For millions of bike riders across Australia, local government efforts of ensuring for a cycle-friendly environment has become a norm for most of the country's key metropolis, according to a new study issued this week by Bicycle Network.

According to Bicycle Network's Bike Futures program manager Mike Williamson, his group's latest assessment on city council's commitment on establishing a better riding environment for their constituents showed encouraging results so far.

However, Williamson noted that much work still needs to be done as only 42 percent of 98 municipalities studied have performed within the levels considered as the ideal local government policy for a healthy cycling experience within their area of jurisdiction.

"More than 3.6 million Australians ride a bicycle each week for recreation, leisure or sport - including 1.2 million who make at least one transport journey, so it is imperative local government fulfil their responsibility by investing in appropriate facilities," Williamson was quoted by News.com.au as saying in the group's report.

So far, Sydney leads the pack of major cities that adhere to these principles, the riders' group said, as the city government regularly allocates $62.34 per head for improvements of cycling infrastructure that ensure safe and healthy bike travels within the city limits.

Williamson added that the ideal level is only $5, making Sydney's biking policy so far as the best in the country, which was then followed by Perth at $46.63 and Brisbane on third place at $34.21.

Ironically, Melbourne, where the cycling group is based, only spends $12.43 for every rider I the city, according to Williamson, which he admitted is a source of worry for his group.

Any expenditure focused on raising a city's bikers welfare, the group stressed, are worthy investments as they translate into health, safety and environmental benefits, with sound municipal policies preventing sickness and accidents while reducing vehicle pollution.

Overall, Australia's riding condition for bikers appear encouraging for most of the cities appraised by the group, Williamson said, though two particular cities need to step up their efforts in developing a better cycling situation within their areas.

Williamson pointed to the cities of Darwin and Howard, which he said spend measly amounts for their respective cycling infrastructures, with their latest budgets showing expenses of only $4.04 and $1 respectively.