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Economic Research

AECOM - Inner Sydney Regional Bicycle Network Report

 

 

Introduction

In 2010, the City of Sydney commissioned independent research to quantify the economic benefits of the proposed Inner Sydney Regional Bike Network.

The study by AECOM* found the network would deliver at least $506 million - or $3.88 for every dollar spent - in net economic benefits over 30 years, and reduce Sydney's traffic congestion by 4.3 million car trips a year.

The study forecasts a 66 per cent increase in bike trips by 2016 and a 71 per cent rise by 2026 if the 284 km network - spanning 15 council areas, 164 suburbs and a population of 1.2 million people - is built at a cost of $179 million.

The proposed project is in addition to the City's current $76 million works program to build 200km of cycleways in the City Centre and inner city villages by 2017.

The benefit in reducing congestion alone is estimated to be worth $97.8 million or $4.07 for every commuter switching from a car to bicycle during peak periods.

The study found that building the network would provide $147.3 million in health benefits for the next 30 years, potentially saving Sydney commuters from a raft of chronic diseases from heart disease to Type 2 Diabetes.

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What is the Inner Sydney Regional Bike Network

The Inner City of Sydney is working with 14 councils to develop a cycleway network in excess of 284 kilometres stretching from Kogarah to Chatswood and from Rhodes to Watsons Bay.

This Inner City Regional Bicycle Network will provide access for 1.2 million people in 164 suburbs, across City of Sydney, Leichhardt, Ashfield, Marrickville, Rockdale, Canterbury, Canada Bay, Lane Cove, Willoughby, North Sydney, Mosman, Woollahra, Waverley, Randwick and Botany Bay.

The City is already building the first parts of the network as part of $76 million, 200 kilometre cycleway network in the City of Sydney Local Government Area.

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Cycling makes dollars and sense – key facts from the reports

The AECOM research estimated the following additional benefits from the development of the Inner City Regional Bicycle Network:

  • Will generate more than 7 million bicycle trips a year by 2016
  • Will cut car use by 4.3 million trips a year by 2016
  • Will relieve traffic congestion, making essential car travel easier
  • Will alleviate health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease
  • Will promote worker productivity through reduced absenteeism
  • Will increase “journey ambience” for cyclists
  • Will bring environmental improvements such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions as well as improved air quality and lower noise pollution
  • Will generate savings in Government transport infrastructure building and operating costs.

Economic Return of the Bicycle Network:

  • Every $1 spent on the network generates $3.88 back to the community
  • Fewer cars means $97.8 million in decongestion benefits
  • Decongestion benefits of $4.07 per trip for every commuter switching from car to bicycle
  • Average cost savings of $1.34 per trip for each motorist switching to a bicycle
  • Average fare savings of between $1.60 and $2.20 per trip for every public transport commuter switching to a bicycle
  • Net benefit of $506 million over 30 years (in today’s dollars).

Community Health/ Lifestyle Benefits:

  • $147.3 million over 30 years from the reduced risk of mortality
  • Equal to 44 cents for each cycle trip
  • Journey ambience (which includes the value of better protection for cyclists and improved way finding) of $129.8 million
  • Savings of $24.2 million in greenhouse gas emissions, air and noise pollution.

More people riding more often:

  • Bicycle trips account for just under 1 per cent of total travel each day
  • 62 per cent increase in weekday bike usage on Sydney’s cycleways between 2003 – 2008
  • 55 per cent increase in daily bike usage on Sydney’s cycleways between 2003 – 2008
  • Cycling to increase 66 per cent by 2016 with the network
  • 42 per cent of households owned at least one bike (2005) versus 37 per cent in 2001.

 

Downloads

*AECOM is a Fortune 500 company which provides professional technical and management support services in more than 100 countries worldwide.

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Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.