The Wire

Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott claims that, Australians would be happier if they ditched their cars for bicycles when traveling short distances. But the health minister isn’t alone in championing the benefits of cycling in an era of rising transport emissions, obesity and traffic congestion. The push for pushbikes has also received backing from the Greens as they call for a Commonwealth commitment of $750 million for cycling infrastructure and promotion over the next 10 years. While there is no doubting the health benefits of cycling, how much can it really do to save the environment?