Benefits of Walking and Cycling to You, to Society and to the Environment

For whatever reason you choose to hop on your bicycle or begin walking, you will be helping yourself as well as contributing to us becoming a more sustainable society.

Car use costs

In Canberra, as in many other urban centres, there is increasing recognition that high car reliance is environmentally unsustainable and causes unnecessary economic and social costs. Traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, accidents and greater dependence on non-renewable fuels are a number of the apparent costs. Moreover, intensive car use is associated with personal health and social problems such as adult and childhood obesity, reduced physical activity and limited social contact.

Walking and cycling benefits

In contrast, some of the benefits of bicycle use and walking include personal health benefits such as cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention, improved psychological health and reduced risk of obesity, adult-onset diabetes and osteoporosis. Moreover, community and individual benefits are gained due to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, noise and air pollution, road maintenance costs and personal vehicle operating and maintenance expenses.