Greens Welcome Tens of Millions for Walking and Cycling, and New E-Bike Reforms

Kobi Shetty MP  -  Media Release  -  30, October 2025

15th October 2025

The NSW Greens have welcomed a major step forward for sustainable transport, with new legislation delivering both a stronger regulatory framework for e-bikes, and a long-overdue funding boost for walking and cycling infrastructure. 

The Road Transport and Other Legislation Amendment (Micromobility Vehicles and Smartcards) Bill 2025, introduced by the NSW Government this week, will channel tens of millions of dollars from unregistered Opal cards that have remained dormant for more than five years. These funds will go towards improving active transport networks and supporting the delivery of much-needed infrastructure to make e-bikes and e-scooters safer.

Kobi Shetty MP and Greens Spokesperson for Active Transport and Sustainable Cities says:

“For too long it’s been a free-for-all for shared bike providers in Sydney and the community have had enough. This package is a significant win and will get more people walking and riding safely and reduce the clutter of dumped and poorly managed share bikes.

“I’m pleased to have worked alongside the Government to secure this reform agenda. Directing tens of millions from dormant Opal card funds into walking and cycling is exactly the kind of smart, practical investment our state has been crying out for.

“After years of chaos, we now have reforms to deliver a consistent, statewide approach to managing shared e-bikes — and a major funding boost to help deliver the safe, connected infrastructure we need.

“These reforms will help councils better manage e-bikes, reduce trip hazards, and make sure parking, safety and insurance standards are consistent across NSW. This is good news for both riders and pedestrians.”

“E-bikes are helping people leave the car at home. With the right infrastructure and appropriate legal frameworks, they can play a huge role in offering people cheaper, quicker, healthier ways to get around.

 -ENDS-

 

   - BACKGROUND-

  • The proposed changes will only impact Opal cards that have been used for five years.  
  • The Greens successfully moved amendments to ensure that this will only apply to unregistered Opal cards 
  • The Greens successfully moved amendments to require the Government to report to Parliament on how the forfeited Opal money has been spent