Rising fuel costs could be driving a new fitness phase, according to research by NRMA Insurance, which found more than one in three Brisbane residents are cycling or walking more to cut their petrol bill.
In an online survey run in conjunction with ourbrisbane.com*, NRMA Insurance asked Brisbane households about the steps they had taken to reduce fuel consumption.
NRMA Insurance spokesperson Frank Adler said the results showed fuel costs had forced many households to leave the car at home.
“The top tactics for saving on the fuel bill were walking or cycling, and catching more public transport.”
Mr Adler said that while rising fuel costs could hit hard on the family budget, the survey findings showed there was an upside.
“Many locals are now choosing the pedometer or pedals over petrol,” he said.
“It’s not only a win for the hip pocket, but also for personal fitness and our environment, with fewer cars on our roads leading to a reduction in carbon emissions.”
The survey found Brisbane residents had adopted a range of initiatives to help reduce their household’s fuel consumption:
| Initiative | Percentage of respondents |
|---|---|
| Caught more public transport | 36% |
| Walked or cycled more | 35% |
| Purchased a more fuel efficient car | 16% |
| Reduced the number of cars in household | 7% |
| Car-pooled | 6% |
Mr Adler said those residents who had purchased a more fuel efficient car could also realise savings beyond the bowser.
“NRMA Insurance was the first insurer in Australia to offer a saving on comprehensive car insurance policies for certain fuel efficient cars,” he said.
“Since we introduced the offer in March 2007, we’ve seen more and more Queensland customers saving on their car insurance because they drive a fuel efficient car.
“And as more fuel efficient models hit the market our list of fuel efficient cars attracting the saving on comprehensive car insurance continues to grow.”
* Online poll hosted by www.ourbrisbane.com, 350 respondents, July 2008
