South Australia's Cycle Spend? Less than a cup of coffee

South Australia only spends $2.89 per capita on cycling infrastructure - less than a cup of coffee. 

A rather important report popped up last week about the state of cycling in Australia - but it hasn't gathered much media attention. 

The report provides an overview of progress made towards the objectives of the National Cycling Strategy 2011-16 - and the outlook so far for South Australia isn't rosy.

Here are some of the figures:

• South Australia spends less than $3 per head on cycling infrastructure. 

• Our spend is the lowest of any mainland state in the nation

• Between 2011 and and 2013 the number of people cycling dropped by 20%

• Cycling investment accounted for just 0.49% of the State Government's total transport expenditure

Cycling investment is fundamental - without building paths that separate riders from cars - we're not going to see more bums on bikes. There will be a draft 2014-2020 cycling strategy coming out soon - and Bike SA will be  working hard to make sure cycling is adequately funded and resourced within this strategy. 

On the bright side - even without significant infrastructure spending - bicycles managed to outsell cars for the 14th year running.

Become a member at Bike SA and help work for better conditions for cycling. 

A full copy of the report can be downloaded on the Aust Roads website.