Cycling's triple bottom line revealed in largest ever national study

The largest-ever study on Australia’s cycling and e-scooter economy has shown the growing strength of the micromobility industry, with cycling contributed $954 million in health and social benefits including $313 million in savings to the Australia health system.

Funded by governments, industry, motoring and bicycle groups, the 2023 WeRide Australian Cycling and eScooter Economy Report has reinforced cycling’s significant economic, health and environmental benefits.

The newly published report reveals that in 2022 the sector generated:

• More than 60,000 jobs (FTE) and $18.6 billion in economic and social contribution from cycling and e-scooter use

• Cycling contributed $954 million in health and social benefits including $313 million in savings to the Australia health system, and

• Cycling avoided 514,096 tonnes of CO2e in greenhouse gas emissions, through replacing 3.9 billion kilometres of motor vehicle travel.

The report by EY, with support from Program Partners including RACV and the Amy Gillett Foundation, highlighted that cycling also generates considerable cost of living benefits for Australians.

The extensive research conducted as part of the study found that a large proportion of adults would cycle more often if there was better infrastructure and programs to make cycling easier and safer.

The report also revealed the following for Australia in 2022:

Cycling

• 6.5 million adults cycled

• Over 58,000 jobs (FTE) were created by cycling

• $16.9 billion total contribution from cycling

• 2.2 million kg air pollutants avoided, and

• $1.9 billion direct output from cycle tourism nationally.

e-scooters

• 3.6 million adults used an e-scooter

• $728 million total contribution from e-scooters

Commenting on the findings, WeRide’s Executive Officer Peter Bourke advised “the triple bottom line benefits of the sector are significant, generating thousands of jobs as well as providing health and environmental benefits, making investment in cycling and e-scooters a national imperative.

“Not only did the sector contribute over $18 billion in economic, health and social benefits to Australia in 2022, cycling also avoided the release of 514,096 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions and 2.2 million kilograms of air pollutants into the atmosphere across the year, with bike commuting replacing the equivalent of $3.9 billion kilometres of motor vehicle travel.”

“The report also highlights the importance of cycling to the regions, for the first time providing a detailed picture of the positive impact of cycle tourism, valued at $1.9 billion nationally.”

RACV General Manager Mobility Julia Hunter said the report reinforces the importance of investment in cycling infrastructure and the many benefits of micro-mobility options such as e-bikes.

Hunter stated “RACV is encouraging Government to improve cycling infrastructure in Melbourne and regional centres of Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo, including the RACV super-highway cycling network of 10 priority corridors that will physically separate and protect cyclists from other road users.

“Also of note is the growth in popularity of e-bikes, with the number of electric-powered bikes sold nationally increasing by over 250 per cent from an estimated 54,000 bikes in 2020 to 193,000 bikes in 2022.

“RACV encourages both the Victorian and Commonwealth governments to promote the acceleration of e-bike adoption as a healthy, sustainable and affordable transport alternative.”

We Ride Australia
We Ride Australia is the national independent voice for cycling in Australia. WeRide’s mission is to build a healthy, sustainable future through advocacy, program development and research around the bicycle’s role in environment, health, infrastructure and safety.

To view the report go to www.weride.org.au/australiancyclingeconomy