Meeting with Australian Government

On 13th June, Sara Stace (Better Streets president), Stephen Hodge (We Ride Australia), and Sam Johnson (a Better Streets member) held a series of engagements at Parliament House in Canberra.

Key conversations revolved around:

• The unfolding active mobility boom in China, particularly in Beijing and Tianjin, where over 3,200km of cycling infrastructure has been upgraded in four years. The figures were absolutely mindblowing, and we recommend you watch the webinar recording.
• The critical role of the Australian Government in active transport, in particular climate change action and health benefits. It was highlighted that walking saves the economy about $5.30 per km and cycling about $1.80 per km in health benefits, with the Australian Government bearing most of the costs of health care. In addition, the federal government has international climate change obligations, of which active transport has a key role in shifting to sustainable transport.​
• The importance of providing access to transport for all, considering nearly 40% of the Australian population doesn't drive due to various reasons including age, disability, financial constraints, or choice.

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Following the Better Streets delegation to Canberra, Sara Stace met with Wentworth federal MP, Independent Allegra Spender for a briefing. They recorded a short social media video, so keep an eye out for that soon.