The People and transport national poll 2022, commissioned by the Climate Council and conducted by YouGov, finds that more than two-thirds of Australians think governments should deliver more footpaths and bike lanes across the country.

The poll comes as momentum is gathering to get more electric vehicles (EVs) onto Australia’s roads by introducing new fuel efficiency standards. Together, these actions chart a clear course to decarbonising our transport fleet.

Other key findings:

• 7 in 10 (70%) Australians agree we should electrify our public bus fleets as quickly as possible, manufacture them here, and power them with our sun and wind.
• When it comes to walking and/or riding a bike to get around, people would most like to see governments invest in building more dedicated bike lanes separated from car traffic (52%) and establishing more connected networks of footpaths and bike lanes (47%).
• Latest figures show all Australian state governments currently allocate less than 2 percent of their transport budgets to footpaths and bike lanes. In every state surveyed – Qld, NSW, Vic and SA – a majority (60%) of poll respondents believe this is not enough. 
• In New South Wales and Victoria, eight in 10 agree that the government should invest more in public transport. In Queensland and South Australia that figure is more than seven in 10.
• NSW has the highest support (73%) for electric buses powered by renewables.
• Queensland has the highest support (66%) for increased investment in bike lanes and footpaths, with close to 85 percent agreeing it would improve the state’s walking and bike-riding options.