European Transport \ Trasporti Europei (2018) Issue 69, Paper n° 4, ISSN 1825-3997 1 Why Isn’t Australia a Cycling Mecca? Elizabeth Butterworth 1 , Dorina Pojani 1 1 The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Abstract In theory, Australian cities are ideal for cycling. In view of their high potential, this study seeks to answer “why Australia is not a cycling mecca.” This is an issue of importance in the current era of grave concern about climate change. The authors have sought input from professionals working in government and non-government organisations across five of the largest state capitals (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide). The conceptual framework which guided the research considers the role of ideas, interests, and institutions in facilitating or preventing policy change in favour of cycling. In addition to identifying barriers, the study provides a set of recommendations on how to overcome those barriers. Keywords: Cycling; Australian cities; barriers; ideas, interests, and institutions. 1. Introduction The social benefits of cycling are many and well-documented (UN Environment 2016). Were cycling as widespread in Australia as in north-western Europe, health savings would amount to $227 million per annum; traffic congestion costs would be reduced by 64 million per annum, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions would equate $9 million. These measurable benefits would be matched by intangible but as important gains in urban liveability (Bauman et al. 2008; Gatersleben and Haddad 2010; Garrard et al. 2012). In theory, Australian cities are ideal for cycling. They have stable governments, substantial public resources, and increasingly health-conscious residents who tend to enjoy sports and the outdoors. While a few cities, such as Brisbane and Sydney are hilly, the topography barrier could be easily overcome through the use of electric bicycles. Australian city climates are very mild during most of the year – although cities do suffer from one or more heatwaves during summers, which preclude cycling for a few days. (Heatwaves are directly related to excessive driving and widespread use of concrete road pavement.) Notwithstanding this high potential, in large cities bicycle travel does not capture a significant share of the daily trips in comparison to European counterparts. Overall,  Corresponding author: Dorina Pojani (d.pojani@uq.edu.au)