Australian Government Estimates Every 20-Minute Bike Commute Saves $21

Every bike ride to work, and every walking commute, is as good as money in the bank for the Australian economy, according to a new government report.

A policy statement released by Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week stated that the overall economy benefited by $21, round trip, for each 20-minute bike commute. The value of a 20-minute walk to work, meanwhile, was estimated at $8.50, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Albanese said the country needs to do more to encourage active commuting, noting the relatively low cost and many benefits of bike infrastructure. The Sydney Morning Herald says the Australian government has agreed to installed protected bike lanes on "all future urban road projects."

"For shorter trips we need to get more people choosing alternatives to the car," Mr Albanese said. "People will walk or cycle if it's safe and convenient to do so."

Imagine that.