Skip to content

Australian Government Estimates Every 20-Minute Bike Commute Saves $21

Every bike ride to work, and every walking commute, is as good as money in the bank for the Australian economy, according to a new government report.

Every bike ride to work, and every walking commute, is as good as money in the bank for the Australian economy, according to a new government report.

A policy statement released by Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week stated that the overall economy benefited by $21, round trip, for each 20-minute bike commute. The value of a 20-minute walk to work, meanwhile, was estimated at $8.50, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Albanese said the country needs to do more to encourage active commuting, noting the relatively low cost and many benefits of bike infrastructure. The Sydney Morning Herald says the Australian government has agreed to installed protected bike lanes on “all future urban road projects.”

“For shorter trips we need to get more people choosing alternatives to the car,” Mr Albanese said. “People will walk or cycle if it’s safe and convenient to do so.”

Imagine that.

Photo of Angie Schmitt
Angie is a Cleveland-based writer with a background in planning and newspaper reporting. She has been writing about cities for Streetsblog for six years.

Read More:

Comments Are Temporarily Disabled

Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.

Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.

More from Streetsblog USA

Trump’s ‘Freedom Means Affordable Cars’ Rings Hollow As Gas Prices Surge

March 30, 2026

Monday’s Headlines Pedal Backwards

March 30, 2026

Transit Safety For the People, By the People

March 30, 2026

Friday Video: Five Bike Advocacy Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making

March 27, 2026

Friday’s Headlines Take a Free Ride

March 27, 2026
See all posts