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Cycling investment in Queensland

Queensland's population is expected to continue to grow significantly, so there is no better time to get more people on bikes.

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Our investment in cycling

The Queensland Government is investing in cycling because when people ride, it contributes to:

  • making our transport system more sustainable
  • maintaining a healthy environment and more active lifestyles
  • the vitality of our cities, towns and neighbourhoods
  • reducing congestion.
Infographic stating 'On average, every $1 invested in cycling infrastructure returns almost $5 to Queensland in health benefits, reduced traffic congestion and other benefits'

By delivering well-planned, connected cycling infrastructure, we will help make riding a bike in Queensland safer, enjoyable and a more attractive transport choice.

This video shows the growth in people riding, along with the investment in off-road cycling infrastructure, within inner Brisbane between 1986 and 2016.

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How we invest in cycling

The Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017-2027 sets out the Queensland Government's vision for more cycling, more often in Queensland.

We invest in cycling through the:

  • Cycling Infrastructure Policy
  • Active Transport Investment Program.

Cycling Infrastructure Policy

The Cycling Infrastructure Policy requires the Department of Transport and Main Roads to progressively plan, design, construct, maintain and operate the state-controlled transport network, on the basis that bicycle riders will use the network.

Under the policy, projects funded by the department on principal cycle routes will explicitly provide cycling infrastructure within the project's scope. Projects not located on principal cycle routes will make implicit provision.

This policy ensures we plan, design and construct fit-for-purpose cycling infrastructure and facilities, that deliver value for money and realisable benefits.

Active Transport Investment Program

Funded as part of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP), the Active Transport Investment Program supports development of bike riding infrastructure, planning and programs, as well as walking initiatives, across Queensland.

The program promotes and supports collaboration between state and local governments to achieve a 'one network' outcome for people who ride bikes. It supports the delivery of the highest priority routes of the principal cycle network through the:

Find out more about the current and planned active transport infrastructure investment provided by the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program.

Why we invest in cycling

Since 2006, the Active Transport Investment Program has delivered high-quality infrastructure with strongly positive benefit-cost ratios on projects, such as the Veloway One (Stage C) and the Cairns Northern Cycleway.

Info graphic showing cost benefit analysis for every $1 invested in cycling across 4 projects—Biggera Creek Greenway ($3.80), David Low Way Bicycle Lanes ($4.30), Veloway 1 (Stage C) ($5.40) and Cairns Northern Cycleway ($7.40)

Economic modelling helps us understand which future investments will produce the largest returns for the community.

Modelling conducted in 2017-18 showed that Queensland could expect almost $5 in economic benefits for every $1 invested in cycling infrastructure, creating a strong case for continued investment in cycling.

The results also found:

  • health benefits far outweigh other benefits—calculated at $0.67 per kilometre ridden
  • 'journey ambience' related to separated cycling facilities (as opposed to on-road cycle lanes) is important—calculated at $0.14 per kilometre
  • bicycle injury costs are a disadvantage, however the overall benefits outweigh this by 4:1
  • a 40% reduction in bicycle accidents could be achieved by separating cycling infrastructure from motor vehicle traffic
  • completed highest priority routes generated economic benefits—approximately $721 million over the appraisal period
  • Net Present Values increase with level of investment
  • the net economic benefit is equivalent to $77 million a year (in present value terms) for 30 years.

You can access this infographic information in text form.

There are also other benefits of implementing a cycle network. For example, journey ambience relates to the enjoyment cyclists get from using safer facilities, such as cycle facilities separated from motor vehicles.

Active transport economic appraisal tool

We have developed an economic appraisal tool for estimating the economic costs and benefits of investment in walking and cycling infrastructure projects in Queensland.

What's next

It is important that current and future bike riders are supported by good planning and investment in safe, connected, separated cycling infrastructure.

The 2021 National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey1 found the proportion of Queensland residents who ride bicycles has increased significantly since 2019:

  • the proportion of residents who ride in a typical week increased from 13.5% in 2019 to 19.2% in 2021 (approximately 977,000 people)
  • the proportion of residents who ride in a typical year increased from 35.6% in 2019 to 41.3% in 2021 (approximately 2,104,200 people)
  • these results are the highest since the survey started in 2011.

Our investments will continue to deliver the identified highest priority routes in the Principal Cycle Network Plans, to make bike riding in Queensland safer, better connected and a more attractive transport choice.

The Queensland State of Cycling Report is updated and published every 2 years, allowing us to monitor and report on the Active Transport Investment Program and track our progress.

References

  1. Austroads (2021), National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey (NWCPS): Queensland, Sydney.
Last updated
17 August 2022