in traffic congestion.
Medibank Private have said that if more Australians were physically
active for just 30 minutes a day, the Australian healthcare system
could save $1.5 billion a year.

“The challenge is now for all level of Governments to
significantly increase funding to improve bicycle infrastructure to
make it easier for Australians to make healthy and sustainable choices”
concluded Fishman.

Sources:

• Sydney Morning Herald, Jan 12, 2008 - One million and counting
• Cycling Promotion Fund, Jan 7, 2008 - Media Alert: Bicycle Outsell cars in Australia - sales top 1.4 million