Promoting walking and cycling delivers substantial economic returns, with direct benefits for public health, urban vitality, and infrastructure efficiency. In Australia and New Zealand, shifting more people from private vehicle use to active transport modes could save over AUD 203 million annually in healthcare costs and AUD 32.7 million through reduced congestion. These figures reflect not only savings from decreased disease burden but also the positive economic ripple effects on local commerce and real estate. Increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic has been shown to elevate retail sales, rental incomes, and property values, especially in areas designed with walkability and active mobility in mind. In Melbourne’s Lygon Street, for example, reallocating parking spaces for bicycles significantly enhanced commercial activity, a pattern echoed in global cities like New York following the installation of protected bike lanes. Additionally, if just 5% of short trips within a 10 km radius of central Sydney were replaced with cycling, the long-term economic impact would amount to millions in net benefits over 30 years. Active mobility also contributes to placemaking, creating safer, more accessible, and vibrant communities while offering equity in transport access. These insights support strategic investment in cycling infrastructure, pedestrian zones, and policy frameworks that shift the urban mobility paradigm from car dependency to multimodal, people-focused systems. The evidence underscores the need for integrated planning approaches that align transport policy, economic strategy, and public health goals, demonstrating that walking and cycling are not merely alternatives but foundational components of a thriving urban future.
Cycling and Walking Australia and New Zealand (CWANZ) (2021) Economic Benefits of Walking & Cycling.
