Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

VicHealth applauds council pop-up cycle lanes and footpaths

VicHealth applauds council pop-up cycle lanes and footpaths
August 28, 2020

VicHealth is applauding Victorian councils for creating pop-up cycle lanes and footpaths, so locals can easily travel by bike or foot when COVID-19 restrictions ease.

A new VicHealth survey reveals three in four (76%) Victorians want local and state governments to adapt infrastructure so more people can walk or ride.

VicHealth polled 1,000 Victorians about their attitudes and behaviours towards travel before, during and after Coronavirus restrictions. One in three (35%) Victorians planned to travel more by foot or bike than they did pre-Coronavirus when restrictions ease, but safety was a barrier for many.

VicHealth Executive Manager of Programs, Kirstan Corben noted it was encouraging to see councils create environments that promote walking and riding for both transport and recreation.

Corben adds “since the Coronavirus pandemic began, it’s been fantastic to see Victorian councils like the City of Moreland, City of Yarra, City of Melbourne and City of Greater Bendigo make changes so it’s easier for residents and commuters to walk, ride or scoot around their communities for enjoyment during lockdown and travel when restrictions allow.

“Some councils converted carparks and local streets into bike lanes, while others are installing more zebra crossings for pedestrians or reducing speed limits. We’re calling on other councils to follow suit.”

The VicHealth survey also found that one in two Victorians are concerned about travel to work, study and other appointments when restrictions ease.

For regional councils, where construction is allowed under the current stage 3 restrictions, now is a golden opportunity to upgrade infrastructure so locals can travel easily when restrictions lift.

In metro Melbourne, where stage 4 restrictions are expected to lift on Sunday 13th September, councils are being urged to prepare to build back better when it comes to active transport and healthy living.

Corben also highlighted “our survey shows people want to walk or ride to places like work, university, school or the shops when restrictions ease, but they’re concerned about their safety. Walking and riding is great for our physical and mental health during and after lockdown, and our environment and local businesses benefit too.

“Making temporary and permanent infrastructure changes can help Victorians feel comfortable and confident about active travel and ensure they can maintain at least 1.5metre from other people.

“No one wants to see an increase in commute times and traffic on our roads when restrictions lift. With Coronavirus restrictions still in place across Victoria and so many people embracing walking and riding, councils have a rare opportunity to get their pop-up bike lanes and footpaths ready for when everyone goes back to work, study and other activities.

“Local councils, the state government, workplaces and individuals all have a role to play in making it easier for Victorians to get around when restrictions ease. Let’s work together to build on the healthy walking and riding momentum, and keep people moving."

About the survey:

  • The survey attracted 1,000 respondents (771 based in metropolitan Melbourne and 226 located across regional Victoria).
  • The research involved a quantitative measure of community behaviours and attitudes to a range of issues relative to the Coronavirus environment in which people are now living.
  • The community feedback was collected in June 2020 via an online survey.
  • The final sample mix was controlled to ensure it reflected a representative sample of the total Victorian population across gender, age (18+) and metro/regional home location.

Image courtesy of RACV 

Related Articles

15th June 2020 - 40 kilometres of new bike lanes being fast-tracked in Melbourne

27th August 2020 - New and upgraded bikeways planned for Brisbane


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Intelligenz Solutions

Intelligenz provides Leisure Management Software for managing all your Program Registrations, Facility Bookings, Membership Sales and POS Transactions; including detailed Reporting, automated…

read more

Access / Billing / Finance / Marketing / Technology

 
 

InterQuad (International Quadratics) 

InterQuad (International Quadratics)  With a combined legacy spanning over 150 years, International Quadratics (founded in 1976) and Pierce Pool Supplies (originally established in 1898 as A H…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

State Wide Pool Services

Known as Hydrilla since September 2020 - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/hydrilla-pty-ltd

read more

Aquatics

 
 

Ticketworx Pty Ltd

Ticketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Summit Fitness

Summit Fitness Equipment is now part of NovoFit - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/novofit/

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…

read more

Attractions / Tourism / Venues

 
 

GymMaster

Contact: Australia: (+61) 1800 849 001 New Zealand: (+64) 3 668 5727 International: (+1) 415 915 0375

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business