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Newcastle Greens

21 November 2007

Greens invite Labor and Liberal to “me too” on cycling

Greens Candidate for Newcastle, Charmian Eckersley, on Saturday supported the launch of The Greens federal cycling initiative by Senator Kerry Nettle.

Ms Eckersley, an avid cyclist herself, was accompanied by cycling friends and supporters when she delivered The Greens Bicycle Transport Initiative to Newcastle’s Labor and Liberal candidates.

“The Greens in Newcastle are running a carbon neutral campaign and I am riding to the pre-polling booth and most meetings on my bike to try and save a few of those credits for The Greens,” said Ms Eckersley.

“The Greens are hoping that Labor and Liberal will ‘me too’ our Bicycle Transport Policy Initiative,” Ms Eckersley said.

“Labor and Liberal appear bereft of policy with regard to cycling. The Greens policy initiative is a fabulous one, and if Labor and Liberal want to emulate it, it will make a significant contribution to reduction of greenhouse gases, cleaner air, less cars on the roads, and healthier citizens,” Ms Eckersley said.

Senator Nettle announced that The Greens will be pushing for a Commonwealth commitment of $750 million dollars over ten years to support cycling infrastructure and promotion.

“The Greens believe that all transport funding should be based on principles of equity, fairness and sustainability. Cycling, walking and public transport make a huge positive contribution to the environment and to communities, yet the federal government is not doing enough to promote and support cycling," Senator Nettle said.

“The Greens 'Roads to Rail' policy has called for 25% of the over $5 billion dedicated to road development each year to be redirected into sustainable transport options including cycling infrastructure.”

"Whilst the Australian National Cycling strategy 2005-2010 offers some policy coordination it offers nothing in terms of funding. The federal government's Green House Gas Abatement Programme has just $6.4 million dollars for the National Travel Behaviour Change project which encourages people to move from their cars to walking cycling and public transport.

“The funding priorities of this government need turning around. Currently the tariff on 4WD vehicles which subsidises 4WD by around $2000 per vehicle, costs the Commonwealth up to $150 million each year, whilst cycling gets almost nothing,” Senator Nettle said.

“The threat of dangerous climate change demands a whole of government response. Significant backing of sustainable transport options, including cycling, must be a part of that response.”

“Cycling as a component of a healthy lifestyle is also important in combating the obesity challenge which costs Australia $21 billion annually. Investment in the promotion of cycling will save the Commonwealth money in health expenditure in the medium to long term,” Senator Nettle said.

“The Greens policy is developed in support the Healthy and Active Transport Programme initiative developed by Australian Bicycling Federation to build cycling infrastructure across the country,” Senator Nettle said.

Further details: Charmian Eckersley 0407 730410 www.charmian-eckersley.blogspot.com

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Charmian Eckersley, Greens candidate for Newcastle at pre-polling booth at 75 Tudor Street.