In 2002 road transport (cars, trucks and buses) contributed 11.5% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
Latest projections indicate that emissions from the transport sector will rise by 42 per cent between 1990 and 20102.
Motor vehicle sales in Australia increased by approximately 18% between 2000 and 20043.
One in five Australian adults is obese, and a much larger proportion (67% of males and 52% of females) is overweight. Over 5% of children are obese and 14-18% are overweight.
Car trips involving children being driven to school increased by 117% between 1981 and 2001
The total number of trips made by bicycle in Sydney on weekdays and week-ends is low in comparison to other Australian and International cities. (1% Sydney cf London 2%
The Leichhardt Bicycle Strategy is another step forward for Leichhardt Council with a vision which, if achieved, will contribute to improving the overall public amenity for the Leichhardt Community and address community concerns over transport related issues such as traffic growth and its affect on air quality, noise, environmental degradation and child safety/obesity.
The vision of the Bicycle Strategy for the Leichhardt LGA is:- “To create an environment where cycling is the easiest and best, most enjoyable and convenient way to get about, where there are no barriers, and everyone has the confidence and desire to simply “pick up a bike and go” whenever they feel like it.”
The Bicycle Strategy also emphasises the importance of having promotional initiatives in support of the cycle infrastructure (Lanes, Paths, Parking etc.), builds on the positive elements of cycling in Leichhardt LGA and takes advantage of the many opportunities which exist to encourage and promote more cycling.
The key recommendations of this Bicycle Strategy are as follows:-
Remove major barriers (Problems) to cycling through the development of cycle infrastructure proposals.
Ensure that accessibility/permeability for cyclists is maximised.
Ensure that all future traffic management proposals are cycle friendly in their design and implementation.
Provide an appropriate level of signage for the proposed cycle network which is easy to understand, designed to current standards, consistent in its implementation and does not cause unnecessary street clutter.
Provide an appropriate level and standard of cycle parking at all bicycle trip attractors, which is easily accessible, conveniently located and secure.
Continue to lobby the relevant authorities regarding significant bicycle projects outside the direct control of Council. (i.e. Iron Cove Bridge Cycle/Pedestrian Bridge & Hawthorne Canal/Parramatta Road Crossing)
Monitor the on-street bicycle trial proposal with a view to identifying and developing further similar locations if successful.
Develop and publicise programs for the 13-17 year age group for recreation, local and socialising trips. Selling “cool” messages in relation to safety, road rules and personal fitness.
Develop and publicise programs for the 50-64 year group providing information about infrastructure and contacts, and messages about health/fitness as well as sustainability.
Target primary aged children through the school system and their parents.
Develop an integrated neighbourhood initiative.
Develop a regular audit procedure of cycle routes to identify and resolve maintenance type cycle hazards.
Investigate the possibility of employing a Transport Planner or Travel Plan Co-ordinator to progress, develop and encourage sustainable transport within the Leichhardt LGA. This person would be the champion for driving the implementation of the Bicycle Strategy.
Develop a Council reporting structure to consider and progress cycling initiatives.
Investigate the requirement for an improved information management system to track
progress on community issues and improve customer satisfaction.
Council to provide a budget of an estimated between $150,000 - $200,000 per annum for bicycle facilities in the Leichhardt LGA.
The full Strategy will be available for public comment at end of June. Look on the Leichhardt Council website for more details. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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