Pedal Power releases its Election Policy Platform
MEDIA RELEASE
With the ACT elections just around the corner, Pedal Power has today released its Election Policy Platform outlining its plan for the next four years of Government.
“The next Government needs to step up the ambition, providing a real, practical and forward-thinking plan about how we can encourage thousands more Canberrans into active travel.” Says Pedal Power Executive Director Simon Copland. “This is one of the cheapest and most effective health and environmental interventions a Government can make, and we know it will be effective as research shows that more people want to get on their bikes or walk more often, but they don’t feel it is safe or convenient to do so”.
Pedal Power has created a four-point plan to re-invigorate Canberra’s status as Australia’s cycling and active travel capital and this plan has been the guide for its platform.
The four-point plan asks the Government to:
1. Invest to design, build, upgrade and maintain our active travel network of cycle lanes and paths, shared paths and footpaths.
2. Create pedestrian and cycle-friendly neighbourhoods through initiatives such as reducing speed limits, creating Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and upgrading lighting on all active travel paths.
3. Invest in recreational cycling such as continuing to invest in Stromlo Forest Park and creating a cycle tourism campaign.
4. Build a highly connected, diverse, medium-density city.
Additionally, Pedal Power Election Policy Platform urges the Government to fund Canberra’s transport organisations through service agreements, consistent with how environment and social service organisations are currently funded.
“Active travel can transform our city – improving people’s health, reducing carbon emissions, battling congestion, and creating more vibrant communities. Pedal Power’s election platform presents what we need to do to truly make Canberra an active city.” Says Simon Copland.
