David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, as part of Youth Voice in Parliament Week, I'll be reading a speech written by Sean, a 12-year-old Canberran:

Canberra's cyclists are vital to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting green energy goals, yet our current infrastructure is failing them.

With road conditions such as potholes and poorly designed bike paths, riders face serious safety risks.

Recently, over a three-year period, 321 cyclists were involved in crashes, and cyclists' lives are being lost every year.

Despite being confident riders, many cyclists are being forced to choose cars—often a financial burden—instead of bikes because of safety concerns.

This issue is not only a matter of health and safety but also equity. Low-income residents, who may rely on biking as their primary means of transport, are disproportionately affected.

If they are injured in an accident, they may struggle to afford treatment, exacerbating the problem.

Improving bike infrastructure in Canberra isn't just about safety—it's an opportunity to create jobs through construction and maintenance, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

By updating bike paths, fixing potholes, and designing safer crossings, we can make biking a more accessible and secure option for everyone.

We could create safer roads, better health outcomes, and a cleaner, greener future for Canberra, all while supporting local employment and offering a reliable transportation alternative.

Thanks, Sean, for writing this. It really is in line with what I hear from a lot of Canberrans, from way down south to the newer northern suburbs, about the need for better cycling infrastructure and for active travel so people can get around our beautiful territory.