A poll of more than 2,000 Australians reveals that Queensland has the highest support for more government spending on bike lanes and footpaths. 

The People and Transport Poll 2022,  commissioned by the Climate Council and conducted by YouGov, found that more than two-thirds of Queenslanders want to see more investment in footpaths and bike lanes to improve walking and bike riding options.

Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: “A cleaner, more efficient and affordable transport system is what Queenslanders want and it’s also crucial for our climate. 

“Transport is Australia’s fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions and our country’s second biggest source of climate pollution.

 “Seeing more Queenslanders choose public transport, walking and bike-riding - alongside the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) - is essential to cut costs for households and drive down Australia’s emissions.”

 The poll comes as momentum is gathering to get more EVs onto Australia’s roads by introducing new Fuel Efficiency Standards. Together, these actions chart a clear course to decarbonising our transport fleet. 

 The survey also found:  

• Eight in 10 Australians believe governments should spend more on public transport.

• More than two-thirds of Australians surveyed believe governments should deliver more footpaths and bike lanes.

  Latest figures show state governments allocate less than 2% of their transport budget to footpaths and bike lanes. In every state surveyed - Queensland, NSW, Vic and SA - a majority (60%) of poll respondents believe this is not enough. 

Australians who commute to work using public transport can save more than $8000 a year compared with driving a car. For those who can bike or walk, the savings are close to $12,000. 

 Climate Council Head of Advocacy, Dr Jennifer Rayner said: “Investing in public transport and infrastructure for walking and bike-riding is much more popular than governments may realise. 

“Australians know leaving the car at home can deliver cheaper commutes, healthier streets and reduced emissions for a cleaner environment. Now we need the investment to back up that choice so it’s easy and convenient for people to move around in cheaper, cleaner ways.” 

Photo: Martin Magnemy/Unsplash