Bicycle Network: VoteBike

It was interesting to to observe the different approaches of the parties to this election to bicycle issues.

The Greens campaign rules were flexible enough to allow their candidates to speak directly to voters.  Greens candidates in this Federal election used the My Representatives system and overall did well in the election. We will see if they use their new found power in the Parliament to get more people riding.

The campaign rules of the other parties appeared to be different. Members of Bicycle Network Victoria stood for all the parties and yet the major parties did not allow or encourage their candidates to use My Representatives. In response to the local queries we received letters from party headquarters speaking generally about the parties policies overall or past financial commitments such as the stimulus package.

The parties were able to make local statements and commitments on other issues such as hospitals, railways and schools. We have the double challenge to get bicycle infrastructure projects up as 'promisable' things and draw out responses from candidates on local issues.

One issue did arise when a state issue arose in a Federal electorate.  The state candidate made a statement about bicycle facilties on Black Forest Road during the Federal election. This confusion shows how important it is to work between elections to develop an understanding of the key issues by candidates for all parties and the voters.

Harry Barber
Chief Executive
16 September 2010