Only 90 cents of Australia’s $714 per person yearly road expenditures go toward infrastructure for bicyclists, pedestrians, and wheelchair users. As a result, even while worries about traffic congestion, road safety, and the environment are growing, the nation still trails behind similar countries in terms of investment in active transportation.
The contrast is stark: while billions are poured into road projects, active transport infrastructure remains underfunded. Experts argue that even a modest increase in spending could yield economic, environmental, and social benefits—yet policy shifts remain slow.
Australia’s Infrastructure Priorities Leave Little Room for Walking and Cycling
Out of 15 similar countries in Western Europe and North America, Australia has one of the lowest rates of walking and cycling. There aren’t many safe alternatives to driving because of a lack of infrastructure, not a lack of public interest.
From 2008 to 2028, the federal government allocated just $384 million to active transport initiatives, including:
- $40 million for cycling infrastructure in 2008
- $144 million for Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point Bridge
- An estimated $60 million in the 2018 Perth City Deal for the
- An estimated $40 million as part of the Pinch Points program
- $100 million for the newly announced Active Transport Fund (2024–2028)
By comparison, the country’s annual road budget per capita eclipses these figures, funnelling public funds into an ever-expanding road network. Yet, congestion in major cities continues to worsen, and two-thirds of urban car trips could be completed on foot or by bike in under 15 minutes.
Internationally, the United Nations recommends that at least 20% of transport budgets be allocated to walking and cycling infrastructure. France, Scotland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and several Chinese cities invest between 10% and 20%. Meanwhile, Australia’s allocation remains less than 0.2%.
Economic, Environmental, and Social Arguments for Change
The financial burden of car dependence is substantial. The average Australian household spends 17% of its income on transport, with 92.5% of that going toward car ownership. Investing in walking and cycling infrastructure could reduce household costs while boosting economic productivity.
Data from the New South Wales government suggests that:
- Every kilometre walked adds $6.30 in economic benefits
- Every kilometre cycled adds $4.10
In terms of safety, over 1,300 people lost their lives on Australian roads last year, which is more than 25 deaths every week. As seen by nations that have placed a high priority on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, expanding the options for active transportation will not only reduce traffic but also accident rates.
Environmental issues also come into play. One of the main causes of Australia’s carbon footprint is emissions from transportation. Promoting short-distance walking and bicycling might drastically reduce emissions, lowering urban air pollution and enhancing public health.
Policy inertia persists despite widespread popular support for reallocating a share of infrastructure spending. According to surveys, two-thirds of Australians are in favor of more funding for infrastructure that facilitates bicycling and walking. Critics counter that progress will continue to be sluggish in the absence of a committed, long-term financing commitment.
The Path Forward
Redirecting a small fraction of the existing road budget could transform urban mobility, reducing congestion and offering Australians real choices in how they travel. Proposals suggest that even $15 per person annually—far below international benchmarks—could fund large-scale infrastructure projects across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, as well as improvements in regional cities.
As policymakers debate transport priorities, the evidence is clear: building more roads leads to more traffic, while investing in walking and cycling delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits. Whether Australia follows the lead of other developed nations remains to be seen.
